How veterans exposed to asbestos can seek compensation and legal help
Each year, approximately 8,000 U.S. veterans are diagnosed with lung cancer, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This staggering statistic is a stark reminder of the risks that veterans face even long after their service has ended.
Many veterans unknowingly endured hazardous exposure to asbestos and other toxic substances while serving in the military, which has been a major contributor to their increased risk of developing lung cancer. If you or a loved one is battling lung cancer and served in the military, it’s important to know you are not alone — and that financial help may be available, even if you have a history of smoking.
Here's why lung cancer is so common among veterans, the role asbestos exposure plays, how smoking factors in, and legal options for military veterans seeking compensation and support.
Why Are Veterans at Greater Risk for Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States, and veterans, in particular, face an elevated risk of developing the disease. The reasons are often linked to the conditions in which they served. Many veterans, especially those in the Navy, Army, and other branches of the armed forces, were exposed to dangerous substances, including asbestos, during their service.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral known for its heat resistance and strength, was used extensively in military environments, including on ships, in aircraft, and in barracks. Its primary use was to insulate buildings, ships, and machinery to prevent fires. However, asbestos fibers are highly toxic when inhaled and can become lodged in the lungs, leading to serious health problems, including lung cancer.
Veterans who were stationed in environments where asbestos was common, such as shipyards or boiler rooms, often had prolonged and repeated exposure to the material. This exposure, in combination with other factors like smoking, dramatically increases the risk of developing lung cancer — even years or decades after military service.
Asbestos Exposure in the Military
The military’s reliance on asbestos has had a long-lasting impact on the health of many veterans. Throughout much of the 20th century, asbestos was used extensively in nearly all branches of the armed forces. Navy ships, for example, contained asbestos insulation throughout, from the engine rooms to the sleeping quarters. Air Force aircraft often contained asbestos in brakes and other components. The Army used asbestos in barracks and vehicles.
Veterans are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses for several reasons:
- Prolonged and Repeated Exposure: Many veterans spent extended periods of time working in environments where asbestos was heavily present, such as aboard Navy ships, in shipyards, or in construction zones.
- Confined Working Conditions: Veterans who worked in confined spaces, such as ship engine rooms or aircraft maintenance areas, were particularly vulnerable due to the limited ventilation, which increased the risk of inhaling asbestos fibers.
- High-Heat Environments: Asbestos was often used in high-heat areas, such as around boilers, pipes, and electrical wiring, where veterans were frequently stationed, increasing their exposure.
- Secondhand Exposure: Even those who didn’t directly handle asbestos materials could be exposed through airborne fibers, as the fibers could become lodged in the clothing or equipment of others and then spread in shared environments.
- Lack of Awareness: Many veterans had no way of knowing the dangers of asbestos exposure during their service. Without this crucial information, they couldn’t take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, unknowingly putting their health at risk while serving their country.
As a result, many veterans now find themselves diagnosed with lung cancer years after their service ended, even if they were unaware of the risks they faced at the time.
‘I Smoked, So Can I Still Get Compensation?’
A common misconception is that if a veteran has a history of smoking, they are not eligible for compensation for asbestos-related lung cancer. This is simply not true. While smoking is a known risk factor for lung cancer, asbestos exposure increases the risk significantly, especially when combined with smoking. The VA and courts recognize that veterans who were exposed to asbestos and smoked are at an even higher risk, but this does not disqualify them from seeking compensation.
In fact, veterans who smoked may have a stronger case for compensation, as asbestos exposure greatly increases the likelihood that lung cancer will develop. Medical studies have shown that veterans exposed to both asbestos and tobacco are 50 to 90 times more likely to develop lung cancer compared to those who were not exposed.
So, even if you have a history of smoking, you may still be eligible for compensation through VA benefits, asbestos trust funds, or legal claims. The important thing is that your exposure to asbestos played a role in your diagnosis.
VA Benefits for Veterans with Lung Cancer
The VA recognizes the link between asbestos exposure during military service and lung cancer. As such, veterans who have been diagnosed with lung cancer may be eligible for VA benefits, including health care and disability compensation.
If you were exposed to asbestos during your time in the military and have since developed lung cancer, you may qualify for a range of benefits, including:
- Disability Compensation: A tax-free monthly payment for veterans who have disabilities related to their military service. Veterans diagnosed with lung cancer due to asbestos exposure may qualify for these payments.
