Editing Military Exposure Overview (section)

== What Compensation Can Veterans Receive? ==

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can pursue [https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/veteran-mesothelioma/veterans-claim-mesothelioma-lawsuit/ multiple compensation sources simultaneously]. These sources are independent—receiving VA benefits does not reduce eligibility for legal settlements or trust fund claims.<ref>[https://mesotheliomaattorney.com/mesothelioma/compensation/ Mesothelioma Compensation Guide], MesotheliomaAttorney.com</ref>

=== VA Disability Benefits ===

Mesothelioma qualifies for '''100% disability rating''' from the VA, providing substantial monthly payments:

* Single veterans: '''$3,831.30/month''' (2025 rates)
* Married veterans: '''$4,044.91/month'''
* Additional allowances for dependents

VA claims processing averages '''146.4 days''' as of January 2025.

=== Legal Settlements and Verdicts ===

[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/blog/largest-navy-asbestos-settlements/ Veterans have secured substantial legal compensation] through lawsuits against asbestos product manufacturers:<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/blog/mesothelioma-compensation-veterans/ Veterans Legal Protection: Mesothelioma Compensation Options], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin:1em 0;"
|-
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:10px;" | Branch
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:10px;" | Case Details
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:10px;" | Amount
|-
| style="padding:10px;" | Air Force
| style="padding:10px;" | Arizona veteran
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold;" | $11+ million
|-
| style="padding:10px;" | Navy
| style="padding:10px;" | Massachusetts family
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold;" | $9.3 million
|-
| style="padding:10px;" | Army
| style="padding:10px;" | Maryland heavy equipment operator
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold;" | $5.31 million
|-
| style="padding:10px;" | Navy
| style="padding:10px;" | Indiana boiler room repairman
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold;" | $4.42 million
|-
| style="padding:10px;" | Army
| style="padding:10px;" | Ohio construction worker
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold;" | $4.35 million
|-
| style="padding:10px;" | Army
| style="padding:10px;" | Colorado veteran
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold;" | $3.4 million
|-
| style="padding:10px;" | Marines
| style="padding:10px;" | Virginia insulator
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold;" | $2.6 million
|}

Average settlements range from '''$1 million to $1.4 million''', while trial verdicts average '''$2.4 million to $20.7 million'''.

=== Asbestos Trust Funds ===

Over '''60 asbestos bankruptcy trusts''' hold more than '''$30 billion''' in compensation funds. Veterans can typically file claims against multiple trusts, with average combined recovery of '''$250,000-$500,000''' per claimant.<ref>[https://mesotheliomaattorney.com/mesothelioma/trust-funds/ Mesothelioma Trust Funds], MesotheliomaAttorney.com</ref>

See [[Asbestos Trust Funds|our complete trust fund guide]] for detailed information on available trusts and filing procedures.