Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program
Mesothelioma is a painful condition that can affect veterans who served in the United States Army. They may be eligible for compensation from asbestos trust funds and lawsuits.
Asbestos was found in barracks and vehicles, as well as in aircraft. They could also have been exposed to the asbestos while working in Navy shipyards.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma victims have many different symptoms. They vary based on the stage and type of mesothelioma, and patients must be aware of their symptoms and report any changes to their doctor.
The majority of mesothelioma symptoms involve swelling and pain, either in the chest or abdomen. Certain patients may also experience fatigue, coughing and loss of appetite. Certain of these symptoms could be mistaken for those of other diseases. Thus some veterans might not be able to recognize them initially. According to the amount of asbestos exposure, certain symptoms are more apparent than others. The high levels of asbestos exposure often cause symptoms to come on quicker than exposure to low levels. Mesothelioma symptoms can also change as the disease progresses and spreads to other parts of the body, a process referred to as metastasis.
Asbestos is a natural mineral. It is a durable and heat-resistant substance that is utilized in a variety of military vehicles and construction materials. Asbestos fibers can become airborne and inhalation is the principal method for mesothelioma exposure. Mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and Pleural mesothelioma can be caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos particles in microscopic sizes. Asbestos has been linked with lung cancer as well as other medical conditions.
The symptoms of mesothelioma range from mild to severe, and can affect the abdomen, lungs and the heart as well as joints. In most cases, asbestos-related diseases take between 10 and 50 years to develop.
Asbest was used in many ways by veterans of the Army. They could have worked in factories that produced asbestos-containing equipment or on Navy ships, where asbestos was extensively employed. Veterans who worked on Navy vessels in the fields of milling, piping, and shipyard work, as well insulation, demolition of old buildings, carpentry, and insulation are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Most patients with pleural mesothelioma experience breathing problems and chest pain in the beginning stages. A pleural effusion may occur as an accumulation of fluid within the pleura lining the chest and lungs. Pleural effusions may limit the lungs' ability to expand when breathing. Inflammation and thickening of the pleura are also common in mesothelioma patients.
As mesothelioma progresses, affected patients will notice these symptoms become worse. They may experience a loss of appetite, fatigue, and fever. Certain mesothelioma patients develop blood clots that can be harmful to their health. Dysphagia is a condition that can cause patients to have difficulty swallowing.
Diagnosis
As asbestos is a mesothelioma-related cause and mesothelioma, a diagnosis will likely require a biopsy as well as certain tests. To avoid a misdiagnosis, asbestos sufferers should see mesothelioma experts who perform the tests. Misdiagnosis can prevent patients from receiving the right treatment, and may allow the disease to spread more quickly.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they'll order an imaging test to detect any tumors in the abdomen or chest. This could include an CT scan, MRI or an X-ray. The next step is to take the sample of tissue or fluid to be examined under microscope. A biopsy is the most reliable method of confirming mesothelioma diagnosis.
The doctor will then determine if the sample is peritoneal mesothelioma or pleural which will allow them to determine the best treatment for the patient. The biopsy also assists doctors determine the mesothelioma type, which can impact the prognosis.
The most well-known mesothelioma form epithelioid is most commonly encountered. It is a slower-growing type than other cancerous cells, which makes it more manageable to treat. This type may also be found in the lungs, but is generally less severe than pleural mesothelioma.
A specialist will decide what the most effective treatment options are for the patient after the results of a biopsy have been received. The doctor will also determine the prognosis based on mesothelioma type and the rate of growth.
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma who have an background of asbestos exposure during the military, may be eligible to receive compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos while serving in the United States Armed Forces should contact a VA-accredited claims rep to determine if they qualify for.
Treatment
Treatment options are determined by the type and stage of malignant mesothelioma. Patients with pleural msothelioma may undergo surgery to alleviate breathlessness because of the accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. The surgeon may use VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or open surgery to eliminate part of the lining of the chest wall and lung. A tube is placed into the chest to drain the fluid around lungs several times a week.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can be treated similarly as pleural mesothelioma, however with less extensive procedure. Surgery may involve the removal of parts of the abdomen including the diaphragm and peritoneum. After surgery, patients who have mesothelioma may receive radiation and chemotherapy to kill any cancer cells that remain.
Certain patients with mesothelioma may not qualify for surgery even if their doctors believe they could be treated surgically. In these instances medical experts may recommend palliative care to alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia and pain.
After treatment, mesothelioma could be recurred. The cancer may return in the exact spot where it first began or spread to other parts of the body. In the event of a recurrence in mesothelioma treatment, it can be more difficult.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral is renowned for its strength and resistance to heat. compensation mesothelioma was utilized in a variety of construction projects for the Army, including insulation and on vehicles. Asbestos fibers can become airborne if disturbed and can cause serious health issues if inhaled.
Veterans can receive financial aid to pay for treatment when the VA recognizes that mesothelioma is a condition that is related to service. An attorney for mesothelioma can assist veterans to receive the disability benefits they deserve.
Financial Assistance
The cost of mesothelioma treatment can be costly. Veterans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma might be eligible for financial aid. Compensation programs for veterans include disability benefits and mesothelioma lawsuit settlements. These compensation programs can assist veterans with their medical expenses and daily living expenses.
Asbestos lawyers can assist veterans receive the compensation they deserve for their asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. An experienced lawyer can assist a veteran with filing a mesothelioma claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs or filing a personal injury or wrongful death suit against the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, mesothelioma sufferers and their loved ones who survived qualify for compensation from the VA because mesothelioma has been identified as an illness that is connected to service. The type of asbestos exposure determines eligibility. For instance, Navy veterans who worked in shipyards might be at an increased risk of being exposed to asbestos than Army veterans.
The VA will pay a veteran a monthly disability payment in the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis. The amount of the benefit will depend on the severity of the impairment resulting from mesothelioma. The VA also pays for funeral and burial expenses for those who die from mesothelioma.
Veterans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses can also seek compensation from asbestos trust funds and the manufacturers accountable for their asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma lawsuit could result in an award that is substantial for the victims and their families.
Many nonprofit organizations offer grants to patients with mesothelioma for housing, travel and other expenses associated with their cancer treatments. These grants are available to mesothelioma patients and their families. They can be used to pay for medical expenses and ease the financial burden.
The cost of mesothelioma treatments can be an expense for the patient and their family. Compensation from various sources can assist in paying for these expenses. Compensation from the VA and mesothelioma fund as well as personal injury or wrongful-death lawsuit settlements with asbestos-related companies could be included. A lawyer can help a mesothelioma patient and their family members in seeking compensation to pay for medical expenses.