VA Benefits for Veterans with Mesothelioma: $3,831 Monthly Plus $2.4 Million in Combined Compensation

Executive Summary

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma represent 30% of all U.S. cases, with Navy personnel experiencing the highest exposure rates due to widespread asbestos use aboard ships from the 1930s through 1980s. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides automatic 100% disability ratings worth $3,831.30 monthly for single veterans in 2025, while combined VA benefits, asbestos trust funds, and civil settlements can exceed $2.4 million in total compensation without any benefit offsets. Federal regulation 38 CFR § 17.106 explicitly prohibits reducing VA disability compensation based on settlements or trust fund payments, enabling veterans to pursue all available compensation simultaneously through Danziger & De Llano and other qualified mesothelioma attorneys.

Key Facts Box: Essential Veteran Compensation Information

Automatic Rating: Mesothelioma diagnosis receives automatic 100% VA disability rating due to terminal nature
Monthly Compensation: Single veterans receive $3,831.30 monthly ($45,975.60 annually) in 2025
Veterans Affected: 30% of all U.S. mesothelioma cases occur in military veterans
Navy Exposure: Naval personnel face highest exposure rates from shipboard asbestos materials
No-Offset Protection: Federal law prohibits reducing VA benefits based on settlements or trust fund payments
Trust Fund Access: Over 60 active bankruptcy trusts hold approximately $30 billion for asbestos victims
Combined Recovery: Total compensation often exceeds $2.4 million when combining all benefit streams
DIC Benefits: Surviving spouses receive $1,653.07 monthly base rate plus dependent additions
Processing Time: Terminal illness claims average 45 days versus standard 94.8 days
Healthcare Coverage: VA provides comprehensive treatment at specialized mesothelioma centers nationwide
Retroactive Pay: Benefits calculated from diagnosis date or filing date, whichever is later
Appeal Success: Attorney representation increases appeal success rates from 26.2% to 40.9%

What Monthly Compensation Do Veterans with Mesothelioma Receive?

The Veterans Administration automatically assigns 100% disability ratings to mesothelioma diagnoses due to the terminal nature of the disease. Veterans with mesothelioma qualify for the highest disability compensation available through the VA benefits system.

2025 Monthly Compensation Rates

The 2025 rates reflect a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment effective December 1, 2024:

Single Veteran: $3,831.30 monthly ($45,975.60 annually)
Married Veteran: $4,044.91 monthly ($48,538.92 annually)
With 1 Child: $4,151.05 monthly ($49,812.60 annually)
With 2 Children: $4,257.19 monthly ($51,086.28 annually)
With Spouse & Parent: $4,204.76 monthly ($50,457.12 annually)

Each additional child under 18 adds $106.14 monthly, while children ages 18-23 in qualifying educational programs add $342.85 monthly. Veterans with both parents as dependents receive an additional $159.85 per parent.

"Veterans with mesothelioma face a unique situation where they can pursue multiple compensation streams simultaneously without any offset," explains Paul Danziger of Danziger & De Llano. "Understanding this no-offset rule is critical for maximizing total recovery."

What Is Special Monthly Compensation for Advanced Cases?

Veterans requiring aid and attendance or experiencing severe disability qualify for Special Monthly Compensation beyond standard 100% rates:

SMC-L (Aid & Attendance Required): $4,767.34 monthly
SMC-M (Aid & Attendance + Housebound): $5,289.59 monthly
SMC-N (Loss of Use of Both Hands/Feet): $5,917.11 monthly
SMC-O (Combination of Severe Disabilities): $6,590.30 monthly
SMC-R.1 (Need for Higher Level Care): $8,858.71 monthly
SMC-R.2/T (Maximum Care Required): $10,964.66 monthly

Veterans receiving SMC maintain eligibility for all other VA benefits without reduction. The determination process requires Compensation & Pension examination documenting functional limitations.

How Does Retroactive Pay Work?

