Are Navy Veterans Still at Risk of Mesothelioma?
Yes. Veterans who served in the U.S. Navy before the early 1980s are still at risk of developing mesothelioma today.
This is because they were often exposed to asbestos on ships and in shipyards, and the cancer forms 10-50 years after exposure.
“Being that you were a sailor on a ship, you would’ve likely been on ship for months at any given time. That’s why we see the highest rate of mesothelioma cases in Navy veterans.”
If you’re a veteran with mesothelioma, you’re not alone. Our team helps former service members file for disability benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and pursue legal compensation from asbestos companies.
Download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to explore all the ways we can support Navy veterans facing a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Asbestos Exposure on Navy Ships
Every U.S. Navy ship built between the 1930s and the early 1980s was constructed with asbestos-containing products.
When asbestos products were repaired or disturbed, they continuously released fibers into the confined spaces on Navy ships. Swallowing or breathing in asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and other related diseases decades later.
Asbestos was used throughout:
- Aircraft carriers
- Auxiliary ships
- Battleships
- Cruisers
- Cutters
- Destroyers
- Submarines
- Many other types of Navy vessels
Use our free search tool below to see if a ship you served on contained asbestos.
- Type of Ship:
- Asbestos Used: Yes
Learn more about asbestos on Navy ships in our Free Veterans Guide.
Get Your Free Guide or call (866) 608-8933Asbestos Exposure on Navy Shipyards
Shipyard workers handled and worked around asbestos-containing products on a daily basis for long periods of time.
It can take anywhere from 10-50 years for mesothelioma symptoms to appear after initial exposure. This means that many veterans are only now being diagnosed decades after their service.
“U.S. Navy veterans were exposed to chrysotile [asbestos] products as well as amosite and crocidolite [asbestos] since these varieties were used extensively in military ship construction.”
–U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
If you or a family member worked on Navy shipyards, we can help determine if and how you were exposed to asbestos. Contact us today to get answers.
Other Types of Navy Asbestos Exposure
Ships and shipyards weren’t the only sources of Navy asbestos exposure.
The Navy also used asbestos in:
- Military bases – Many barracks and other buildings on military bases were constructed with asbestos-containing materials.
- Office buildings – Asbestos was commonly used in office construction and maintenance.
- Vehicles – Navy vehicles, including trucks and jeeps, often had asbestos components like brake pads and clutches.
- Other assets – Various equipment and machinery used by the Navy also contained asbestos.
Eric Hall, a veteran and VA-accredited attorney, notes why U.S. Navy veterans could be at risk of mesothelioma and how those affected can get VA benefits. Call us today at (866) 608-8933 to learn more. View Transcript.
Duration: 1 min 01 sec
Military members who served between the 1930s and 1980s were very likely exposed to asbestos, particularly in the Navy because asbestos was used throughout the ships to insulate pipes and insulate their boiler systems.
And being that you were a sailor on a ship, you would’ve likely been on ship for months at any given time. And that’s why we see the highest rate of mesothelioma cases in Navy veterans.
Veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases are entitled to several different types of benefits from the VA, to include disability benefits, health care benefits, there are even survivor benefits for those with asbestos-related diseases.
If a veteran believes they were exposed to asbestos while serving in the military, we encourage them to call Mesothelioma Hope so that we can work together to help them file for VA benefits.
Secondary Asbestos Exposure
Family members of Navy veterans could be at risk of mesothelioma through secondary asbestos exposure. This happens when asbestos fibers are unknowingly brought home on clothing, shoes, and personal items.
Spouses and children who lived on base may have also been exposed to asbestos in Navy housing, office buildings, construction sites, and other areas.
Recognizing these risks is important for Navy veterans who are now facing mesothelioma so they can get the support and compensation they need.
Get our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to see what benefits are available to military families affected by asbestos-related illnesses.
Benefits & Legal Support for Navy Veterans With Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Navy veterans have access to financial compensation, health care, and other benefits.
They can also file lawsuits against manufacturers of asbestos-containing products and seek mesothelioma Navy compensation from asbestos trust funds.
VA Benefits
Mesothelioma Navy veterans may be entitled to VA disability benefits. Veterans with mesothelioma usually receive an automatic 100% disability rating from the VA, making them eligible for up to nearly $4,000 a month in tax-free compensation.
Other VA benefits available to mesothelioma Navy veterans & families include:
- VA health care at top mesothelioma treatment centers
- Aid & Attendance (A&A) to pay for help with daily tasks like dressing and bathing
- Pensions for retired veterans below a set income
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC) for surviving spouses and dependents
- Reimbursement for funeral and burial expenses
- And more
Our VA-accredited claims agents can help you apply for mesothelioma Navy benefits or increase your disability rating after a diagnosis. Call (866) 608-8933 to get started — it’s always free to speak with us.
Mesothelioma Settlements
Navy veterans can pursue compensation from a mesothelioma settlement without affecting their eligibility for VA benefits or taking legal action against the military.
Notable mesothelioma Navy settlements include:
- $4.68 million for a New Hampshire Navy veteran with mesothelioma who served on the USS Fred T. Berry
- $3.3 million for an Illinois boiler tender who worked on the USS Mervine, USS Sea Runner, and USS Harwood and later developed pleural mesothelioma
- $3.15 million for a Minnesota resident with pleural mesothelioma who served 10 years as a boilerman on the USS Conway and USS Humphrey
- $2.96 million for a North Carolina Navy machinist mate who developed mesothelioma after working on the USS Moale
- $2.7 million for an Arizona electrician’s mate who served on the USS Hamul and USS Lea and was later diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma
“I wasn’t suing the government, and I wasn’t suing the U.S. Navy. I was suing the manufacturer.”
