Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program
Mesothelioma can be a painful condition that affects a lot of veterans of the United States Army. These service members may qualify for compensation from asbestos trust funds as well as lawsuits.
Army veterans were exposed to asbestos in barracks, vehicles, and aircraft. They could be exposed to the asbestos while working in Navy shipyards.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma patients suffer from a variety of symptoms. These vary by the stage and type of mesothelioma. Patients should keep track of their symptoms and inform any changes to their physicians.
The majority of mesothelioma symptoms are swelling and pain, either in the chest or abdomen. Certain patients may also suffer from fatigue, coughing and loss of appetite. Some of these symptoms are similar to those associated with other illnesses, so some veterans might not associate mesothelioma initially. Some symptoms may develop later depending on the level of exposure to asbestos. Symptoms can appear more quickly when exposure to asbestos is high. As the disease progresses mesothelioma symptoms can change. This is known as metastasis.
Asbestos is a natural component. It is a durable and heat-resistant substance that is utilized in a variety of military vehicles and construction materials. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the most common method used to treat mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma can be caused by the inhalation or ingesting of asbestos particles in microscopic sizes. Asbestos has been linked to lung cancer and other medical conditions.
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary from mild to severe, and it can affect the lungs and abdomen and abdomen, as well as the heart and joints. Most asbestos-related diseases take between 10 and 50 years to develop.
Asbest was utilized in a variety of ways by veterans of the Army. They may have worked on bases for military or in factories that made asbestos-containing equipment and on Navy ships where asbestos was extensively used. Veterans who worked on Navy vessels in the fields of piping, milling, and shipyard work as well as insulation, demolition, old buildings, carpentry, and insulation are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Most patients with pleural mesothelioma experience chest pain and breathing difficulties in the beginning. They might also suffer from an pleural effusion. It is the accumulation of fluid within the pleura which connects the chest and lungs. Pleural effusions restrict the lungs' ability to expand during breathing. Patients with mesothelioma typically suffer from pleural thickening and inflammation.
As mesothelioma progresses affected patients will notice their symptoms becoming worse. mesothelioma compensation for family members might experience a loss of appetite, fatigue, and fever. Some mesothelioma patients develop blood clots, which could be harmful to their health. Patients can also experience difficulty swallowing, a condition that is called dysphagia.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer diagnosed with mesothelioma will likely involve undergoing certain tests and receiving a biopsy. Asbestos victims should seek out a mesothelioma specialist to carry out the test to avoid the possibility of a false diagnosis. A misdiagnosis could prevent patients from receiving the appropriate treatment and could allow the disease to spread quickly.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma they will order an imaging test to look for any lumps or tumors that are present in the abdomen or chest. This may include the use of a CT scan, an MRI or an X-ray. The next step is to collect the sample of tissue or fluid to be examined under microscope. A biopsy is the only way to confirm mesothelioma is the diagnosis.
When a doctor has a specimen to examine, they will determine whether it is peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma. This will help them decide on the best course of treatment for the patient. The biopsy can also help doctors determine the mesothelioma type, which can impact the prognosis.
The most well-known mesothelioma type, epithelioid, is the most prevalent. This type grows slower than other cancerous cells, which makes it easier to treat. This type can also occur in the lungs, however it is generally less severe than pleural mesothelioma.
A specialist will determine what the best treatment options are for the patient following the biopsy results have been gathered. The doctor will also decide a prognosis based on the type of mesothelioma and the rate of growth.
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, who have a background of asbestos exposure during the military, could be eligible for compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Those who have been exposed to asbestos during their service in the United States Armed Forces should contact a VA-accredited claims rep to see what benefits they qualify for.
Treatment
Treatment options are determined by the stage and type of malignant mesothelioma. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma frequently undergo surgery to help improve breathlessness caused by fluid build-up in the chest cavity. The surgeon may use VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or open surgery in order to remove a portion of the that lining the chest wall and lungs. A tube could be inserted into the chest to drain fluid around the lungs a few times a week.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can be treated in a similar way to pleural Mesothelioma but with a less extensive procedure. Surgery can involve removing parts of the abdomen, such as the diaphragm as well as the peritoneum. Mesothelioma patients can receive chemotherapy and radiation after surgery to kill cancerous cells that remain.
Some people with mesothelioma do not qualify for surgery even if their doctors believe they could be treated surgically. In these situations, doctors may recommend palliative treatment to alleviate symptoms like fatigue and sleeplessness.
Mesothelioma can recur following treatment. The cancer may recur in the same place where it began or spread to other parts of the body. If it recurs, it could be more difficult to treat mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally is renowned for its toughness and resistance to heat. It was used in a variety of Army construction projects, such as insulation and for vehicles. When asbestos fibers are disturbed they can become airborne and inhaling them can lead to a number of serious health complications.
Veterans are eligible for financial aid to cover treatment if the VA recognizes that mesothelioma is a condition that is related to service. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help veterans obtain the disability benefits they need.
Financial Assistance
The mesothelioma treatment process may be costly. Veterans who are diagnosed with mesothelioma could be eligible for financial aid. Veterans can receive compensation in the form of disability benefits or settlements from mesothelioma suit. Compensation from these sources can assist veterans in paying their medical expenses, and also daily living costs.
Asbestos lawyers can help veterans receive the compensation they deserve for their exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma. An experienced lawyer can help a veteran with filing a mesothelioma claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs or filing an injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit against the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure.
Most mesothelioma patients and their families members who survive are eligible for compensation from the VA since mesothelioma has been classified as a condition that is a result of a service. The type of asbestos exposure determines the eligibility. For instance, Navy veterans who worked in shipyards may have a higher risk of exposure to asbestos than Army veterans.
The VA will provide a veteran with an annual disability payment when mesothelioma has been confirmed. The amount of the compensation will depend on the severity of the disability that is a result of mesothelioma. Additionally the VA offers compensation for funeral and burial expenses for those who die due to mesothelioma.
Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may also seek compensation through asbestos trust funds as well as the manufacturers responsible for asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma suit could result in an award that is substantial for the victims and their families.
Many nonprofit organizations offer grants for mesothelioma patients to pay for travel, housing and other costs related to their treatment. Mesothelioma patients and survivors of their family members are eligible to apply for these grants to help cover medical expenses and ease financial stress.
Mesothelioma victims and their families face numerous financial obstacles due to costly mesothelioma therapies. Compensation from various sources can aid in the payment of these costs. Compensation from the VA mesothelioma fund, the VA and personal injury or wrongful-death lawsuit settlements against asbestos-related businesses can be included. A lawyer can help a mesothelioma patient and their family in pursuing compensation to cover medical expenses.