What Are VA Disability Benefits for Mesothelioma?
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment to veterans who became sick or injured as a result of their military service. Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may be entitled to this compensation.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Every branch of the military — from the U.S. Navy to the Air Force — used tons of asbestos from the 1930s to the early 1980s before the risks were widely known.
Today, one-third of all mesothelioma patients are U.S. military veterans.
The VA recognizes that mesothelioma affects so many veterans, which is why VA benefits like disability compensation are available.
Veterans with mesothelioma can receive $3,823.89 each month if they’re married from VA disability compensation. This money can be used for anything, including medical bills and household expenses.
Monthly VA disability benefits are increasing 8.7% starting January 1, 2023. This is the largest cost-of-living increase in more than 30 years.
Why Do Veterans With Mesothelioma Deserve Disability Benefits?
Veterans with mesothelioma are entitled to VA disability benefits because they put their lives on the line to defend our country, not knowing that asbestos could put them in danger.
The manufacturers of asbestos-containing products claimed that their materials were safe when they knew that they were dangerous. This falsehood is why thousands of U.S. veterans develop mesothelioma every year.
Mesothelioma is a very aggressive form of cancer with no known cure. However, with VA disability compensation and other military benefits, veterans can get the financial and medical support they need to fight this disease with less stress.
The Mesothelioma Hope team stands ready to help veterans with mesothelioma get disability compensation and other VA benefits. Download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to learn more and see how we can help.
Am I Eligible for Mesothelioma VA Disability Benefits?
Possibly, yes. Certain eligibility requirements exist for former service members seeking VA disability benefits.
- Veterans must have either served on active duty or participated in inactive duty training and received a discharge status that wasn’t dishonorable.
- There must also be proof that the veteran was exposed to asbestos while they served in the military.
- Finally, medical records must show a confirmed diagnosis of mesothelioma, and a doctor must state that the veteran’s military asbestos exposure likely caused their cancer.
Veterans with mesothelioma can apply for VA disability benefits by filing claims online, by mail or phone, or in person at a local VA office.
Surviving spouses of veterans who pass away from service-connected illnesses can file for VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, also referred to as VA DIC. VA DIC is tax-free compensation offered to the survivors of veterans and their loved ones.
Our on-staff team of U.S. veterans, Patient Advocates, and VA-accredited claims agents can determine if you’re eligible for disability benefits.
We can also help you gather documents needed to support your mesothelioma VA claim and pinpoint where you may have been exposed to asbestos. Call (866) 608-8933 now to get started.
How Much Mesothelioma Disability Compensation Will I Receive?
As of December 2022, married veterans with mesothelioma typically receive $3,823.89 each month through disabled veterans benefits. However, the amount of disability compensation that veterans may receive from the VA varies based on several different factors.
The most important factor is your disability rating. The VA calculates compensation rates based on your level of disability, from 0% to 100% in 10% increments. Generally, mesothelioma is considered a 100% disability, so veterans can receive the highest payouts possible.
Other factors include:
- Combined ratings: If a veteran has multiple disabilities, their compensation may increase.
- Cost-of-living adjustments: The VA also makes cost-of-living adjustments to VA compensation at the same percentages applied to Social Security benefit adjustments.
- Dependents: Veterans may receive more compensation if they have a dependent family member, such as a spouse or child.
VA disability benefits rates can be viewed on the official VA website (va.gov). These rates change from year to year based on inflation and federal legislation, so it is important to stay educated about rate changes.
Download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to learn about disability benefit payouts and other forms of compensation.
File for Mesothelioma VA Disability Benefits Now
For veterans with mesothelioma, filing a VA disability claim can provide tax-free payments worth almost $4,000 a month in many cases. These monthly compensation benefits can help pay for medical care, living expenses, or any other needs that a veteran or their family may have.
While filing for VA disability benefits can be confusing, the Mesothelioma Hope team is here to help.
Our Patient Advocates and VA-accredited staff can help gather the information you’ll need to file a claim and work to get the most amount of compensation available. We can also help you access medical care for mesothelioma and pursue private claims that can award even more compensation.
Call (866) 608-8933 or contact us today to get started.
Mesothelioma VA Disability Benefits FAQs
How long will it take for the VA to process my disability claim?
As of December 2022, it takes about 105 days for the VA to process a disability benefits claim.
It may take longer for the VA to collect the necessary evidence to make a decision if the documentation isn’t readily available.
Our team can help you avoid mistakes that could delay your claim and recommend tips to help make the VA mesothelioma claims process faster. Learn more by calling (866) 608-8933 now.
Are mesothelioma VA disability benefits taxable?
No, the VA disability benefits compensation that you receive is not subject to any taxes.
Can I receive disability compensation for other asbestos-related diseases?
Yes, veterans with other asbestos-related illnesses, such as lung cancer or asbestosis, may also be eligible for VA disability compensation benefits.
These veterans will need to prove how mesothelioma likely caused these illnesses, just as in cases of mesothelioma, to receive VA disability benefits.
Can I apply for mesothelioma VA disability benefits years after service?
Yes. The VA accepts applications for disability compensation benefits decades after veterans first served.
This is very important in cases where a veteran has mesothelioma, as this cancer normally takes 10-50 years or more to form after initial exposure to asbestos.
However, it’s a good idea to file for VA benefits as soon as you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma. This cancer is quite aggressive and since it can sometimes take a little while to get VA disability benefits, every second counts.
