Army Veterans and Mesothelioma
While mesothelioma is rare, veterans of the United States Army are more likely to develop it than people who’ve never served due to the military’s heavy reliance on asbestos-containing materials during the early 20th century.
Why Are Army Veterans at Risk of Mesothelioma?
Army veterans, particularly those who served between the 1930s and 1980s, face a much higher risk of developing mesothelioma due to the widespread asbestos use across military bases, vehicles, and construction projects. Veterans who worked on shipyards and with products made with asbestos sometimes weren’t properly protected as they likely didn’t even know they were being exposed in the first place.
This risk also extends to early Air Force personnel, who were part of the U.S. Army until 1947. Families of veterans, along with civilians who worked in military shipyards or on Army-owned vessels, may have also experienced secondhand exposure as a product of living in the barracks or housing which was also fireproofed with what turned out to be a dangerous carcinogen that could go on kill many of those who were exposed.
This article will explore how and why asbestos was used in the Army, the long-term health risks veterans face from diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, and what legal and medical options are available today through the VA and private insurance. Whether you’re a veteran concerned about past exposure or a family member seeking answers to medical question marks, gaining knowledge is the first step toward accessing life-extending treatment, VA benefits, and financial compensation.
How the U.S. Army Military Used Asbestos
For many Army veterans, asbestos exposure was an often unavoidable part of military service whether the exposure came internally or naturally from the elements. Asbestos was widely used across military bases, in everything from insulation and pipe coverings to cement sheets and floor tiles. At the time, the dangers of asbestos weren’t well understood, so it was considered a cheap, durable, and heat-resistant material, essential for construction during a time of rapid growth in the military.
Unfortunately, those who worked with or were near asbestos-containing materials during their service in the Army are now at an increased risk of developing serious health issues, including mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer linked directly to asbestos exposure.
Malignant mesothelioma develops in the mesothelium, the protective lining around vital organs, most commonly in the chest and abdomen. What makes this condition so insidious is that it can take 20 to 50 years for symptoms to appear, making it difficult for veterans to connect their exposure to asbestos with their current health struggles. While mesothelioma remains rare, approximately one-third of all new diagnoses each year are veterans, due to the once widespread use of asbestos in the Army.
Common Army Jobs with High Asbestos Exposure Risk
During wartime, as the Army expanded and construction projects grew to meet the increasing demands, asbestos was used extensively across military bases (eventually to be labeled superfund sites), barracks, vehicles, and machinery. The military relied on asbestos because of its heat resistance, durability, and low cost and was used in everything from insulation and pipes to concrete, floor tiles, and even textiles.
When new asbestos deposits were discovered in places like Canada, Russia, and China, the military took full advantage, using the material to build and maintain its infrastructure. It wasn’t until the 1980s that medical professionals definitively linked asbestos to cancer, leading to a decline in its use.
Specific Army jobs caused more exposure than others, however, some more so then others. Heres is a brief list below with associated descriptions of how you could have been exposed during your time in the Army.
| Army Job | Description of Asbestos Exposure |
|---|---|
| Construction Workers | Army construction workers often worked with materials like insulation, cement sheets, and pipe coverings that contained asbestos, putting them at risk during construction and renovation of military buildings and bases. |
| Vehicle Mechanics | Mechanics working on military vehicles like tanks, trucks, and jeeps were exposed to asbestos in brake linings, clutch pads, and gaskets, which contained asbestos to resist heat and wear. |
| Shipyard Workers | Veterans working in shipyards, particularly those on naval ships, were exposed to asbestos in ship insulation, pipe coverings, and other materials used in shipbuilding and maintenance. |
| Engineers | Engineers involved in maintaining and constructing military infrastructure often worked with asbestos-containing materials, including insulation and fireproofing materials. |
| Boilermakers | Boilermakers who worked with large boilers on military bases were exposed to asbestos in pipe insulation, gaskets, and sealants, which were all common in boiler systems during that time. |
| Air Force Personnel (Pre-1947) | Before becoming a separate branch, Air Force personnel worked under the Army, often handling aircraft maintenance. Asbestos was used extensively in plane insulation, brakes, and engine components. |
| Heavy Equipment Operators | Operators of bulldozers, cranes, and other heavy equipment may have been exposed to asbestos through vehicle parts like brake pads and clutches, which contained asbestos to handle high heat. |
| Electricians | Electricians worked with insulated wiring, some of which contained asbestos. They also handled equipment that was insulated with asbestos for heat resistance. |
| Plumbers | Plumbers working in military installations often encountered asbestos in pipe insulation, especially in older buildings and facilities. |
| Roofers | Roofers working on military buildings may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials used in roofing, insulation, and flashing during the construction or repair of military structures. |
Army Veterans who have mesothelioma may be eligible for compensation. Speak with a experienced legal expert today.
