🏥 VA Health Care for Mesothelioma

Access & Referrals for Veterans

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases can receive specialized treatment through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Because asbestos exposure was so common aboard Navy ships, in Army vehicles, and at Air Force bases, the VA has developed a nationwide network of hospitals, clinics, and partner programs dedicated to helping veterans receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and compensation.

📞 Need help enrolling in VA health care or finding a mesothelioma specialist? Call 800.291.0963 for free support today.

🧭 Step 1 – Understanding VA Mesothelioma Health Care

The VA offers comprehensive medical services for veterans exposed to asbestos during military service.

Available VA services include:

• ⚙️ Diagnostic imaging and pathology testing for mesothelioma.

• 🧱 Access to oncology and pulmonary specialists familiar with asbestos diseases.

• 💨 Palliative care and symptom management programs.

• 🔩 Travel reimbursement for treatment-related appointments.

• 🪖 Integration with VA disability benefits and claims processing.

Goal: Understand that VA health care is available nationwide for all qualified veterans with service-connected asbestos exposure.

📁 Step 2 – How to Access VA Mesothelioma Care

You can receive care at your nearest VA hospital or be referred to one of the nation’s leading VA mesothelioma treatment centers.

Steps to access care:

1. 🧾 Apply for VA health care online or through your local VA office.

2. 🩺 Obtain a confirmed diagnosis from a VA or private doctor.

3. ⚖️ Submit documentation linking your illness to military asbestos exposure.

4. 🏥 Request referral to a VA-approved mesothelioma specialist or treatment center.

Goal: Establish VA health eligibility and ensure your care is coordinated with specialized asbestos programs.

🏗️ Step 3 – VA Mesothelioma Centers of Excellence

The VA partners with top medical institutions to treat mesothelioma.

Leading VA centers include:

• 🏥 VA Boston Healthcare System (Dr. Abraham Lebenthal) — world-renowned for pleural mesothelioma surgery.

• 🏥 VA Los Angeles/West LA Medical Center — advanced multimodal treatments and clinical trials.

• 🏥 VA Houston Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center — thoracic oncology and immunotherapy programs.

• 🏥 VA Miami and Tampa Centers — extensive veteran oncology networks.

Goal: Identify your nearest or most specialized VA mesothelioma treatment facility.

💼 Step 4 – Coordinating Care With Civilian Providers

Veterans can receive VA-authorized community care if travel or access is limited.

Community Care benefits:

• 💨 Local treatment from non-VA oncologists.

• ⚙️ VA pays for approved outside services under the Community Care Program.

• 🧾 Coordination between VA and civilian medical records for seamless coverage.

Goal: Ensure you receive consistent care, even if far from a VA mesothelioma center.

🩺 Step 5 – Types of Treatment Available Through the VA

The VA provides or coordinates comprehensive mesothelioma therapies.

Common VA-approved treatments:

• 💉 Chemotherapy and immunotherapy programs.

• 🏥 Surgery (pleurectomy, decortication, or extrapleural pneumonectomy).

• 💨 Radiation therapy for tumor control.

• ⚙️ Palliative procedures to relieve breathing difficulty.

• 🧠 Counseling and caregiver support.

Goal: Access advanced medical options designed specifically for veterans with asbestos exposure.

⚖️ Step 6 – Linking VA Health Care and Disability Claims

Veterans can receive both VA medical treatment and VA disability compensation simultaneously.

Key integration points:

• 💰 VA health care is independent of disability pay — you can receive both.

• 🧾 Your doctor’s diagnosis can serve as medical evidence for your disability claim.

• ⚙️ Approved claims increase access to long-term health benefits.

• 🕊️ Survivor spouses can file for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).

Goal: Combine VA medical records with your asbestos exposure claim for stronger case support.

🧱 Step 7 – Survivor & Family Support Programs

Families of veterans can also receive VA assistance.

Available family benefits:

• 🕊️ DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) for surviving spouses.

• 🏥 CHAMPVA health insurance for dependents.

• 💬 Bereavement counseling and survivor support services.

• ⚙️ Help locating medical records for deceased veterans.

Goal: Ensure surviving families obtain the care and financial assistance they deserve.

🧠 Step 8 – Required Evidence for VA Mesothelioma Health Claims

Key documents:

• 🧾 Service records showing duty in asbestos-exposed environments.

• ⚙️ Medical diagnosis confirming mesothelioma or asbestosis.

• 💬 Doctor’s nexus statement linking illness to service exposure.

• 🧱 Prior asbestos job history or ship/base assignment records.

Goal: Gather complete documentation to speed up approval for VA care and benefits.

🌈 Step 9 – VA Telehealth & Remote Oncology Options

The VA now offers virtual consultations for veterans who live far from mesothelioma centers.

Telehealth options include:

• 💻 Video appointments with thoracic specialists.

• 📞 Remote follow-ups for treatment and symptom monitoring.

• 🩺 Coordination with local VA clinics for lab tests and imaging.

Goal: Access world-class care from home, regardless of your location.

💬 Step 10 – Filing for VA Health & Disability Assistance

Next steps:

• 🧭 Gather your service and medical records.

• ⚙️ Apply for VA health benefits online or through your local VA office.

• 🧾 Request referral to a VA mesothelioma specialist.

• 📞 Call 800.291.0963 for free guidance on filing and documentation.

Goal: Ensure your VA treatment and benefits applications are correctly filed to avoid delays.

🤝 Where to Get Help

Our advocates assist veterans and families seeking access to VA mesothelioma treatment and benefits.

📞 Call 800.291.0963 today to connect with a VA-accredited claims advocate for free assistance.

🧭 Summary

The VA provides exceptional care for veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma through specialized hospitals, treatment programs, and coordinated benefits. Whether you were exposed aboard a Navy ship or at a stateside base, you may qualify for both VA health care and disability compensation. The Mesothelioma Help Center can guide you step-by-step through the process to secure your care and benefits.

Your service was invaluable — now let the VA serve you.
800.291.0963