A Step-By-Step Instruction For Mesothelioma Army Compensation
Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program
Mesothelioma can be a painful illness that affects many veterans of the United States Army. These service members may qualify for compensation from asbestos trust funds and lawsuits.
Veterans of the Army were exposed to asbestos in barracks, vehicles and aircraft. They may also have been exposed to asbestos when working in Navy shipyards.
Symptoms
There are many symptoms that mesothelioma patients may experience. These vary by the stage and type of mesothelioma, and patients must be aware of their symptoms and notify any changes to their doctor.
Most patients suffering from mesothelioma suffer from pain and swelling in the abdomen or chest. Certain patients may also experience fatigue, coughing and loss of appetite. Some of these symptoms can be mistaken for those of other illnesses. Thus, some veterans may not be able to recognize them initially. Based on the level of asbestos exposure, certain symptoms may manifest later than others. The symptoms may be more apparent when asbestos exposure is high. As the disease progresses, mesothelioma symptoms can change. This is known as metastasis.
Asbestos is a natural component. It is strong, heat-resistant and is utilized in a variety of construction materials and military vehicles. Asbestos fibers are able to become airborne and inhalation is the principal method for mesothelioma exposure. Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos particles can lead to mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure has been linked to a variety of medical diseases including lung cancer.
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary from mild to severe and affect the lungs, abdomen and the heart as well as joints. The majority of asbestos-related diseases require between 10 and 50 years to develop.
Many veterans who served in the Army were exposed to asbestos in various ways. They may have worked on bases for military and in factories that manufactured asbestos-containing equipment as well as on Navy vessels where asbestos was widely used. Veterans who worked on Navy vessels in the areas of milling, piping, and shipyard work, as well demolition, insulation and old buildings, carpentry, and insulation are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma.
In the beginning of the disease, pleural mesothelioma patients typically have chest pain and trouble breathing. They might also suffer from a pleural effusion, which is the accumulation of fluid in the pleura which covers the lungs and chest. Pleural effusions can limit the lungs' capacity to expand when breathing. Patients with mesothelioma typically suffer from pleural thickening and inflammation.
As mesothelioma advances, affected patients will notice their symptoms becoming more severe. They may experience a loss of appetite, fatigue, or a fever. Some mesothelioma patients develop blood clots, which could be harmful to their health. Dysphagia is a disorder that can cause patients to experience difficulty swallowing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related tumor and a mesothelioma diagnosis will likely involve undergoing certain tests, and then a biopsy. Asbestos victims should seek out a mesothelioma specialist to perform the testing to prevent the possibility of a false diagnosis. Incorrect diagnosis can prevent patients from receiving the appropriate treatment and could cause the disease a longer time to progress.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a imaging test to identify any lumps in the abdomen or chest. It could be a CT scan or MRI. The next step is to take samples of fluid or tissue to be examined under a microscope. A biopsy is the only way to confirm mesothelioma has been diagnosed.
The doctor will then determine if the specimen is pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma which will allow them to determine the best treatment option for the patient. The biopsy will also help doctors determine the type of mesothelioma cells which could influence the prognosis of the patient.
The most commonly used mesothelioma form epithelioid is the most prevalent. It develops more slowly than other cancerous cells, making it more easy for doctors to treat. This type may also affect the lungs, but is less invasive than pleural msothelioma.
When the results of the biopsy are available, a specialist will determine the most appropriate treatment options for the patient. The doctor will also establish the prognosis, dependent on the type of mesothelioma and the rate at which it is growing.
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma who have a history of asbestos exposure in the military, may be eligible for compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Those who have been exposed to asbestos during their time in the United States Armed Forces should contact a VA-accredited claims rep to find out what benefits they qualify for.
Treatment
The type of mesothelioma malignancy that a patient has and its stage will determine the treatment options. People with pleural mesothelioma often undergo surgery to alleviate breathlessness caused by fluid build-up in the chest cavity. The surgeon might make use of VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or open surgery to remove part of the wall of the chest and lung. A tube is placed into the chest to drain the fluid around the lung several times per week.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is treated similarly to pleural mesothelioma but with less extensive surgery. Surgery may involve the removal of parts of the abdomen, including the diaphragm as well as the peritoneum. After surgery, patients with mesothelioma are able to receive radiation and chemotherapy to eliminate any cancerous cells that remain.
Some people with mesothelioma are not suitable for surgery, even though doctors believe they can be treated with surgery. In these situations medical professionals may suggest palliative treatment to ease symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, and pain.
After treatment, mesothelioma may return. The cancer can come back in the same spot from which it started or spread to other regions of the body. In the event of a recurrence in mesothelioma, treatment may be more difficult.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally is well-known for its toughness and resistance to heat. It was used in many construction projects for the Army, including insulation as well as on vehicles. When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they can be released into the air and inhaling them could cause a variety of serious health issues.
The VA recognizes mesothelioma as a service-connected disease, and veterans are eligible for financial aid to pay for their treatment. A mesothelioma attorney can assist veterans in obtaining the disability benefits they deserve.
Financial Assistance
The cost of mesothelioma-related treatments can be high. However those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma may receive financial aid. Veterans are eligible for compensation in the form of disability benefits or settlements from mesothelioma lawsuits. The compensation offered by these programs can help veterans pay for their medical expenses, and also daily living costs.
Asbestos lawyers can aid veterans obtain the compensation they deserve for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist a veteran with the filing of a mesothelioma case with the Department of Veterans Affairs or filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against companies responsible for their asbestos exposure.
The majority of mesothelioma sufferers and 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 the eligibility. For example, Navy veterans who worked in shipyards might be at a higher risk of being exposed to asbestos than Army veterans.
The VA will pay a veteran a monthly disability payment when mesothelioma has been confirmed. asbestos mesothelioma compensation of the payout is contingent on the severity of the disability resulting from mesothelioma. Additionally the VA will pay for funeral and burial costs for those who die due to mesothelioma.
Veterans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related illnesses may also seek compensation from the asbestos trust funds as well as the manufacturers accountable for their exposure to asbestos. A mesothelioma suit can result in a settlement that is substantial for victims and their family members.
Many non-profit organizations provide grants for mesothelioma cancer patients to pay for travel, housing, and other expenses associated with their treatment. These grants are available to mesothelioma sufferers and their families. They can help cover medical expenses and help ease financial stress.
The cost of mesothelioma treatment can be an economic burden for the patient and their family. Compensation from different sources can help pay for these costs. Compensation from the VA, mesothelioma funds and personal injury or wrongful-death lawsuit settlements with asbestos-related companies could be included. A lawyer can help mesothelioma patients and their family members in pursuing compensation to pay for medical expenses.