Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program
Mesothelioma can be a painful illness that affects a large number of veterans of the United States Army. These servicemen may be qualified for compensation through asbestos trust funds or lawsuits.
Veterans of the Army were exposed to asbestos in barracks, vehicles and aircraft. They may also have been exposed the asbestos when working in Navy shipyards.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma patients suffer from a variety of symptoms. These vary by the type and stage of Mesothelioma army compensation, and patients should keep track of their symptoms and inform any changes to their doctors.
The majority of mesothelioma symptoms involve pain and fluid buildup, either in the chest or abdomen. Some patients may also feel fatigued, coughing or loss of appetite. Some of these symptoms are similar to those associated with other illnesses, so some veterans may not be able to associate them with mesothelioma at first. Depending on the asbestos exposure, certain symptoms may manifest later than others. Exposure to asbestos at a high level often cause symptoms to manifest quicker than exposure to low levels. As the disease progresses mesothelioma symptoms can change. This is known as metastasis.
Asbestos is naturally occurring. It is a strong, heat-resistant material that is employed in a variety of military vehicles and construction materials. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the most common treatment for mesothelioma. Inhaling asbestos particles or ingestion of them can lead to mesothelioma. Asbestos has been linked with lung cancer as well as other medical ailments.
The symptoms of mesothelioma range from mild to severe, and can affect the abdomen and lungs as well as joints and the heart. In most cases, asbestos-related illnesses take between 10 and 50 years to develop.
Many veterans who were in the Army were exposed to asbestos in various ways. They could have worked at bases for military personnel, in factories that produced asbestos-containing equipment and on Navy vessels where asbestos was extensively used. Veterans who worked on Navy vessels in the fields of milling, piping, and shipyard work as well as insulation, demolition of old buildings, carpentry, and insulation are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma.
In the beginning, most pleural mesothelioma patients experience chest pain and difficulty breathing. Pleural effusions can occur as an accumulation of fluid inside the pleura that lines the lungs and chest. Pleural effusions restrict the ability of the lungs to expand during breathing. The thickening of the pleural membrane is also common in mesothelioma patients.
As mesothelioma worsens patients who are affected will notice their symptoms becoming worse. They may experience a loss in appetite, fatigue and fever. Some mesothelioma patients develop blood clots, which can be harmful to their health. Dysphagia is a disorder that can cause patients to experience difficulty swallowing.
Diagnosis
Since asbestos is a major cause of mesothelioma and mesothelioma, a diagnosis will likely require a biopsy as well as certain tests. Asbestos patients must have a mesothelioma expert carry out the test to avoid an incorrect diagnosis. Misdiagnosis can stop patients from receiving right treatment, and may allow the disease to spread more quickly.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a imaging test to look for Mesothelioma army compensation lumps in the chest or abdomen. This can include a CT scan, MRI or an X-ray. The next step is to collect samples of fluid or tissue for analysis under a microscope. A biopsy is the most definitive method to confirm mesothelioma diagnosis.
The doctor will determine if the sample is peritoneal mesothelioma or pleural and help them determine the best treatment option for the patient. The biopsy also helps doctors determine the mesothelioma cell type, which could affect the prognosis.
The most commonly used form of mesothelioma epithelioid is most prevalent. This type grows slower than other cancerous cells, making it more manageable to treat. This type can also occur in the lungs, however it is typically less serious than pleural mesothelioma.
After the results of the biopsy are available the specialist will decide the most appropriate treatment options for the patient. The doctor will also determine the prognosis based on mesothelioma type as well as the rate of growth.
Veterans suffering from mesothelioma with a military history of asbestos exposure may be entitled to compensation. Contact a VA-accredited claims representative to determine if you are eligible for benefits if you were exposed to asbestos during your time in the United States Armed Forces.
Treatment
The type of malignant mesothelioma that a patient has and its stage determine the treatment options. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma frequently undergo surgery to help improve breathlessness due to the build-up of fluid in the chest cavity. The surgeon may make use of VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or open surgery to eliminate part of the wall of the chest and lung. A tube may be placed into the chest to drain the fluid around the lung several times per week.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can be treated in a similar manner as pleural mesothelioma, however with less extensive surgery. The diaphragm, peritoneum and other abdominal organs can be removed during surgery. After surgery, patients suffering from mesothelioma may receive chemotherapy and radiation to kill any cancer cells left.
Certain patients with mesothelioma may not qualify for surgery, even if their doctors believe they could be treated surgically. In these instances medical professionals may suggest palliative care to alleviate symptoms like fatigue, pain and sleeplessness.
Mesothelioma may recur after treatment. Cancer may return to the same place in which it first appeared or spread to a different part of the body. In the event of recurrence, it can be more difficult to treat mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a natural mineral that is known for its strength and heat resistance. It was used in many construction projects involving the Army, such as insulation as well as on vehicles. When asbestos fibers are agitated, they can be released into the air and inhaling them can lead to a number of serious health complications.
The VA recognizes mesothelioma as being a service-connected disease. Veterans are eligible for financial aid to cover their treatment. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can assist veterans in obtaining the disability benefits they are entitled to.
Financial Assistance
The cost of mesothelioma treatments can be costly. However those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive financial aid. Veterans are eligible for compensation in the form of disability benefits or settlements arising from mesothelioma suit. These compensation programs can help veterans pay their medical costs as well as daily living expenses.
Asbestos lawyers help veterans get the amount they deserve due to mesothelioma or asbestos exposure. A skilled lawyer can help veterans file a mesothelioma lawsuit with the Department of Veterans Affairs, or file a personal injury orwrongful death suit against companies that are accountable for their exposure to asbestos.
The majority of mesothelioma patients as well as their surviving family members are eligible for compensation from the VA, as mesothelioma has been classified as a disease that is connected to service. The type of asbestos exposure determines eligibility. Asbestos exposure is more likely to be experienced by Navy veterans who have worked in shipyards than Army veterans.
The VA will pay a veteran a monthly disability benefit in the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis. The amount of compensation will depend on the severity of mesothelioma-related disability. Additionally, the VA offers compensation for funeral and burial expenses for those who pass away from mesothelioma.
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses, can also seek compensation through asbestos trust funds as well as the manufacturers responsible for asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma suit can result in a substantial settlement for victims and their families.
Many nonprofit organizations offer grants to mesothelioma patients for accommodation, travel and other expenses related to their cancer treatments. mesothelioma compensation payouts patients and survivors of their family members are eligible for these grants to help cover medical expenses and reduce financial stress.
Mesothelioma patients and their families are faced with a myriad of financial obstacles due to costly mesothelioma therapies. Compensation from various sources could aid in the payment of these costs. This could include compensation from the VA and mesothelioma trust funds and personal injury or settlements in wrongful death lawsuits against the companies that are responsible for asbestos exposure. A lawyer can help mesothelioma victims and their family members pursue compensation to cover the medical expenses.