Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program
Mesothelioma is a painful illness that is often affecting veterans who served in the United States Army. They may be qualified for compensation through asbestos trust funds or lawsuits.
Asbestos was discovered in vehicles and barracks, and also in aircraft. They also could have been exposed to asbestos while working in Navy shipyards.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma patients suffer from a variety of symptoms. They differ based on the stage and type of mesothelioma. Patients must keep track of their symptoms and report any changes to their physicians.
The majority of mesothelioma symptoms involve swelling and pain, either in the chest or abdomen. Patients may also suffer from fatigue, cough and a loss of appetite. Some of these symptoms may be mistaken for those of other diseases. So some veterans may not be aware of them initially. Certain symptoms may show up later, depending on the amount of asbestos exposure. High levels of asbestos exposure usually result in symptoms appearing quicker than exposure to low levels. As the disease progresses, the symptoms of mesothelioma may change. This is known as metastasis.
Asbestos is a natural component. It is a strong, heat-resistant material that is used in many military vehicles and construction materials. Asbestos fibers are able to become airborne, and inhalation is the primary method of mesothelioma exposure. Inhaling or ingesting asbestos particles can cause mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure has been linked to a range of medical ailments, including lung cancer.
The symptoms of mesothelioma range from mild to severe, and may affect the abdomen and lungs as well as the heart and joints. Most asbestos-related illnesses can take between 10 and 50 years to develop.
Asbest was employed in many ways by veterans of the Army. They may have worked on bases for military and in factories that manufactured asbestos-containing equipment, and on Navy vessels where asbestos was used extensively. Veterans who worked in the piping, milling, shipyard work insulation, demolition of older buildings and carpentry on Navy vessels are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Most pleural Mesothelioma sufferers have chest pain and breathing difficulties in the early stages. They may also have an pleural effusion. It is the accumulation of fluid within the pleura which covers the lungs and chest. Pleural effusions may limit the lungs’ capacity to expand when breathing. Patients with mesothelioma typically experience inflammation and pleural thickness.
As the mesothelioma grows and the symptoms get more severe. They may experience a loss in appetite, fatigue, or a fever. Some mesothelioma patients have blood clots that can be harmful to their health. Dysphagia, a condition, can cause patients to experience difficulty swallowing.
Diagnosis
As asbestos is a cause of mesothelioma, a diagnosis will most likely involve a biopsy and certain tests. Asbestos victims should have a mesothelioma specialist carry out the test to avoid a misdiagnosis. False diagnoses can prevent patients from receiving the correct treatment and may give the disease a longer time to spread.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request an imaging test to identify any tumors in the abdomen or chest. This could be an CT scan or MRI. The next step is to collect samples of fluid or tissue for analysis under microscope. A biopsy is the most reliable way to confirm a Mesothelioma Army Compensation diagnoses.
The doctor will determine if the specimen is pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma and help them decide the best treatment for the patient. The biopsy will also help doctors determine the type of mesothelioma cells which can influence the patient’s outlook.
The most common form of mesothelioma, epithelioid, is the most prevalent. This type grows more slowly than other cancerous cells, making it easier for doctors to treat. This type may also be found in the lungs, but is usually less severe than pleural mesothelioma.
A specialist will determine what the best treatment options are for the patient after the results of a biopsy have been obtained. The doctor will also establish the prognosis determined by the mesothelioma type and the rate at which it is growing.
Veterans with mesothelioma that have a military history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation. Contact a VA-accredited claims representative to find out if they are eligible for benefits if you were exposed to asbestos in the United States Armed Forces.
Treatment
The type of mesothelioma malignancy the patient has and its stage will determine treatment options. Patients with pleural msothelioma may undergo surgery to alleviate breathing problems because of the accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. The surgeon can use VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or open surgery to eliminate a part of the that lining the chest wall and the lungs. A tube could also be inserted in the chest to drain fluid from around the lungs a few times each week.
Peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit compensation is treated in a similar way as pleural mesothelioma, however with less invasive procedure. Surgery can involve removing certain parts of the abdomen including the diaphragm as well as the peritoneum. Mesothelioma patients may undergo chemotherapy and radiation following surgery to kill cancer cells that remain.
Some people with mesothelioma are not eligible for surgery, even though doctors believe that they can be treated with surgery. In these situations medical professionals may suggest palliative care to alleviate symptoms like fatigue, insomnia and pain.
After treatment, mesothelioma could return. Cancer can return in the same place where it began or spread to other parts of the body. In the event of a recurrence in mesothelioma treatment, it can be more difficult.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is known for its strength and heat resistance. It was used for many Army construction projects, such as insulation and for vehicles. Asbestos fibers may become airborne when disturbed and can cause serious health issues when inhaled.
The VA recognizes mesothelioma as a service-connected disease, and veterans are eligible for financial aid to cover their treatment. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist veterans to receive the disability benefits that they deserve.
Financial Assistance
The cost of mesothelioma treatment can be expensive. However, veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive financial assistance. Veterans are eligible for compensation in the form of disability benefits or settlements arising from mesothelioma suits. These compensation programs can help veterans cover their medical costs as well as daily living expenses.
Asbestos lawyers can assist veterans receive the compensation they are due for their asbestos exposure as well as mesothelioma. An experienced lawyer can assist veterans in filing a mesothelioma claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs or filing an injury claim or wrongful death suit against the companies accountable for their asbestos exposure.
In most cases, mesothelioma sufferers and their families are eligible for compensation from the VA because mesothelioma is considered a service-connected illness. The type of asbestos exposure determines eligibility. For instance, Navy veterans who worked in shipyards could be at a higher risk of being exposed to asbestos than Army veterans.
The VA will provide a veteran with an annual disability payment if a mesothelioma is confirmed. The amount of compensation depends on the level of mesothelioma-related disability. Additionally the VA provides compensation for funeral and burial costs for those who die due to mesothelioma.
Veterans diagnosed with government mesothelioma compensation, or other asbestos-related diseases may also seek compensation through asbestos trust funds as well as the companies responsible for asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma case can result in a substantial settlement for victims and their families.
Numerous non-profit organizations offer grants to patients with mesothelioma for accommodation, travel and Mesothelioma Army Compensation other expenses associated with their cancer treatment. Mesothelioma patients and their surviving family members can apply for these grants to help pay for medical expenses and reduce financial stress.
Mesothelioma victims and their families face numerous financial difficulties due to the expense of mesothelioma treatments. Compensation from various sources could help pay for these costs. These can include compensation from the VA and mesothelioma trust funds and personal injury or settlements in wrongful death lawsuits against the companies that are who are accountable for Mesothelioma army Compensation their asbestos exposure. An attorney can assist a mesothelioma victim and their loved ones pursue compensation to cover their medical expenses.