- VA Health Care: Veterans with lung cancer may be eligible for VA health care services, which can help cover the cost of treatment, including surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and more.
- Survivor Benefits: If a veteran passes away from lung cancer, their spouse or dependents may be eligible for survivor benefits.
When seeking VA benefits or compensation for asbestos-related lung cancer, gathering evidence like medical records and service history can feel overwhelming. However, individuals don’t have to face this burden alone. By contacting an experienced asbestos lung cancer lawyer, they can leave the hard work to a professional.
The lawyer will handle collecting all necessary evidence, including medical history and service records that demonstrate asbestos exposure. The lawyer will also take care of the VA claims process, allowing the individual to focus on their health and well-being. A simple call is all it takes to get started, and the lawyer will manage the rest.
Pursuing Asbestos Trust Fund Claims and Lawsuits
In addition to VA benefits, veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer can also file claims against asbestos trust funds (ATFs) or pursue lawsuits against the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. These claims can provide significant financial compensation for veterans and their families, helping to cover medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Over the years, many asbestos companies filed for bankruptcy due to the numerous lawsuits filed against them. As part of their bankruptcy proceedings, they were required to establish trust funds to compensate individuals who develop asbestos-related diseases. Today, these trust funds collectively hold over $30 billion available for victims, including veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their military service.
These funds are specifically designed to provide financial compensation to those suffering from asbestos-related lung cancer and other illnesses, helping veterans get the support they deserve. Many asbestos exposure victims with lung cancer recover six-figure settlement packages valued over $100,000.
Remember: These claims are filed against the manufacturers and insurers responsible for producing or distributing asbestos-containing products — not the military — ensuring that veterans can seek compensation without any impact on their military service or benefits.
Examples of Asbestos Trust Funds in Military Veteran Lung Cancer Claims
Examples of asbestos trust funds involved in military service-related asbestos exposure claims include, but are certainly not limited to:
- Johns Manville Asbestos Trust: One of the largest trust funds, established by a major manufacturer of asbestos-containing products. Johns Manville was a major supplier of insulation and other materials containing asbestos, which were extensively used in shipyards and on Navy ships for insulation of pipes, boilers, and other heat-producing equipment
- USG Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust: Created by U.S. Gypsum, a company involved in producing building materials containing asbestos.
- Armstrong World Industries Asbestos Trust: Established for claims related to asbestos exposure from Armstrong’s construction and insulation products.
- Owens Corning/Fibreboard Asbestos Trust: Formed by Owens Corning, a major manufacturer of asbestos insulation materials used in military and industrial settings. The company manufactured asbestos-containing insulation materials that were heavily used in shipbuilding, especially in shipyards to insulate ship engines, pipes, and other components that needed protection from heat.
- W.R. Grace & Co. Asbestos Trust: Set up by a company known for producing asbestos-containing insulation materials, widely used in shipbuilding and other industries. W.R. Grace produced asbestos insulation materials, such as Zonolite.
Even if you were exposed to asbestos decades ago, you may still be eligible to file a claim. Many of these trust funds do not require veterans to prove exactly when and where their asbestos exposure occurred, as it’s often difficult to pinpoint a single source of exposure. Instead, if you can show that you served in an environment where asbestos was present and have been diagnosed with lung cancer, you may be eligible for compensation.
Veterans can also file lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers if the companies are still in operation. These lawsuits often result in significant compensation, but they can be more complex and time-consuming than trust fund claims.
All You Have to Do is Call a Lawyer — They’ll Handle the Rest
Being diagnosed with lung cancer is life-changing, but as a veteran, you are not alone in this fight. Thousands of veterans every year face similar battles, and there are resources available to help you navigate this challenging time.
If you or a loved one is a veteran diagnosed with lung cancer, reach out to an experienced advocate who can guide you through the process of seeking compensation and support. Veterans have served their country bravely, and they deserve the best possible care and assistance when it comes to their health and well-being.
The Ferrell Law Group offers free consultations to help veterans understand their options and pursue the compensation they deserve. Our case results include a $2.8 million recovery for a military veteran exposed to asbestos. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for your rights and provide the support you need during this difficult time.
