7 Things You've Never Knew About Va Compensation For Asbestos Exposure
VA Compensation For Asbestos Illnesses The Department of Veterans Affairs provides disability compensation to veterans suffering from diseases caused by military asbestos exposure. Veterans are able to apply online, by mail or in person. To be eligible to receive compensation, a vet must prove a link between their illness or disease and their military service. The VA includes pleural diseases mesothelioma, lung cancer and mesothelioma as asbestos-related ailments. Eligibility Asbestos fibers can cause a variety of health issues for veterans. This includes mesothelioma and asbestosis. These diseases can lead to costly medical bills, a lower quality of life and even death. Compensation is available to assist in paying these bills. The VA has a system in place to determine who is qualified for these benefits. A veteran must have been awarded an honorable discharge from the military and been exposed asbestos. The VA evaluates eligibility based on medical records and the decision of a doctor. In addition to evaluating symptoms and health issues as well as the severity of illness, the VA may also require that a veteran undergo a series of tests, such as chest x-rays and scans of the CAT. A mesothelioma attorney can help veterans collect all the data they need to make a claim. They will know what documents to ask for from the military and doctors, and how to gather evidence, such as asbestos industry files and cutting-edge medical research, and can help with appeals if the claim is rejected. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you obtain disability compensation, the primary VA benefit. Veterans with mesothelioma and similar diseases that result from their military service are eligible for an annual, tax-free benefit. The amount of benefits is determined based on the severity of the illness and the length of time the veteran spent in the military. Veterans who have been identified as having other asbestos-related ailments such as asbestosis and lung cancer, may also be eligible for benefits. The VA also offers Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for surviving family members of veterans who passed in the past due to mesothelioma or an asbestos-related illness. Pre-existing conditions The VA offers compensation options for asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult to get the methods approved. The first step is to establish your diagnosis, which usually requires medical evidence that confirms the condition and confirms that it was caused by asbestos exposure from service exposure. The VA will require a detailed record of asbestos exposure during your military service, which includes specific bases and ships as well as other places where that you worked. Many veterans have received compensation as a result of lawsuits filed against companies that are liable for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. These companies, now bankrupted due to asbestos lawsuits brought by victims, have set up trust funds for veterans and their families. These firms were once among the biggest employers of those with high risk of asbestos exposure. When a diagnosis is made after a diagnosis is confirmed, the VA will give an impairment rating based on the severity of the condition and how it has affected your daily life. Those with mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer could receive compensation of up to 100%, depending on their medical condition. Those with noncancerous symptoms such as fibrosis, or pleural effusions, are typically awarded lower scores. It is essential to apply for benefits as quickly as you can if you've been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. You can apply online, via mail or in person. However, it is an ideal idea to contact an accredited representative in your region to assist you in filling out the VA EZ forms to claim benefits and submit an “intent to file” form, which determines the date when you start receiving payments. A mesothelioma attorney can also assist you in pursuing compensation through other methods, such as a personal injury lawsuit against asbestos producers and their insurers. Symptoms Aside from a tax-free monetary payout veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses can get medical care and other services at VA hospitals. These include tests, medication, treatment procedures and prescriptions. In addition, veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or an asbestos-related disease can qualify for disability compensation. Asbestos sufferers often experience a range of symptoms that are difficult to identify. The most common symptoms are chest pain, fatigue and shortness of breath. However, it could take years before the first signs of exposure are evident and the diagnosis is confirmed. This delay could result in higher healthcare bills as well as a lack of work, and a decrease in the quality of life. The VA may award veterans a percentage of their total disability depending on the severity of their illness. This rating is based on the Disability Rate Chart of the VA and varies depending on the type of condition. For example, a veteran who is diagnosed with mesothelioma and who has a 100% disability rating can receive up to $2,400 a month. In many instances, VA does not require veterans to provide proof that their mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses were caused by military service. The VA has a list of probable illnesses that are believed to be related to service and includes asbestosis, lung cancer, and pleural diseases. Veterans of the Navy are at the greatest risk of developing an illness related to asbestos due to the fact that asbestos was employed in their ships and shipyards, as well as housing on base. Veterans of the Army and Air Force who held similar jobs were also exposed to asbestos. Asbestos-related illnesses can have a lengthy time of occurrence, so it is crucial that veterans visit their doctor to discuss their work history. Treatment Veterans who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses can receive a range of benefits through the VA. These include disability compensation, free healthcare, and the geriatric treatment. A lawyer who is specialized in mesothelioma cases can help to gather evidence and submit a claim. They can also assist them appeal a denied claim. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used in shipyards and aircraft bases as well as in vehicle repair facilities. The mineral was exposed to military personnel on a daily base, particularly Navy personnel working on naval vessels and in shipyards. The Navy was among the most significant asbestos users, however, members from all branches of the military were at risk. Veterans who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases are entitled to monthly compensation to help pay for treatment. In order to receive this type of compensation, a vet must prove that their condition is related to their military service. This means submitting evidence of their work history, asbestos exposure, and the symptoms that have been triggered by the exposure. The most commonly reported asbestos-related diseases are mesothelioma and lung cancer as well as asbestosis. Asbestosis is a non-cancerous illness that is assessed by the VA as up to 100%, which means that veterans are eligible for the highest monthly amount. Mesothelioma, and other cancers are rated higher depending on the severity. A lawyer who specializes on asbestos claims will make sure that all relevant evidence is provided to the VA asbestos trust funds, or liable companies. They may also bring an action against these entities which has proven successful in many cases. The lawyers can also obtain information from hospitals and other medical professionals. Appeal Veterans with mesothelioma and various asbestos-related illnesses can be compensated. They can also receive healthcare, a higher rating of disability and other kinds of support. It is crucial for veterans to file a claim with the VA in the earliest time possible to get the maximum compensation they are entitled to. Veterans must provide their military service records as well as a written asbestos-exposure summary to be eligible for VA compensation. The exposure summary should include specifics about the location, time, and how the individual was exposed to asbestos. It should also include their specific roles and jobs on military bases and vessels. Veterans must prove that they were exposed to asbestos at minimum 50 percent of the time they were in the military for mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related diseases, to be considered to be service-connected. In addition to submitting military and medical records, veterans must show that their exposure to asbestos caused their disease or condition. The VA only awards compensation for a diagnosis of a condition that is linked to asbestos. This includes asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. It does not offer compensation for urogenital diseases like bladder or prostate cancer. A knowledgeable asbestos attorney can help veterans with their claims. They can assist with military and medical documents, and also gather additional evidence by utilizing an extensive database. They can also ensure that the proper documents are filed, and deadlines are met. They will do all they can to ensure their clients receive the best compensation. Lake Forest asbestos lawsuit may also appeal if VA rejects a veteran's claim. In certain cases it could be a board appeal to a Veterans Law Judge.