Military Veterans Legal Rights

🎖️ Military Veterans Legal Rights

Military veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their service have specific legal rights and options to pursue compensation—without affecting their VA benefits. From the 1930s to the late 1970s, asbestos was widely used across all military branches for its fireproofing and insulation properties. Veterans who worked on ships, aircraft, vehicles, or in barracks and maintenance facilities were often exposed to airborne asbestos fibers.

Today, many veterans are being diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis decades after service. These conditions are directly linked to exposure during active duty. Fortunately, veterans can pursue legal claims, trust fund compensation, and VA benefits simultaneously. Understanding your rights is the first step toward securing justice and financial support for you and your family.

Why Military Veterans Were Exposed to Asbestos

Used in Navy ships, Army barracks, aircraft, and armored vehicles
Fireproofing in engine rooms, boiler spaces, brake linings, and gaskets
Insulation in sleeping quarters, mess halls, and mechanical rooms
Repair work disturbed asbestos in confined spaces without protective gear

Eligible Veterans by Branch

Military Branch	Common Asbestos Exposure Areas
U.S. Navy	Ships, submarines, shipyards, engine rooms
U.S. Army	Barracks, motor pools, vehicle maintenance units
U.S. Air Force	Aircraft hangars, brake systems, insulation panels
U.S. Marine Corps	Amphibious ships, base housing, equipment maintenance
U.S. Coast Guard	Cutters, training ships, lifeboats, base repair shops

Asbestos-Related Illnesses Affecting Veterans

Mesothelioma – Rare and aggressive cancer linked solely to asbestos
Asbestosis – Lung scarring causing progressive shortness of breath
Lung Cancer – Elevated risk for those with prolonged asbestos exposure
Pleural Disease – Thickening of lung lining causing pain and breathing issues

Legal Rights for Veterans Exposed to Asbestos

Veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related conditions may pursue:

Asbestos Trust Fund Claims – Over $30 billion available
Personal Injury Lawsuits – Compensation from asbestos manufacturers
Wrongful Death Lawsuits – Filed by surviving spouses and families
VA Benefits – Including disability, DIC, and access to specialized treatment

Legal action does not affect VA benefits. Veterans may receive compensation from both systems.

Examples of Veteran Asbestos Claims

Navy boiler technician diagnosed with mesothelioma 40 years after service
Marine Corps mechanic exposed during base housing repair operations
Air Force crew chief handled asbestos-lined aircraft brakes and gaskets
Army supply sergeant slept in barracks with friable pipe insulation

Sample Settlement Amounts for Veterans

Case Summary	Settlement Amount
Navy veteran exposed in ship engine room (1960s)	$5.1 million
Army mechanic repaired asbestos-laced brake systems	$4.4 million
Air Force veteran handled asbestos adhesives in hangars	$3.9 million
Coast Guard crewman worked in lifeboats with insulation	$3.6 million

Companies That Supplied Asbestos to the Military

Company	12-Word Description
Johns-Manville	Supplied insulation and pipe wrap for ships and barracks
Owens Corning	Distributed asbestos insulation for mechanical systems
Raybestos	Provided asbestos brake linings for military vehicles and aircraft
Eagle-Picher	Made asbestos adhesives and thermal wraps
Bendix	Used asbestos in switches, wiring, and gaskets
General Electric	Installed asbestos parts in generators and control boards
Armstrong	Manufactured asbestos flooring in military housing

These companies were sued and contributed to asbestos trust funds.

VA Benefits for Veterans with Mesothelioma

100% disability rating for service-connected mesothelioma
Tax-free monthly payments over $3,800
DIC compensation for surviving spouses and dependents
Free mesothelioma treatment through VA medical centers

Filing a Legal or Trust Fund Claim

Step 1: Free Case Review
Confirm your diagnosis and service-related exposure.

Step 2: Gather Military and Medical Records
Service history, job duties, and medical evidence.

Step 3: File Legal and/or Trust Claims
Pursue all available compensation sources.

Step 4: Receive Compensation
Most cases resolve in 6–18 months. No fees unless successful.

Statute of Limitations

Personal Injury Claims: Typically 2–3 years from diagnosis
Wrongful Death Claims: 2–3 years after passing
Trust Fund Claims: Vary by fund—do not delay filing

Frequently Asked Questions (Military Veterans Asbestos Exposure)

Q. Can I file a claim if I served 40 years ago?
Yes. Most asbestos illnesses develop decades after exposure.

Q. Will a lawsuit affect my VA benefits?
No. Legal claims do not interfere with any VA compensation.

Q. Are family members eligible to file?
Yes. Spouses and children may file wrongful death or survivor claims.

Q. What if I served but wasn’t diagnosed until after retirement?
You may still be eligible if there’s proof of exposure and illness link.

Why Work with Mesothelioma Help Center

25+ years of experience helping veterans nationwide
Access to military ship logs, unit records, and base blueprints
Team of attorneys with multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements
No legal fees unless you receive compensation

Free Legal Consultation for Military Veterans

If you or a loved one served in the military and were diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness:

Call 800.291.0963 for your free legal case review today.