What Is a Mesothelioma Disability Claim?
A mesothelioma VA disability claim is a request for tax-free monthly compensation filed by veterans who developed mesothelioma after serving in the armed forces.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Every branch of the military — from the U.S. Navy to the Air Force — used asbestos-containing products from the 1930s to the early 1980s before the risks were widely known.
If you’re a married veteran with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for nearly $4,000 per month in disability compensation. This money can help you pay for treatment-related expenses or reimburse you for lost wages if you’ve been unable to work.
The VA rates disabilities in increments of 10% all the way up to 100% based on how severe the condition is. Mesothelioma cancer almost always qualifies for a 100% disability rating since it’s a terminal illness, meaning veterans can get the highest payouts possible.
Veterans with mesothelioma a wide range of VA benefits after a diagnosis. Call us today at (866) 608-8933 to learn about these benefits and how to access them. View Transcript.
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Veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases are entitled to several different types of benefits from the VA to include disability benefits, health care benefits, [and] there are even survivor benefits for those with asbestos-related diseases.
Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of their service in the military are likely to receive a benefit of $3,500 of monthly income tax-free to the veteran.
Veterans with mesothelioma who are exposed while they were in the service are also entitled to private benefits as well, and we encourage veterans to call Mesothelioma Hope so that we can work together to help them file for VA benefits.
As of 2024, veterans with dependent spouses can get payouts totaling over $47,000 a year if they receive a 100% disability rating for mesothelioma.
Our team can help you file a claim for disability or increase your current disability rating after a diagnosis. Download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to learn more.
Why Should Veterans With Mesothelioma File for Disability Compensation?
Veterans with mesothelioma are entitled to VA benefits to help them cover the expenses that come with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
These veterans put their lives on the line to defend their country, not knowing they were also being put at risk of cancers like mesothelioma, which are not only life-threatening but costly to treat.
If you already receive VA benefits but were recently diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to a higher monthly payout. Contact us now to learn how Mesothelioma Hope can help you increase your disability rating.
How Can I Use VA Disability Compensation?
Once you start receiving VA disability compensation, you can use these veterans benefits in any way you see fit.
Compensation from a mesothelioma disability claim can help pay for:
- Home health care
- Meals
- Medications
- Monthly living expenses
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Travel
- Mesothelioma treatment at a VA hospital
- And more
Additionally, VA disability payouts aren’t taxed and don’t need to be claimed as income at the end of the year.
How Do I Know I’m Eligible to File a Mesothelioma VA Disability Claim?
You are eligible to file a claim if:
- You’re a veteran who’s been diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure AND
- You were exposed to asbestos while on active duty in the military.
There are no age or income requirements to file for disability if you’ve been diagnosed with service-related mesothelioma.
No, but they can file for VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC).
VA DIC is a form of tax-free compensation available to spouses and other family members of veterans who passed away from mesothelioma.
If you’re eligible for disability, you may also qualify for free VA health care and other benefits. Download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide now to read more about your options.
What’s the Process for Filing Mesothelioma Disability Claims?
Mesothelioma Hope can help you file mesothelioma VA disability claims online, by mail or phone, or in person at a local VA office. Read more about the process below.
1. Let the VA Know You Plan to File
The first step is to let the VA know you intend to file for disability. This officially starts the clock on your claim and, if approved, will allow you to receive back pay for the period between your filing date and the date of your first payout.
“If a veteran believes they were exposed to asbestos while serving in the military, the number one thing they can do is put the VA notice that they intend to file for disability.
Mesothelioma Hope can help with that process, and we encourage veterans to call and find out how we can help them.”
– Eric P.W. Hall, Mesothelioma Hope Patient Advocate & Major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR)
Call (866) 608-8933 now to get in touch with our Patient Advocates and start filing your mesothelioma disability claim.
2. Gather Relevant Documents
There are two ways to file your mesothelioma disability claim. The first way is a standard claim, where the VA helps you gather the records and documents for your claim after it processes your application.
The second option is a fully developed claim, where you collect all the supporting documents and send them to the VA as a complete package. Filing a fully developed mesothelioma disability claim will help it get reviewed sooner so you can get a timely decision from the VA.
Evidence needed to file your disability claim may include:
- Medical records confirming your diagnosis
- Military records showing when and where you served
- Proof that you worked with or around asbestos, like a job description
- Written statement from a doctor linking your diagnosis to military asbestos exposure
The Mesothelioma Hope team can help you gather these records and double-check that your application is complete before you file.
3. File Your Claim & Await Review
Once the VA finishes reviewing your mesothelioma disability claim, you’ll get a packet in the mail with its decision.
If your claim is approved, you’ll receive a disability rating. If you’re assigned at least a 10% rating, you can expect your first payment to arrive by check or direct deposit within 15 days.
If the VA denies your claim or assigns a rating that’s less than 100%, you can appeal the decision by requesting a supplemental review.
There’s no limit to how many times you can appeal. Our team can help you resubmit your disability claim so it has the best chance of being approved at the full 100% rate.
Get 100% Disability for a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Veterans deserve VA mesothelioma disability payouts if they developed this cancer after being exposed to asbestos while they served. In 2024, eligible veterans with a 100% disability rating can receive over $44,000 a year in tax-free compensation.
These monthly compensation payouts can be used to pay for medical care, living expenses, or any other needs veterans or their family members may have.
Mesothelioma Hope can help veterans from every branch of the U.S. military:
- Seek a 100% disability rating to maximize their compensation
- File a disability appeal or supplemental claim
- Get their disability claim processed faster
- Access additional funds from private legal claims
Call us today at (866) 608-8933 or fill out our contact form to start the process today.
FAQs About Mesothelioma and VA Disability Claims
Does mesothelioma qualify for disability?
Yes, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) considers mesothelioma a disabling condition.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that can prevent service members from working or completing daily activities.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be able to receive monthly payments for your disability. Learn more in our Free Veterans Compensation Guide.
What is the average payout for mesothelioma disability?
If you’re a married veteran with mesothelioma, the payout on a VA mesothelioma disability claim is $3,946.25 per month for 2024.
If you are single and have no dependents, you can expect a payout of $3,737.852 per month.
You may also qualify to file a mesothelioma lawsuit in order to receive additional compensation. The average mesothelioma claim awards families between $1.1 million and $1.4 million.
Filing a legal claim doesn’t affect your eligibility for VA disability benefits.
How long will it take for the VA to process my disability claim?
According to the VA website, the average processing time for disability claims was roughly 103 days in September 2023.
However, Mesothelioma Hope’s in-house VA claims agents may be able to expedite the review process. Call (866) 608-8933 now to see how we can help move your mesothelioma disability claim closer to the top of the list.
What is the disability rating for asbestos?
There isn’t a specific disability rating for asbestos exposure itself. Instead, the VA assigns a disability rating based on the specific health conditions or diseases caused by service-connected asbestos exposure.
Common asbestos-related conditions recognized by the VA include mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
VA disability for mesothelioma is almost always rated 100%. This means veterans who’ve been diagnosed with this cancer after military service are eligible to receive at least $3,737.852 a month in 2024 (or more if they have dependent spouses or children).