Most successful mesothelioma lawsuits end in a settlement, meaning you may be able to access compensation without going to court. Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review to see if you can file a lawsuit with help from our legal partners.
Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review
Asbestos Trust Fund Compensation
There’s over $30 billion set aside in asbestos trust funds to compensate mesothelioma patients and their families. These mesothelioma trusts were established by asbestos companies during bankruptcy proceedings.
In many cases, mesothelioma Navy veterans may be able to file claims with multiple trusts, increasing their potential payout. While the asbestos claim payout timeline is slightly different in each case, many veterans start receiving mesothelioma compensation within 90 days.
Jim Gahan, a Navy boiler technician for 20 years, was exposed to asbestos on ships like the USS Independence and USS Truckee, leading to his mesothelioma diagnosis years later. Fortunately, legal action helped Jim secure compensation for extending treatment, giving him more precious time with his family.
Navy Jobs at Risk of Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma
Anyone who was exposed to asbestos in the Navy was put at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases later in life. However, some workers were more likely to come into contact with asbestos than others.
High-risk U.S. Navy jobs included:
- Boiler technicians
- Electricians
- Engine operators
- Firefighters
- Gunners
- Hull maintenance workers
- Insulators
- Machinist mates
- Mechanics
- Pipefitters
- Plumbers
- Seabees
- Shipyard workers
- Steelworkers
- Weapons specialists
- Welders
Many of these jobs required Navy veterans to work with asbestos products every single day, putting them at risk of mesothelioma cancer.
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma and worked in one of these occupations as a Navy veteran, you may be eligible for payouts. Download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to explore your options.
VA Mesothelioma Treatment for Navy Veterans
Veterans can access many of the latest mesothelioma treatments from top doctors who work within the VA health care system.
Some top doctors who treat Navy veterans and mesothelioma include:
Dr. Daniel Wiener
Dr. Wiener serves as Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at the VA Boston Healthcare System.
Dr. Lorraine Cornwell
Dr. Cornwell leads the mesothelioma treatment program at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston.
Dr. Robert Cameron
Dr. Cameron is a thoracic surgeon who leads the mesothelioma program at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
Dr. Taylor Ripley
Dr. Ripley works closely with the medical team at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center to treat mesothelioma Navy veterans in the Houston area.
Some VA cancer centers that treat mesothelioma include:
2002 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, TX 77030
1400 VFW Parkway
West Roxbury, MA 02132
1660 South Columbian Way
Seattle, WA 98108
11301 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90073
File for Mesothelioma Navy Benefits & Compensation With Our Help
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our dedicated team of fellow veterans can walk you through the benefits process and gather the information needed to submit your claim.
Mesothelioma Hope can also help you:
- Connect with VA mesothelioma doctors in your state
- Find support groups and peer mentors
- Increase your existing veterans benefits
- Pursue asbestos payouts from lawsuits and asbestos
Call us now at (866) 608-8933 to get started or download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to learn more.
Mesothelioma Hope has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by Dr. Robert B. Cameron. The contact information above is listed for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact Dr. Cameron directly.
Mesothelioma and Navy Veterans FAQs
Why do U.S. Navy veterans get mesothelioma?
Many U.S. Navy veterans develop mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure during their military service. Asbestos was prevalent on Navy ships and in shipyards for many decades.
According to a report by The New York Times, asbestos dust was so thick in World War II shipyards that workers “often could not see across a room”.
When the dangers of asbestos became known in the early 1980s, the Navy stopped using it in new ships and took steps to remove or seal existing asbestos products.
Which U.S. Navy ships had asbestos?
Nearly every U.S. Navy ship was built with asbestos-containing materials between the 1930s and the early 1980s. This amounted to thousands of naval vessels, from Coast Guard cutters and cruisers to submarines and amphibious warships.
Contact our Patient Advocates to see if a ship you or a loved one worked on contained asbestos and learn what you can do next.
How much do Navy veterans get for mesothelioma?
In 2024, married mesothelioma Navy veterans with a 100% disability rating for mesothelioma can receive tax-free monthly payments of $3,946.25.
Disability compensation can be used to pay for medical costs, living expenses, and anything else you see fit.
Navy veterans can also pursue financial compensation from legal settlements with the asbestos product manufacturers that caused their illness. The average Navy asbestos settlement pays $1 million to $1.4 million.
When did the Navy stop using asbestos?
The Navy had mostly stopped using asbestos for insulation and fireproofing new ships and buildings by the early 1980s.
For much of the 20th century, however, Navy veterans were exposed to a variety of asbestos-containing products on ships, putting them at risk of mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other serious illnesses.
What is the VA rating for mesothelioma?
The VA disability rating for mesothelioma is usually set at 100%. This high rating recognizes how serious and life-threatening this disease is.
With a 100% rating, veterans can receive the maximum disability compensation available, giving them one less thing to worry about as they focus on their treatment and recovery.
Can you sue the Navy for mesothelioma?
No, you can’t sue the Navy or any branch of the U.S. military if you developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos while serving.
However, you may be able to sue the asbestos companies that supplied products to the Navy and the general public for decades. These companies knew the dangers of asbestos but hid them to make a profit.
What is the Navy settlement for mesothelioma?
Many U.S. Navy veterans can receive $1 million or more in mesothelioma settlements, with no action taken against the U.S. military or government.
Get a Free Case Review with our team today to see if you can pursue a legal settlement.
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