Asbestos Exposure in Military Vehicles and Equipment
Not only were veterans at risk of exposure in buildings and barracks, but they also had the chance of inhaling asbestos fibers while working on jeeps, tanks, and trucks. Vehicle brake pads, clutch linings, and heat shields all contained friable asbestos, releasing fibers into the air. Performing routine maintenance or repairs on any of these vehicles increased veterans’ chances of repeat exposure and the likelihood of developing asbestos-related diseases decades later.
Even today, Army veterans chances of developing mesothelioma are relatively high. Due to the long latency period, veterans are only now experiencing symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue, often resembling less serious illnesses. As a result, doctors may initially misdiagnose veterans. If you or a loved one served before the 1980s, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of asbestos-related diseases so that you can get properly evaluated. Early detection can increase the number of treatment options available and outcomes.
Where Else Did Veterans Encounter Asbestos?
Aside from potential asbestos risks on bases and in Army vehicles, veterans could have exposed themselves to the mineral on other occasions. Some soldiers had a higher risk of asbestos exposure at their jobs during their time of service. If you worked in any of the following jobs, you may have been exposed and should be tested for lung-related diseases:
- Mining
- Milling
- Shipyards
- Boiler rooms
- Construction
- Demolition
- Carpentry
How Army Veterans Can Access VA Benefits for Mesothelioma
The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes asbestos-related illnesses as a service-related disability. If you were exposed while serving our country, you may be eligible for healthcare through the VA, disability compensation, and survivor benefits for your family. Our patient advocates can help you start filing for a veteran’s VA claim. To be eligible, you must have a confirmed mesothelioma diagnosis, service records proving your job and service location, and proof from your doctor that your condition is linked to asbestos exposure while you were serving.
Filing for VA Benefits for Retired Veterans with Mesothelioma
VA benefits can help veterans their families financially throughout your treatment and recovery. First, you must gather medical records confirming your diagnosis, military service records, and a written medical opinion. These records will help you establish a clear link between your time in service and your illness.
After filing your claim for disability benefits, the VA will rate your disability on a scale from 0 to 100%. Due to its nature, mesothelioma is typically rated at 100%, meaning veterans and their families may be eligible for the highest monthly compensation. Along with financial support, the VA grants you access to specialized treatments, VA hospitals, and referrals to mesothelioma specialists.
Families of those suffering may also receive survivor benefits if your loved one were to pass away from an asbestos-related disease. Navigating the VA system can be difficult, but veterans’ advocacy groups can help you navigate filling out paperwork and processing claims. Any veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma may be subject to compensation through the VA for costs of treatment or loss of income.
Any individual who was exposed to asbestos during their service could qualify for disability benefits from the VA. These benefits can cover health care or compensation from loss of income. To file a claim, veterans will need a few important documents. Medical records stating illness, service records listing the job, and a doctor’s confirmation of the link between service and asbestos exposure.
Common Mesothelioma Army Veterans Questions
1) What If I Were Diagnosed During Army Service?
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma and are still enlisted or recently discharged, this may strengthen your claim. Establishing a mesothelioma diagnosis helps establish a stronger link between military service and asbestos exposure. If you need help initiating VA claims, speak with one of our patient advocates today.
2) What Do Army Veterans Need to Know About Asbestos Exposure?
Any amount of asbestos exposure can cause you to develop mesothelioma. Veterans should schedule regular health screenings and consult a doctor or mesothelioma specialist if symptoms begin to appear. Early detection can significantly increase survival rates.
3) What Are the Risks of Secondary Asbestos Exposure for Army Veterans and Their Families?
If your loved one worked in a high-risk area, such as a shipyard or vehicle facility, fibers may have transferred home on veterans’ clothes or hair, exposing you and your family. As a result, thousands of army veterans and their families are at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
4) What Are the Treatment Options for Army Veterans with Mesothelioma?
Treatment options vary by case but often include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Mesothelioma cancer treatment centers collaborate with VA centers to tailor your care to your unique military history and health conditions.
Legal Compensation Options for Army Veterans with Mesothelioma
Medical expenses and lost wages can quickly add up. If VA benefits aren’t enough to cover everything, you may also seek legal assistance. Legal compensation claims hold the manufacturers of products containing asbestos responsible, not the military. Speaking with an asbestos attorney about your case can help guide you and your family through the complexities of the process.
Depending on your case, Army veterans can file a personal injury lawsuit, wrongful death claim, or an asbestos trust fund claim. We have vast connections to big time legal firms across the country and can help you seek financial payouts. Let us help you fight for justice if you were exposed and diagnosed with mesothelioma.