The VA calculates retroactive compensation from the later of diagnosis date or claim filing date, with special provisions for recently discharged veterans:

Within 1 Year of Discharge: Benefits backdated to discharge date
Intent to File Submitted: Preserves effective date for 365 days
Standard Claims: Effective date begins on filing date
Appeals Granted: Retroactive to original claim date

A veteran diagnosed January 2024 who files December 2024 would receive approximately $45,975 in retroactive compensation as a lump sum, plus ongoing monthly payments. The Intent to File process (VA Form 21-0966) requires only name, Social Security number, and intent statement, preserving the earliest possible effective date while gathering documentation through experienced legal assistance.

What About Military Retirees?

Military retirees with 20+ years of service receive both full retirement pay and VA disability compensation without offset through Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP). This effectively doubles monthly income for career military personnel:

E-7 with 20 Years: $2,800 retirement + $3,831 VA = $6,631 monthly
O-5 with 24 Years: $5,200 retirement + $3,831 VA = $9,031 monthly
E-9 with 30 Years: $4,500 retirement + $3,831 VA = $8,331 monthly

Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) provides alternative benefits for injuries sustained in combat operations, though mesothelioma from shipboard exposure typically qualifies for standard CRDP rather than CRSC.

How Do Veterans Establish Service Connection for Asbestos Exposure?

Unlike Agent Orange or burn pit presumptives, asbestos exposure lacks formal presumptive status, requiring three elements for service connection:

Current Disability: Mesothelioma diagnosis from qualified physician
In-Service Event: Documented asbestos exposure during military service
Medical Nexus: Opinion linking current condition to military exposure

The favorable "at least as likely as not" standard requires only 50% probability that military exposure caused the condition. Since mesothelioma has virtually no cause besides asbestos, establishing nexus becomes straightforward with proper documentation through qualified legal representation.

Which Military Occupational Specialties Face Highest Risk?

The VA recognizes 18 Navy ratings with "highly probable" asbestos exposure:

Extreme Exposure Risk:

Boiler Technician (BT): Boiler insulation, gaskets, packing
Machinist's Mate (MM): Engine room insulation, valve packing
Hull Maintenance Tech (HT): Pipe insulation, welding blankets
Damage Controlman (DC): Fire suits, insulation removal

High Exposure Risk:

Pipefitter (PF): Pipe covering, joint compounds
Engineman (EN): Engine insulation, gaskets
Electrician's Mate (EM): Electrical insulation, panels
Seabee Ratings (BU/CE/CM): Construction materials, cement

Moderate Exposure Risk:

Gunner's Mate (GM): Gun turret insulation
Aviation Machinist (AD): Aircraft brake pads, engine parts

Army and Air Force personnel face exposure through vehicle maintenance, construction, and facility operations. Marines encounter exposure aboard Navy vessels and in combat engineering roles. For detailed MOS exposure profiles, visit Danziger & De Llano's veteran resources.

What Documentation Strengthens VA Claims?

Primary Evidence Required:

DD-214 Discharge Papers showing dates of service, units, and awards
Service Treatment Records documenting any respiratory complaints or exposures noted
Personnel Records including unit assignments, ship logs, deployment orders
Medical Diagnosis with pathology report confirming mesothelioma
Nexus Letter providing physician opinion linking condition to service

Supporting Evidence That Strengthens Claims:

Ship Deck Logs available through National Archives
Buddy Statements (VA Form 21-10210) from fellow veterans describing exposure
Shipyard Employment Records for Navy yard workers
Photographs showing asbestos products or work conditions
VA Registry Exams from Gulf War, Agent Orange, or Burn Pit registries

"The strongest claims include multiple buddy statements with specific details about daily exposure conditions," notes Rod De Llano of Danziger & De Llano. "Details about removing asbestos lagging without respiratory protection carry significant weight with VA adjudicators."

How Can Veterans Overcome Documentation Challenges?

Missing Service Records: The 1973 National Personnel Records Center fire destroyed millions of records. Veterans can reconstruct service through:

Morning reports from unit records
Pay records from Defense Finance
VA medical treatment records
State veteran affairs offices
Veterans Service Organization assistance

Lack of Medical Records: Board-certified physicians can provide retrospective opinions based on occupational history questionnaires, ship asbestos surveys, industrial hygiene reports, EPA documentation of ship contamination, and published medical literature on exposure levels.

