Editing UCLA Health (section)

== How Can Veterans Access Care at UCLA? ==

Approximately 30% of all mesothelioma patients are military veterans, primarily due to extensive asbestos use in naval vessels, military facilities, and equipment through the 1970s.<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/veterans/navy/ The Navy, Asbestos, and Mesothelioma], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref> UCLA's program maintains a significant partnership with the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center to serve this population.

'''West Los Angeles VA Medical Center Partnership'''

The West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, located at 11301 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, provides mesothelioma patients with access to UCLA's specialized expertise through an established collaboration.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/va-west-los-angeles-medical-center-los-angeles-california/ VA West Los Angeles Medical Center], Mesothelioma.net</ref> Dr. Cameron and other UCLA specialists have treated veterans with mesothelioma through this partnership for years.

'''VA Benefits for Mesothelioma Patients'''

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may be eligible for:

* '''VA Disability Compensation:''' Up to $3,700+ monthly for 100% disability rating
* '''VA Healthcare:''' Comprehensive medical care at no or reduced cost
* '''Special Monthly Compensation:''' Additional payments for severe disabilities
* '''Aid and Attendance Benefits:''' For veterans requiring assistance with daily activities

{| style="width:95%; margin:1em auto; background:#f8f9fa; border-left:4px solid #1a5276; border-radius:4px;"
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| style="padding:15px 20px 10px; font-style:italic; font-size:1.05em; line-height:1.5; color:#333333;" | "Veterans often don't realize they can pursue both VA benefits and legal compensation simultaneously. These are separate systems, and qualifying for one doesn't affect eligibility for the other."
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| style="padding:5px 25px 20px; text-align:right; color:#333333;" | '''— Rod De Llano,''' Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano
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'''California Military Asbestos Exposure Sites'''

California veterans may have been exposed to asbestos at numerous military installations, including:<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/entity/hunters-point-naval-shipyard/ Hunters Point Naval Shipyard], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>

* Hunters Point Naval Shipyard (San Francisco)
* Long Beach Naval Shipyard
* Mare Island Naval Shipyard (Vallejo)
* Naval Air Station North Island (San Diego)
* Camp Pendleton
* Edwards Air Force Base
* Travis Air Force Base