5 Arguments Va Compensation For Asbestos Exposure Is Actually A Positive Thing
VA Compensation For Asbestos Illnesses The Department of Veterans Affairs provides disability compensation to veterans suffering from ailments caused by exposure to asbestos in the military. A veteran can apply online, by mail or in person. A vet must prove their illness or disease is related to their military service before they are paid. The VA includes pleural diseases, lung cancer and mesothelioma as asbestos-related diseases. Eligibility Asbestos fibers are linked to a variety of health issues for veterans. These include mesothelioma and asbestosis. These diseases can lead to expensive medical bills, a diminished quality of life, and even death. Fortunately, compensation is available to help pay these bills. The VA has a process to determine who qualifies for these benefits. To be eligible, a veteran must have an honorable discharge and have been exposed to asbestos during the military. Lake Charles asbestos lawyer assesses eligibility using medical records and the doctor's decision. The VA may require that, in addition to evaluating symptoms that a veteran undergo tests, such as chest x-rays and cat scans. A mesothelioma lawyer can help veterans compile all the necessary information needed to file a claim. They will know which documents to request from the military and doctors, how to gather evidence such as asbestos industry records and cutting-edge medical research, and they can aid in appeals if the claim is rejected. The primary VA benefit mesothelioma attorneys can assist in obtaining is disability compensation. It is a tax-free monthly benefit given to veterans with mesothelioma or other illnesses that are related to their time in the military. The amount of benefits is determined by the severity of the disease and how long the veteran was exposed to asbestos in the military. In addition to mesothelioma patients, veterans who have been diagnosed with other asbestos-related ailments like pleural disease, lung cancer, and asbestosis may be eligible for benefits. The VA offers Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for surviving family members who have lost a loved one to mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related illness. Pre-existing conditions Although the VA has established procedures for compensation for asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, it is not simple to get these methods approved. The first step is to establish your diagnosis, which typically requires medical evidence that confirms the illness and confirms it was caused by asbestos exposure from service exposure. The VA requires a written record of asbestos exposure during your military service, including specific bases and ships as well as other locations that you worked. Many veterans have received compensation as a result of lawsuits against companies responsible for mesothelioma, asbestos-related diseases. These companies, which are now insolvent because of asbestos lawsuits filed by victims, have set up trust funds to compensate the veterans and their families. These firms were once among the largest employers of people with asbestos-related risk exposure. When a diagnosis is made, the VA will give an impairment rating based on the severity of the disease and how much it has affected your life. Mesothelioma patients, lung cancer patients, or asbestosis sufferers could receive compensation up to 100%, based on their condition. Those with noncancerous symptoms such as fibrosis, or lymphatic effusions in the pleural space, are generally given lower ratings. If you've been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness it is essential to apply for benefits right away. You can apply online, via post or in person. It is recommended to consult with a representative accredited in your region who can help you fill out the VA EZ benefits forms and submit a “intent to apply” form that sets the date when you will begin receiving your benefits. An attorney for mesothelioma can assist you in pursuing compensation via other methods, such as a personal injury suit against asbestos manufacturers and their insurers. Signs and symptoms In addition to a tax-free financial payout veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses can get medical treatment and other services at VA hospitals. These services include prescriptions, medications, treatment procedures, and tests. Veterans who have been identified as having mesothelioma, or any other asbestos-related disease may also be eligible for disability benefits. Asbestos is a dangerous material that can cause a variety of symptoms. The most frequent are shortness of breath fatigue, chest pain and shortness of breath. It can take decades before the first signs of exposure are evident and then years before the diagnosis is made. This delay could result in higher healthcare bills, an inability to work, and a lower quality of life. The VA may award veterans a percentage of total disability dependent on the severity of their condition. This rating is based on the VA's disability rate chart and varies by condition. A veteran with 100 percent disability and mesothelioma may receive up to $2,400 per month. In many cases the VA does not require vets to prove causality of their mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases that result from military service. The VA has a presumptive list of illnesses that are thought to be caused by military service. This includes lung cancer and asbestosis. The veterans of the Navy are at the greatest risk of developing an asbestos-related disease due to the fact that asbestos was employed in their ships and shipyards, as well as on-base housing. Veterans from the Army and Air Force who held similar jobs also were exposed to asbestos. Asbestos-related illnesses have a long time of latency, which is why it's essential for veterans to see their doctors and talk about their working history. Treatment When veterans are diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses, they can qualify for a variety of benefits offered by the VA. These include disability compensation, free healthcare and the geriatric treatment. A lawyer with expertise in mesothelioma-related cases can assist the plaintiff collect evidence and file a claim. The lawyer can help them appeal an appeal that has been denied. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was used in aircraft bases, shipyards and vehicle repair facilities. Military personnel were exposed asbestos on a daily basis, particularly Navy employees working in shipyards and on naval vessels. The Navy was one of the largest asbestos users, but all members of all branches of the military were at risk. Veterans suffering from asbestos-related diseases could be qualified for a monthly income to pay for their treatment. To receive compensation, a veteran has to prove that the illness is linked to their military service. This requires documentation of their work history, their asbestos exposure and the symptoms that have developed as a result of the exposure. The most common asbestos-related diseases are mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Asbestosis, a non-cancerous disease is rated as high as 100 percent by the VA. This means that veterans are eligible for the highest monthly amount. Mesothelioma and other types of cancer are rated at higher levels, based on their severity. A lawyer who is specialized in asbestos claims will ensure that all relevant evidence is provided to the VA or asbestos trust funds, or liable companies. They may also file a lawsuit against these companies. This has proven successful in a number of cases. Lawyers can also get records from hospitals and other medical professionals. Appeal Veterans with mesothelioma and various asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for compensation. They may also be eligible for health care, a higher rating of disability and other types of assistance. Veterans must file claims as quickly as they can so that they receive the highest amount of compensation. Veterans must provide their military service records together with an asbestos exposure summary written in order to be eligible for VA compensation. The exposure summary should contain details about where, when and how the veteran was exposed to asbestos. It should also mention the specific duties and responsibilities they had on military bases and vessels. Veterans must prove that they have experienced 50% or more of their asbestos exposure during the military to be considered mesothelioma-related or have another asbestos-related illness. In addition to submitting their military and medical records, veterans must prove that their asbestos exposure resulted in their condition or disease. The VA will only award compensation for a diagnosis of a condition linked to asbestos. This includes asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. It does not provide compensation for urogenital diseases, such as bladder and prostate cancer. A knowledgeable asbestos attorney can help veterans with their claims. They can assist with medical records and military records and obtain additional evidence by accessing databases. They can also ensure that the correct paperwork is filed, and deadlines are met. They will ensure the best compensation for their clients. If the VA rejects the claim of a person, they can appeal. In some instances this could involve an appeal to a board or Veterans Law Judge.