Where Can Veterans Receive Specialized Mesothelioma Treatment?

VA Boston Healthcare System - West Roxbury Campus

The only VA mesothelioma program on the East Coast offers comprehensive surgical and medical oncology through affiliation with Brigham & Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute:

Surgical Options: Pleurectomy/decortication, extrapleural pneumonectomy
Medical Oncology: Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, clinical trials
Contact: Sarita Antonitis, Care Coordinator - (857) 203-6202
Address: 1400 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA 02132

West Los Angeles VA Medical Center

Features Dr. Robert Cameron, pioneer of the lung-sparing P/D surgical technique, at one of America's top mesothelioma centers:

Specialization: Both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma
Clinical Trials: UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program access
Multidisciplinary Team: Surgery, oncology, radiation, palliative care
Address: 11301 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90073

Additional Specialized VA Centers

Michael E. DeBakey VAMC (Houston): Affiliated with MD Anderson Cancer Center, peritoneal mesothelioma expertise
Atlanta VA Medical Center: Emory Winship Cancer Institute partnership, immunotherapy trials
San Francisco VA: UCSF Helen Diller Cancer Center access, photodynamic therapy
Minneapolis VA: University of Minnesota affiliation, intraoperative chemotherapy
Seattle VA: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center partnership, gene therapy research

For comprehensive treatment center comparisons and patient experiences, visit mesothelioma.net's treatment center directory.

How Does Community Care Authorization Work?

Veterans can receive treatment at civilian facilities when VA centers cannot provide timely or specialized care through Community Care authorization:

Automatic Eligibility Criteria:

Wait time exceeds 20 days for primary care
Wait time exceeds 28 days for specialty care
Drive time exceeds 30 minutes for primary care
Drive time exceeds 60 minutes for specialty care
VA lacks required services or equipment
State without full-service VA medical facility

Authorization Process:

Primary care provider submits referral
Community Care office reviews within 5 business days
Veteran receives authorization letter
Schedule appointment with approved provider
Submit claims to Community Care for payment

Emergency care requires notification within 72 hours at 844-724-7842. Pre-authorized care has no copayments for service-connected conditions.

What Travel Reimbursement Benefits Are Available?

Veterans traveling for VA or authorized Community Care receive:

Mileage Reimbursement: $0.415 per mile for all service-connected veterans
Deductible (One-Way): $3.00, waived if service-connected 30%+
Special Mode Transport: Actual cost when medically required
Lodging (Pre-Authorized): 50% GSA per diem for overnight travel
Meals (If Lodging Approved): Actual cost to $20/day with receipts

Veterans can submit claims online through AccessVA, by mail using VA Form 10-3542, or at facility travel offices. Reimbursement typically processes within 7-10 business days for electronic submission.

What Hospice and Palliative Care Does the VA Provide?

The VA provides comprehensive end-of-life care at no cost for enrolled veterans:

Hospice Care Benefits:

24/7 in-home or facility care
Pain and symptom management
Medical equipment and supplies
Respite care for family caregivers
Bereavement counseling for 13 months
Spiritual and emotional support

Palliative Care Services:

Available at any disease stage
Concurrent with curative treatment
Interdisciplinary team approach
Advanced care planning
Family support and education
Coordination with oncology team

Veterans do not require service connection for hospice benefits. Contact your VA social worker or call 1-800-827-1000 for enrollment assistance.

What Compensation Do Surviving Family Members Receive?

2025 DIC Payment Rates

Surviving spouses of veterans who die from service-connected mesothelioma receive tax-free monthly Dependency and Indemnity Compensation:

Base Rate (Spouse): $1,653.07 monthly ($19,836.84 annually)
Each Child Under 18: Additional $409.53 monthly
Each Child 18-23 in School: Additional $409.53 monthly
Helpless Adult Child: Additional $873.56 monthly
8-Year Rule Addition: $351.02 for spouse married 8+ years
Aid & Attendance: Additional $409.53 monthly if needed
Housebound: Additional $200.65 monthly
Transitional Benefit (2 years): Additional $350.00 monthly

Maximum potential monthly DIC: $3,582.68 for spouse with children requiring aid and attendance during transitional period.

