While an exact number of Military Veterans in Louisiana, or veterans who worked in Louisiana during their careers, who have developed mesothelioma isn’t known.
In the United States, about a third of reported cases of mesothelioma are among Veterans. Navy Veterans in particular have a high risk for developing mesothelioma, because asbestos was widely used as an insulator throughout Navy ships for decades until it began being phased out for safety reasons in the 1970s and 1980s.
Because of the high number of Veterans who develop mesothelioma, the Veterans Administration has created a claims process to provide benefits to Veterans whose exposure happened in the course of their military service. Exposure wasn’t just among Navy personnel – members of the Army, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard routinely dealt with asbestos-containing materials throughout their service prior to the 1970s and 1980s, with members of all branches potentially affected.
Some occupations are considered especially high risk. Those who worked in shipyards, mining, demolition, carpentry and construction, manufacturing and installation, and servicing of friction parts are likely to have experienced asbestos exposure.
Eligibility for VA benefits include being discharged from the Armed Services other than dishonorably, asbestos exposure during your service, and development of an asbestos-related disease or disability related to your service. Exposure to asbestos is not adequate for filing a claim.
The Veterans Administration requires evidence that links your exposure to your service, and our team of experienced Louisiana mesothelioma attorneys can help you provide full and complete documentation that can speed approvals for VA disability compensation and avoid delays.
Call The Gertler Law Firm today at (504) 527-8767 for a free consultation with an experienced VA disability compensation specialist who can get Military Veterans the help they need to fight mesothelioma in Louisiana.
