Those who have served in the military, whether for a few years or an entire career, have known what it means to make sacrifices, often while facing direct threats to their own safety in combat situations. But the sad reality for many military Veterans hits home long after they have suited up for the last time in uniform. This reality comes in the form of a terminal diagnosis, one we know by the name of mesothelioma. But how is mesothelioma related to military Veterans? Here’s what you need to know about this tragic connection.

Understanding the Prognosis of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is probably the most well-known cancer that we associate with asbestos exposure. In fact, almost every recorded instance of mesotelioma is attributed to asbestos exposure. There are numerous reasons for this, but first, it is worth mentioning two points related to mesothelioma research. First, researchers note that mesothelioma cases have steadily increased. Senator Barbar Boxer reflects:

Mesothelioma rates are underreported.

“It looks like we have lost 10,000, and this is under-reported, from NIOSH, they admit it is under-reported, 10,000 since 1999, 10,000 dead. Close your eyes and think about 10,000 families.”

It is worth noting that this significant trend of increasing deaths was acknowledged more than a decade ago. But has the landscape of mesothelioma cases changed for the better? Far from it. On that same day, it was noted by another member of Congress that the cases of mesothelioma have dramatically moved from cases seemingly limited to elderly years to teenagers:

“In 1990, the average patient was a male, age 70. Our data shows the new patient profile to be a 51-year-old woman. Younger victims are dying from diseases. Recently, a 16-year-old girl was diagnosed with mesothelioma. Patients diagnosed with asbestos-caused diseases are completely innocent. They are firefighters and veterans, construction workers and engineers. They are the women who became exposed by washing their husbands’ work clothes. They are children whose loving hug turned deadly.”

Second-hand asbestos exposure and the families of industrial workers

Sadly, the latest research shows that mesothelioma cases have been especially noted in those who had no known interaction with asbestos. Upon further investigation, these individuals were in fact exposed to asbestos, but in second-hand instances. These include cases where a family member came into contact with a parent or spouse who did work in an asbestos-containing environment. Exposure, in cases of secondary asbestos exposure, happens when asbestos fibers attach to clothing or tools, only to be taken into the homes of unsuspecting people. 

Connecting Mesothelioma to Veterans

Many veterans assume that asbestos exposure is limited to industrial workers or those who worked in a particular trade, such as insulation workers, but the fact is, that asbestos was once a long-standing commodity in the United States military.  The Marina, for example, was once the largest purchaser of asbestos products, particularly because asbestos was used for insulation and fire-proofing in vessels, including submarines, surface ships, and aircraft. This pattern of using asbestos was common throughout other military branches as well, so that everything from shipyards to barracks relied heavily on the use of asbestos in their construction materials. 

Shipyards and Other Off-site Buildings

Workers who spent time in shipyards in industrial buildings were most likely exposed to some form of asbestos in the building itself, but this hazard was even more prevalent when considering how military vessel maintenance consists of removing components and transporting them to industrial buildings for repair and testing. 

Many of these components were wrapped in asbestos insulation, and by the time they came up for repair, the asbestos was in a friable state, meaning that it was broken down or damaged. When asbestos is friable, the tiny fibers are exposed and can be released into the air. Once asbestos fibers are airborne, they make their way into the human body, either by swallowing or inhalation. 

Burn Pits

Besides barracks, aircraft, and sea vessels, the additional danger of asbestos exposure existed for many who spent considerable time outdoors, of all places. At many military installations, such as international sites, burn pits were used as a way to discard waste. Unfortunately, these hoyos para quemar used by the military have historically functioned as melting pots of hazardous waste. Among those wastes, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were burned, where fibers were released and sent into the air, where they scattered throughout the surrounding area. These significant areas of asbestos exposure became such a problem that it has led to official legislation in order to regulate burn pit safety measures, going forward. Unfortunately for many veterans, the damage has already been done. 

It Only Takes One Time

While the concern for asbestos exposure may not exist for those who were only exposed once or twice, theoretically, the second thing we know about the nature of asbestos exposure should be considered now:

Irving Selikoff – the doctor who helped identify and publicize the extent of asbestos health danger and clearly connected it to cancer – told journalist Paul Brodeur about two young women who had spent a few months as teen girls helping remove asbestos from ships for the WWII effort. That was their only industrial occupation, and thirty to forty years later, both died of mesothelioma.

If a few months sounds like an excessive amount of time for exposure to take place, even on a daily basis, we should also consider what other research has concluded:

“Exposure to a single fiber can be sufficient to cause Asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma (Frank and Joshi 2014:260). As a result, when dealing with Asbestos abatement or processing Asbestos-contaminated disaster debris, no level of airborne Asbestos fibers is considered acceptable.”

No Safe Level

Sadly, it turns out that while repeated instances of exposure can certainly increase the likelihood of contracting a cancer such as mesothelioma, it only takes one instance of exposure. To put it plainly, there is no hay nivel seguro de la exposición al asbesto.

Veteran’s Disability and Compensation

While undamaged asbestos poses no threat to the human body, The unseen asbestos fibers that make their way into the human body lay dormant for years, and often for numerous decades. Veterans may not feel any symptoms for quite a while after exposure takes place, but during this time, asbestos fibers are lodged in the lungs and other organs, causing great harm over time. Eventually, symptoms show up, and in the case of mesothelioma, these symptoms come on quite aggressively. 

Prognosis

El mesotelio is a tissue covering various organs in the body, but the main points of contact for asbestos fibers include the heart and the lungs. Symptoms can mimic other non-related lung diseases, so it is vital to be checked out by a medical professional as soon as symptoms start to take place, especially if there is cause or concern for Veterans to consider their work history in the military. Prior to the 1980s, asbestos was largely unregulated, and even after regulations came into effect, many vessels underwent a long-term removal of asbestos. 

Available Compensation

Getting a mesothelioma diagnosis is a sobering reality since it is considered terminal cancer with a short lifespan after the time of diagnosis. Because of this, Veterans need to know what options are available.

Veterans can file a disability claim for mesothelioma, as well as other types of cancers linked to asbestos. It is important to know that long-term exposure is not necessary for qualification. Disability compensation from the VA is available to help veterans, as well as providing survivor benefits in some cases. 

However, in addition to filing a claim with the VA, it is important to know that veterans who have been harmed by exposure to asbestos are often entitled to compensation from the asbestos industry as well. This can involve filing a lawsuit, but that is not the only option available. In fact, there are instances where receiving compensation does not involve the need to file a lawsuit whatsoever.

Trusts

Fideicomisos de asbesto represent the easiest (and quickest) way to receive compensation for asbestos-related illnesses. This option does not require filing a lawsuit, but it does require proper documentation to prove exposure, work history, and a medically-diagnosed disease. Compensation comes from bankruptcy fondos fiduciarios that were established by courts to hold asbestos companies liable and ensure a way to pay victims for lost wages, medical expenses, disability, as well as pain and suffering. An asbestos attorney can help ensure that you receive fair compensation based on your eligibility. This option can be used in addition to benefits and compensation received from the VA. 

Demandas 

While trusts are the easiest way to receive compensation, they are not the only way. With the proper documentation, lawsuits are much more promising options for victims than ever before. An asbestos litigation attorney with a robust asbestos litigation database can help fight for you each step of the way. 

Take Action Now

If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran suffering from an asbestos-related disease, you need to know that you have options available. Reach out to the team of professionals at AsbestosClaims.law to find out what steps you should take. Reaching out to an asbestos attorney will not cost you anything, but failing to take action can cost you both peace of mind and a pathway to getting the compensation you deserve.