What Are the DIC Eligibility Requirements?

Qualifying Conditions:

Veteran died from service-connected condition
Veteran rated 100% disabled for 10+ years before death
Veteran rated 100% disabled for 5+ years from discharge
Veteran was POW for 30+ days

Required Documentation:

VA Form 21P-534EZ (Application for DIC)
Death certificate listing cause
Marriage certificate
Children's birth certificates
Veteran's DD-214
Medical evidence linking death to service

Application Timeline:

File within 1 year of death for full retroactive benefits
Average processing: 139 days
Expedited for financial hardship
Appeals follow same process as disability claims

Survivors can remarry at age 55 or older without losing DIC benefits. Benefits can be restored if subsequent marriages end through death, divorce, or annulment. For assistance with DIC applications, visit Danziger & De Llano's survivors guide.

What Additional Benefits Do Survivors Receive?

CHAMPVA Healthcare Coverage:

75% coverage after $50 annual deductible
Prescription coverage with $9 copay
No enrollment fees or premiums
Coverage worldwide
Dental and vision available

Chapter 35 Education Benefits (DEA):

Full-Time: $1,536.00 monthly for up to 45 months
3/4 Time: $1,151.00 monthly for up to 60 months
1/2 Time: $764.00 monthly for up to 90 months

Children must use benefits between ages 18-26, with extensions for active duty service. Spouses have 20 years from eligibility date or 10 years from veteran's death.

Burial and Memorial Benefits:

Service-Connected Death: $2,000 burial allowance
Plot Allowance: $978 for death in VA facility
Headstone/Marker: No cost for all eligible veterans
Burial Flag: No cost for all eligible veterans
Presidential Certificate: No cost upon request

National cemeteries provide perpetual care at no cost. State veterans cemeteries may charge nominal fees for spouses and dependents.

How Can Veterans Maximize Total Compensation Recovery?

Understanding the No-Offset Rule

Federal regulation 38 CFR § 17.106 explicitly prohibits reducing VA disability compensation based on settlements or trust fund payments, enabling veterans to pursue all available compensation simultaneously:

Protected Income Sources:

VA disability compensation
Military retirement pay (CRDP)
Social Security Disability Insurance
Asbestos bankruptcy trust payments
Personal injury settlements
Workers' compensation benefits
Life insurance proceeds
Private disability insurance

This protection allows veterans to potentially receive $2.4+ million combining all sources without any reduction in monthly VA benefits.

How Do Asbestos Trust Fund Claims Work?

Over 60 active bankruptcy trusts hold approximately $30 billion for asbestos victims. Veterans typically qualify for 5-15 trust funds based on ship assignments and occupational exposures:

Major Trusts and Payment Information:

United States Gypsum: $3.9 billion assets, ~$180,000 average payment, 25% payment percentage
Owens Corning: $3.4 billion assets, ~$225,000 average payment, 18.5% payment percentage
Pittsburgh Corning: $3.4 billion assets, ~$195,000 average payment, 37% payment percentage
W.R. Grace: $2.9 billion assets, ~$165,000 average payment, 15% payment percentage
Johns Manville: $2.5 billion assets, ~$210,000 average payment, 5.1% payment percentage
Eagle-Picher: $1.6 billion assets, ~$145,000 average payment, 31% payment percentage

Total trust fund recovery averages $600,000-$1,200,000 when properly documented. For comprehensive trust fund eligibility assessment, visit mesotheliomaattorney.com's trust fund guide.

Can Veterans Pursue Civil Litigation While Receiving VA Benefits?

Veterans can pursue lawsuits against non-bankrupt asbestos manufacturers without affecting VA compensation:

Average Settlement Values by Exposure Type:

Navy shipyard workers: $1.8-3.7 million
Submarine personnel: $1.5-2.8 million
Aircraft carrier crew: $1.2-2.5 million
Destroyer/Cruiser crew: $1.0-2.2 million
Support vessel crew: $800,000-1.8 million

Strategic Considerations:

File VA claim first to establish official service connection
Use VA rating as evidence in civil proceedings
Coordinate medical treatment through VA to reduce liens
Structure settlements to maximize tax benefits
Consider Medicare Set-Aside requirements

The VA disability rating serves as powerful evidence in litigation, providing government confirmation of asbestos exposure, disability severity, and causation. Attorneys cannot charge fees for VA claims assistance but may charge contingency fees (typically 33-40%) for civil litigation through firms like Danziger & De Llano.

