Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program
Mesothelioma is a painful condition that can affect veterans who served in the United States Army. These service members may qualify for compensation from asbestos trust funds and lawsuits.
Asbestos was found in barracks and vehicles, and also in aircraft. They could also have been exposed to asbestos while working in Navy shipyards.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma patients suffer from a variety of symptoms. They vary based on the stage and type of mesothelioma. Patients must keep track of their symptoms and notify any changes to their doctors.
Most patients suffering from mesothelioma suffer from pain and swelling in the abdomen or chest. Some patients also suffer from fatigue, cough and a loss of appetite. Certain of these symptoms are similar to those experienced with other diseases, so some veterans may not associate mesothelioma for the first time. Some symptoms may develop later, depending on the degree of exposure to asbestos. The high levels of asbestos exposure typically result in symptoms appearing quicker than exposure to low levels. As the disease progresses, mesothelioma symptoms can change. This is known as metastasis.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It is extremely durable, resistant to heat and is used in a variety of construction materials and military vehicles. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the primary method used to treat mesothelioma. Inhaling asbestos particles or ingestion of them can cause mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure has been linked to a wide range of medical conditions, including lung cancer.
The symptoms of mesothelioma range from mild to extremely severe and affect the lungs, abdomen and the heart as well as joints. Most asbestos-related illnesses can take between 10 and 50 years to develop.
Many veterans who served in the Army were exposed to asbestos in different ways. They may have worked on bases for military personnel or in factories that made asbestos-containing equipment as well as on Navy ships where asbestos was used extensively. Veterans who worked in the piping, milling and shipyard work insulation demolition of older buildings and carpentry on Navy vessels are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Most patients with pleural mesothelioma have breathing difficulties and chest pain in the beginning stages. They may also have an pleural effusion. It is the accumulation of fluid inside the pleura which lines the lungs and chest. Pleural effusions restrict the lungs' ability to expand during breathing. Patients with mesothelioma often experience inflammation and pleural thickness.
As mesothelioma progresses, affected patients will notice that their symptoms get worse. Patients may experience fatigue, fever and decrease in appetite. Some mesothelioma patients develop blood clots, which could be dangerous to their health. Patients can also experience a hard time swallowing, which is called dysphagia.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer, so a mesothelioma diagnosis will likely require undergoing certain tests, and then a biopsy. Asbestos victims should have a mesothelioma specialist conduct the tests to avoid a misdiagnosis. mesothelioma compensation government can prevent patients from receiving the appropriate treatment and could cause the disease to spread more quickly.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order an imaging test to look for any tumors in the chest or abdomen. This may include the use of a CT scan, an MRI or an X-ray. The next step is to take samples of fluid or tissue to be examined under a microscope. A biopsy is the most conclusive way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.
When a doctor has a sample to look at and determine if it is peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma. This can aid in determining the most appropriate treatment for the patient. The biopsy can also assist doctors to determine the type of mesothelioma cells, which could have an impact on the patient's outlook.
The most common mesothelioma type is epithelioid. It grows slower than other cancerous cells, which makes it easier for doctors to treat. It can also affect the lungs but is less invasive than pleural mesothelioma.
A specialist will determine the best treatment options are for the patient once the results of the biopsy have been received. The doctor will also decide a prognosis on the basis of the mesothelioma type and the rate at which it is growing.
Veterans with mesothelioma who have an asbestos-related history in the military exposure could be eligible for compensation. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos during their service in the United States Armed Forces should contact a VA-accredited claims agent to determine if they qualify for.
Treatment
The type of mesothelioma malignancy that a patient has and the stage it is determined by the treatment options. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma frequently undergo surgery to relieve breathlessness due to the build-up of fluid in the chest cavity. The surgeon may use VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or open surgery to remove part of lining the chest wall and lungs. A tube can be placed into the chest to drain the fluid around lung several times a week.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is treated similar to pleural mesothelioma, but with less extensive surgery. The diaphragm, peritoneum, and other abdominal parts can be removed during surgery. After surgery, patients suffering from mesothelioma may receive radiation and chemotherapy to kill any cancer cells that remain.
Some people with mesothelioma do not qualify for surgery even if doctors believe they can be treated surgically. In these situations, doctors may recommend palliative treatment to alleviate symptoms like fatigue and sleeplessness.
After treatment, mesothelioma could return. Cancer may return to the same spot where it began or spread to other parts of the body. After recurrence, it may be more difficult to treat the mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a natural mineral that is known for its strength and heat resistance. It was used for many Army construction projects, including insulation and vehicles. Asbestos fibers can be airborne if disturbed and can cause serious health issues when inhaled.
The VA recognizes mesothelioma as being a service-connected disease, and veterans can receive financial assistance to pay for their treatment. A mesothelioma lawyer can help veterans receive the disability benefits they deserve.
Financial Assistance
The mesothelioma treatment process can be financially demanding. Veterans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma might be eligible for financial assistance. Compensation programs for veterans include disability benefits, as well as mesothelioma settlements in lawsuits. These compensation programs can help veterans pay their medical costs and the cost of living.
Asbestos lawyers can assist veterans get the compensation they deserve for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist the veteran in filing a mesothelioma lawsuit with the Department of Veterans Affairs or filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the companies accountable for their asbestos exposure.
Most mesothelioma patients and their families members who survive 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. Asbestos exposure is more likely to occur in Navy veterans who have worked in shipyards as opposed to Army veterans.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, the veteran may apply for a monthly disability compensation payout through the VA. The amount of compensation will depend on the level of disability caused by mesothelioma. The VA also compensates for funeral and burial expenses for those who die from mesothelioma.
Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases, can also seek compensation through asbestos trust funds and the companies responsible for asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma case can result in an award that is substantial for the victims and their family members.
Many non-profit organizations provide grants for mesothelioma cancer patients to cover accommodation, travel, and other expenses related to their treatment. These grants are available to mesothelioma patients and their families. They can help cover medical expenses and help ease the burden of financial stress.
Mesothelioma patients and their families face a variety of financial difficulties due to the expense of mesothelioma therapies. Compensation from various sources can help them pay for these expenses. These include compensation from the VA and mesothelioma trust funds and personal injury or settlements in wrongful death lawsuits against companies who are accountable for their asbestos exposure. A lawyer can help mesothelioma victims and their family members pursue compensation to pay for their medical expenses.