🪖 How to File a VA Claim for Mesothelioma

Many U.S. military veterans were unknowingly exposed to asbestos while serving in ships, bases, and military housing.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation and health care benefits.

This guide explains how to file your claim, what evidence to include, and how to make your application stronger.

📞 Need help filing your VA claim? Call 800.291.0963 today for free assistance.

🎖️ Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

To qualify for VA benefits, you must show two key elements:

• 🪖 Service connection: You were exposed to asbestos during active duty, training, or military work.

• 🩺 Medical confirmation: You have a diagnosis of mesothelioma or asbestos-related disease.

Eligibility applies to all branches — Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard — regardless of when or where you served.

💡 Even if exposure happened decades ago or at closed facilities, your service records can still prove eligibility.

📁 Step 2: Gather Required Evidence

Collect as much documentation as possible before submitting your claim:

• 📜 DD-214 (or equivalent discharge papers).

• 🩻 Medical records confirming your diagnosis.

• ⚓ Service records showing your ship, base, or occupation with asbestos exposure.

• 🧾 Buddy statements from fellow service members.

• 🧬 Doctor’s medical opinion linking your diagnosis to service exposure.

🧠 The more specific your documentation, the stronger your claim.

🖋️ Step 3: Complete and Submit the VA Forms

You can file your VA claim online or by mail:

• 💻 Online: VA.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/

• 📄 Mail:

  • Use VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation).

  • Include your medical evidence and exposure summary.

  • Send to:
    Department of Veterans Affairs
    Claims Intake Center
    PO Box 4444
    Janesville, WI 53547-4444

🕐 Always keep copies of everything you submit — both digital and printed.

⚖️ Step 4: Strengthen Your Evidence

VA claims are approved faster and more successfully when supported by strong medical evidence.

To strengthen your claim:

• 🩺 Include a nexus letter from your doctor connecting your diagnosis to military exposure.

• 🧱 Describe specific asbestos sources — boiler rooms, ship insulation, brake linings, gaskets, or pipe work.

• 📂 Attach all pathology and imaging reports.

• 🧑‍💼 Work with a VA-accredited attorney or claims agent for expert review.

📈 Detailed service evidence and expert documentation often lead to faster approval and higher ratings.

🗂️ Step 5: Track Your Claim Progress

After submission, you can follow your claim status:

• 🔗 Online: VA.gov/track-claims/

• ☎️ Phone: 1-800-827-1000 (VA Benefits Hotline)

If VA requests additional evidence, respond promptly. Many denials occur due to incomplete responses or missed deadlines.

💬 If denied, you can appeal — many veterans win upon review.

💵 Step 6: Know the Benefits You Could Receive

Approved VA mesothelioma claims may include:

• 💰 100% disability compensation.

• 🏥 Free VA medical treatment for mesothelioma and related conditions.

• 🏠 Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving family members.

• 🎖️ Additional benefits: caregiver support, home modifications, and travel reimbursement.

✅ Veterans can also pursue asbestos trust fund compensation alongside their VA benefits.

📞 Where to Get Help

Our advocates can help veterans gather documents, prepare forms, and file claims efficiently.
They specialize in VA mesothelioma cases and know how to build strong, evidence-based submissions.

👉 Call 800.291.0963 now for free help filing your VA claim.

🧾 Summary

Filing a VA claim for mesothelioma is one of the most important steps toward receiving the compensation and care you earned through service.
With the right evidence, forms, and guidance, you can maximize your benefits and reduce delays.

You served your country — now let the VA serve you.
📞 Call 800.291.0963 today.