Mesothelioma Lawyer
Mesothelioma and the VA
Unlike individuals exposed to asbestos in the private sector, people who have been exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma in the military face a much rockier road to being compensated for their illness. This is because ailing veterans, and really any veteran, are prohibited by law from seeking compensation from the government via the court system.
In order to be compensated for their disability, veterans must apply for benefits through Veteran Affairs (VA). The first step towards receiving benefits is showing proof that the disease is asbestos-related and that the exposure occurred during military service. If the veteran cannot prove that the only asbestos exposure ever was during military service, it is advised that the individual seek compensation through the court system.
The Department of Veteran Affairs currently recognizes mesothelioma as a medical condition that can be tied to service. Unfortunately, even if the veteran has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the VA may not approve the claim for disability. The biggest thing standing in the way of most cases is proof of exposure during service only.
In many cases, it is very difficult to prove that the afflicted veteran was exposed to asbestos only while in the military. Any person that left the military and went into manufacturing could just as easily have been exposed there. This very narrow acceptance of the disease makes it difficult for veterans with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease to gain the benefits they deserve.
Contact a Mesothelioma Lawyer
For more information on how the VA handles mesothelioma claims or to learn how to make a successful claim, contact the mesothelioma lawyer of Williams Kherkher at 1-800-781-3955 today.
