Editing Mesothelioma Treatment Centers (section)

== What Specialized VA Programs Serve Veterans with Mesothelioma? ==

Approximately '''30% of all mesothelioma diagnoses occur in military veterans''', particularly those who served in the Navy during periods of heavy asbestos use in shipbuilding and maintenance.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/mesothelioma-and-veterans/ Mesothelioma and Veterans], Mesothelioma.net</ref> The Veterans Administration operates specialized mesothelioma programs providing comprehensive care at no cost to eligible veterans.

=== Primary VA Mesothelioma Centers ===

'''West Los Angeles VA Medical Center''':

Under Dr. Robert Cameron's leadership, the West LA VA pioneered lung-sparing pleurectomy/decortication for mesothelioma and serves as the primary referral center for veterans nationwide. The program offers:

• Phone: 310-268-4543
• Nationwide telehealth consultations for veterans unable to travel
• Integration with UCLA's comprehensive mesothelioma program
• Coordination with VA benefits claims processing<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/veterans/claims/ Veteran Mesothelioma Claims Guide], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>

'''VA Boston Healthcare System''':

Partnership with Brigham and Women's Hospital provides veterans access to the International Mesothelioma Program's expertise:

• Phone: 857-203-6202
• Care Coordinator: Sarita Antonitis
• Harvard Medical School faculty affiliations
• Access to clinical trials through Brigham partnership

'''Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center''' (Houston): Partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center enables veterans to receive world-class care while maintaining VA benefits. Texas veterans can access this center while pursuing state-specific legal claims.<ref>[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-lawyer/texas/ Texas Mesothelioma Lawyers], Danziger & De Llano</ref>

=== VA Benefits for Mesothelioma Patients ===

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| style="padding:15px; color:#155724;" | '''✓ Good News for Veterans:''' Mesothelioma qualifies for presumptive service connection, meaning the VA assumes your cancer is service-related without requiring you to prove specific exposure incidents. This dramatically simplifies the claims process.
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Veterans with mesothelioma may be entitled to:

• '''VA Disability Compensation''': Up to $4,044.91 monthly for 100% disability rating
• '''Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)''': Survivor benefits for spouses and dependents
• '''Free VA Healthcare''': Comprehensive cancer treatment at VA facilities nationwide
• '''Aid and Attendance Benefits''': Additional monthly payments for veterans requiring caregiver assistance
• '''SSDI Expedited Processing''': Social Security disability claims processed through Compassionate Allowances program in as little as 2 weeks

According to David Foster, Client Advocate at Danziger & De Llano, "I lost my father to mesothelioma caused by Navy service. Many veterans don't realize they can pursue VA benefits simultaneously with claims against the companies that manufactured the asbestos products used aboard ships. These are completely separate compensation streams."<ref>[https://dandell.com/advocates/david-foster/ David Foster Client Advocate], Danziger & De Llano</ref>

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