Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program
Mesothelioma is a painful disease that can affect veterans who served in the United States Army. They may be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds or lawsuits.
Army veterans were exposed to asbestos in barracks, vehicles and aircraft. They may also have been exposed to the asbestos when working in Navy shipyards.
Signs and symptoms
There are a myriad of symptoms mesothelioma patients might be afflicted with. Patients should keep track of their symptoms and inform their doctor if they experience changes.
Most patients suffering from mesothelioma experience pain and fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest. Patients may also feel fatigued, coughing or loss of appetite. Some of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as symptoms of other ailments. Thus some veterans may not recognize them at first. Certain symptoms may show up later, depending on the amount of asbestos exposure. The symptoms may be more apparent when exposure to asbestos is high. Mesothelioma symptoms may also change as the disease develops and spreads to other areas of the body, a process referred to as metastasis.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It is a strong, heat-resistant material that is employed in a variety of military vehicles and construction materials. Asbestos fibers can be airborne and inhalation is the most common method of exposure to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma as well as peritoneal mesothelio pleural mesothelioma are caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos particles that are microscopic. Asbestos exposure has been linked to a range of medical conditions which include lung cancer.
Symptoms of mesothelioma can range from mild to extremely severe and affect the lungs, abdomen, heart and joints. Most asbestos-related illnesses take between 10 and 50 years to develop.
Many veterans who served in the Army were exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. They could have worked in factories that manufactured asbestos-containing equipment, or on Navy ships where asbestos was widely used. Veterans who worked in the milling, piping and shipyard work insulation demolition of older buildings and carpentry on Navy vessels are at a greater chance of developing mesothelioma.
Most patients with pleural mesothelioma experience breathing difficulties and chest pain in the early stages. They might also suffer from an pleural effusion. It is the accumulation of fluid in the pleura which lines the lungs and chest. Pleural effusions can limit the capacity of the lungs to expand when breathing. Patients with mesothelioma are more likely to experience inflammation and pleural thickness.
As mesothelioma worsens affected patients will notice that their symptoms get worse. Patients may experience fatigue, fever and a loss in appetite. Some mesothelioma patients develop blood clots that can be harmful to their health. Patients can also experience a hard time swallowing, which is called dysphagia.
Diagnosis
Since asbestos is a major cause of mesothelioma the diagnosis will most likely involve a biopsy and certain tests. To avoid a misdiagnosis asbestos victims should see mesothelioma experts who perform the tests. Incorrect diagnosis can prevent patients from receiving the appropriate treatment and could cause the disease to spread more quickly.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order an imaging test to detect any masses in the abdomen or chest. This could include the use of a CT scan, MRI or an X-ray. The next step is to collect tissue or fluid samples to be examined under microscopy. A biopsy is the only way to confirm that mesothelioma has been diagnosed.
Once the doctor has a specimen to examine to determine if it is peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma, which can then aid in determining the best treatment for the patient. The biopsy will also help doctors determine the type of mesothelioma cells which could have an impact on the patient's outlook.
The most commonly used form of mesothelioma, epithelioid, is the most commonly encountered. It grows slower than other cancerous cells, making it more easy for doctors to treat. This type can also occur in the lungs, however it is usually less severe than pleural mesothelioma.
A specialist will determine what the best treatment options are for the patient after the results of the biopsy have been received. The doctor will also decide the prognosis, which is determined by the mesothelioma type and the speed at which it is growing.
Veterans with mesothelioma that have an asbestos-related history in the military exposure may be eligible for compensation. People who were exposed to asbestos while serving in the United States Armed Forces should contact a VA-accredited claims agent to determine if they qualify for.
Treatment
Treatment options are determined by the stage and type of mesothelioma malignancy. People with pleural mesothelioma often undergo surgery to relieve breathlessness that is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. The surgeon can perform VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or open surgery to remove a portion of the that lining the chest wall and the lungs. A tube can also be inserted in the chest to drain fluid around the lungs a few times each week.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be treated similarly to pleural mesothelioma, but with less extensive surgery. The diaphragm, peritoneum, and other abdominal parts can be removed during surgery. Mesothelioma patients may undergo chemotherapy and radiation following surgery to kill cancerous cells that remain.
Certain patients with mesothelioma may not qualify for surgery, even if doctors believe they can be treated surgically. In these cases, medical teams may recommend palliative treatment to ease symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia and pain.
Mesothelioma may recur after treatment. Cancer can return in the same location that it first began or spread to other parts of the body. In the event of recurrence, it can be more difficult to treat the mesothelioma.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, is known for its strength and resistance to heat. It was used in a variety of Army construction projects, including insulation and vehicles. Asbestos fibers may become airborne when disturbed and could cause serious health complications when inhaled.
Veterans can qualify for financial aid to pay for treatment when the VA recognizes mesothelioma as a condition that is related to service. A mesothelioma lawyer can help veterans receive the disability benefits that they deserve.
Financial Assistance
The treatment for mesothelioma can be financially demanding. asbestos mesothelioma compensation who have been diagnosed as having mesothelioma could be eligible for financial aid. Compensation programs for veterans include disability benefits and mesothelioma settlements for lawsuits. These compensation programs can help veterans cover their medical expenses and daily living expenses.
Asbestos lawyers can aid veterans get the compensation they deserve for their asbestos exposure as well as mesothelioma. An experienced lawyer can help the veteran file a mesothelioma lawsuit with the Department of Veterans Affairs, or pursue a personal injury or wrongful death suit against companies that are accountable for their exposure to asbestos.
The majority of mesothelioma patients as well as their survivors are eligible for compensation from the VA, as mesothelioma has been classified as a service-connected disease. The type of asbestos exposure determines the eligibility. Asbestos exposure is more likely to be experienced by Navy veterans who have worked in shipyards as opposed to Army veterans.
The VA will pay a veteran an annual disability payment if a mesothelioma is confirmed. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of disability caused by mesothelioma. The VA also compensates for funeral and burial costs for those who have died from mesothelioma.
Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases, are also able to be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds as well as the manufacturers accountable for asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma lawsuit can result in an amount of money that is significant for the victims and their families.
Numerous non-profit organizations provide grants to mesothelioma patients to cover housing, travel and other costs related to their cancer treatments. Mesothelioma patients and their surviving family members are eligible for these grants to help cover medical expenses and lessen financial stress.
Mesothelioma victims and their families face a variety of financial challenges due to the cost of mesothelioma treatment. Compensation from various sources can assist in paying for these expenses. These can include payments from the VA and mesothelioma trust funds and personal injury or settlements for wrongful death lawsuits against the companies that are that are responsible for asbestos exposure. An attorney can assist a mesothelioma victim and their loved ones seek compensation to cover the medical expenses.