Mesothelioma and the Army Compensation Program
Mesothelioma is a painful condition that is often affecting veterans who served in the United States Army. The service members could be eligible for compensation from asbestos trust funds as well as lawsuits.
Asbestos was found in vehicles and barracks, as well as aircraft. They could be exposed to asbestos while working in Navy shipyards.
Signs and symptoms
There are a myriad of symptoms mesothelioma patients may suffer from. They differ based on the stage and type of mesothelioma, and patients must be aware of their symptoms and inform any changes to their physicians.
Most patients suffering from mesothelioma suffer from pain and swelling in the abdomen or chest. Some patients also suffer from fatigue, cough and an inability to eat. Some of these symptoms are similar to those experienced with other illnesses, so some veterans may not be able to associate mesothelioma initially. According to the amount of asbestos exposure, some symptoms may manifest later than others. High levels of asbestos exposure often result in symptoms appearing more quickly than low-level exposure. Mesothelioma symptoms can change as the disease develops and spreads to other areas of the body, a process referred to as metastasis.
Asbestos is a natural component. It is a durable and heat-resistant material used in many military vehicles and construction materials. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the most common treatment for mesothelioma. Inhaling or ingesting asbestos particles can cause mesothelioma. Asbestos is linked to lung cancer and other medical diseases.
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary from mild to severe, and may affect the abdomen and lungs and abdomen, as well as joints and the heart. 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 in factories that manufactured asbestos-containing equipment or on Navy vessels which were extensively used. Veterans who worked on Navy vessels in the fields of piping, milling and shipyard work as well as demolition, insulation and old buildings, carpentry and insulation are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma.
The majority of patients with pleural Mesothelioma have chest pain and breathing difficulties in the early stages. Pleural effusions can occur as an accumulation of fluid in the pleura, which is the lining of the lungs and chest. Pleural effusions limit the lungs' ability to expand during breathing. Patients with mesothelioma often experience inflammation and pleural thickness.
As the mesothelioma grows, these symptoms will become more severe. Patients may suffer from fatigue, fever and a loss of appetite. 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 cause of mesothelioma, a diagnosis will most likely include a biopsy and certain tests. To avoid a misdiagnosis, asbestos patients should have mesothelioma specialists conduct the tests. Incorrect diagnosis can prevent patients from receiving the appropriate treatment and could cause the disease to spread more quickly.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma they will order an imaging test to look for any masses in the chest or abdomen. This can include a CT scan, MRI or an X-ray. The next step is to collect fluid or tissue samples to be examined under microscopy. A biopsy is the only way to confirm that mesothelioma has been diagnosed.
The doctor will then determine if the specimen is a pleural mesothelioma or peritoneal me and help them determine the best treatment for the patient. The biopsy also assists doctors determine the mesothelioma cell type, which could affect the prognosis.
The most prevalent mesothelioma type is epithelioid. This type grows more slowly than other cancerous cells, which makes it easier for doctors to treat. It can also affect the lungs but is less serious than pleural msothelioma.
A specialist will determine what the best treatment options are for the patient once the results of the biopsy have been obtained. The doctor will also establish the prognosis based on mesothelioma type as well as the rate that it is growing.
Veterans with mesothelioma who have an asbestos-related history in the military exposure may be entitled to compensation. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos while serving in the United States Armed Forces should contact a VA-accredited claims agent to determine if they are eligible for.
Treatment
The type of mesothelioma malignancy the patient has and its stage determine the treatment options. Patients with pleural mesothelioma could undergo surgery to relieve breathlessness due to fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. The surgeon can use VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or open surgery to remove part of lining the chest wall and the lungs. A tube can also be inserted in the chest to drain fluid from around the lungs a few times a week.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is treated similarly to pleural mesothelioma, however with less extensive surgery. Surgery may involve the removal of parts of the abdomen including the diaphragm as well as the peritoneum. Mesothelioma patients may undergo chemotherapy and radiation following surgery to kill cancerous cells that remain.
Some patients with mesothelioma may not eligible for surgery, even though their doctors believe that they could be treated by surgery. In these instances doctors may suggest palliative treatment to relieve symptoms such as fatigue and sleeplessness.
After treatment, mesothelioma may return. Cancer can return in the same place that it first began or spread to another part of the body. If it recurs, it could be more difficult to treat mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a natural mineral that is known for its strength and resistance to heat. It was utilized in a variety of construction projects for the Army, including insulation, as well as in vehicles. Asbestos fibers can be airborne if disturbed and can cause serious health complications if inhaled.
The VA recognizes mesothelioma as a service-connected disease. Veterans can receive financial assistance to pay for their treatment. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can help veterans receive the disability benefits they deserve.
Financial Assistance
The mesothelioma treatment process can be costly. Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma might be eligible for financial aid. Veterans can receive compensation in form of disability benefits or settlements arising from mesothelioma suits. These compensation programs can help veterans pay their medical costs as well as daily living expenses.
Asbestos lawyers help veterans get the compensation they are due for mesothelioma or asbestos exposure. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist veterans to file a mesothelioma suit with the Department of Veterans Affairs, or file a personal you may be entitled to compensation mesothelioma injury orwrongful death suit against companies that are responsible for their asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, mesothelioma sufferers and their loved ones who survived are eligible for compensation from the VA because mesothelioma is considered a condition that is linked to a service. The kind of exposure to asbestos determines the eligibility. For instance, Navy veterans who worked in shipyards could be at a higher risk of asbestos exposure than Army veterans.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, the veteran may apply for monthly disability compensation payments through the VA. The amount of the payout is contingent 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.
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related illnesses, are also able to be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds and the manufacturers responsible for asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma lawsuit could result in an amount of money that is significant for victims and their family members.
Many nonprofit organizations offer grants for mesothelioma patients to pay for the cost of housing, travel and other costs associated with their treatment. Mesothelioma patients and their surviving family members are eligible to apply for these grants to cover medical expenses and reduce the financial burden.
Mesothelioma sufferers and their families are faced with a myriad of financial obstacles due to costly mesothelioma treatment. Compensation from different sources can aid in the payment of these costs. These can include payments from the VA and mesothelioma trust funds, and personal injury or settlements in wrongful death lawsuits against the companies that are responsible for their asbestos exposure. Lawyers can assist mesothelioma victims and their loved ones pursue compensation to cover the medical expenses.