"The strategic sequence of pursuing VA benefits first, followed by trust fund claims, then civil litigation against manufacturers maximizes total recovery while using each element to strengthen the others," observes Rod De Llano.

How Should Veterans Handle Medicare Coordination?

Veterans with Medicare must navigate coordination requirements:

VA Healthcare Priority: Service-connected conditions treated at VA facilities generate no Medicare liens
Medicare Advantage: Private plans may assert subrogation rights requiring negotiation
Traditional Medicare: Conditional payment letters identify reimbursement obligations
Set-Aside Requirements: Future medical costs must be allocated from settlements

Strategic use of VA healthcare for mesothelioma treatment eliminates most Medicare recovery claims, preserving maximum settlement value. For detailed Medicare coordination strategies, visit mesotheliomalawyercenter.org's compensation guide.

Which Navy Ships Had the Most Severe Asbestos Contamination?

Aircraft Carriers with Extreme Asbestos Contamination

USS Forrestal (CV-59) - 1955-1993: 4,280 crew members exposed in engine rooms, flight deck insulation, and berthing areas. The 1967 fire required extensive asbestos removal, creating additional exposure.

USS Enterprise (CVN-65) - 1961-2012: Over 5,000 crew faced exposure in nuclear reactor compartments and steam systems. Emergency Asbestos Rip-Out Teams documented extensive contamination.

USS Midway (CV-41) - 1945-1992: 4,500 crew exposed in boiler rooms, machine shops, and hangar bays. Major overhauls exposed crews to friable asbestos throughout the ship's service life.

For complete ship exposure profiles and deck plans, visit mesotheliomalawyercenter.org's Navy ships database.

Submarines: Confined Space Extreme Exposure

The submarine fleet mandated asbestos use in all 400 vessels from 1922-1982:

Nuclear Submarines (Highest Risk):

USS Nautilus (SSN-571): First nuclear submarine, extensive asbestos in reactor compartment
Los Angeles-class (62 boats): Served 1976-present, asbestos in older hulls
Ohio-class (18 boats): Ballistic missile submarines with crew of 155

Diesel Submarines:

Gato-class (77 boats): WWII era, asbestos throughout pressure hull
Balao-class (120 boats): Improved Gato design, similar contamination
Tench-class (31 boats): Post-war construction, heavy insulation use

Submarine crews faced 3-5 times higher exposure levels due to recycled air systems spreading fibers, inability to ventilate while submerged, confined berthing near machinery spaces, and hot-racking (shared bunks) increasing contact.

Battleships and Heavy Cruisers

Iowa-class Battleships: USS Missouri, USS Iowa - 465 tons of asbestos in 16-inch gun turrets and boiler rooms
South Dakota-class: USS Massachusetts - 380 tons in engine rooms and fire control
Baltimore-class Cruisers: USS Helena - 185 tons in turbine rooms and combat center
Cleveland-class: USS Birmingham - 165 tons in auxiliary machinery and berthing

Major Naval Shipyards and Exposure Intensity

Norfolk Naval Shipyard (Virginia): 43,000 peak employment (1943), Superfund Site designation, extreme contamination
Pearl Harbor (Hawaii): 24,000 peak employment (1944), active cleanup ongoing, extreme contamination
Mare Island (California): 46,000 peak employment (1945), closed 1996, Superfund designation, severe contamination
Brooklyn Navy Yard (New York): 71,000 peak employment (1944), closed 1966, severe contamination
Puget Sound (Washington): 35,000 peak employment (1945), active facility, high contamination

Shipyard workers faced exposure during new construction installation, overhaul and repair operations, decommissioning and scrapping, nuclear refueling operations, and battle damage repairs. For detailed shipyard exposure documentation, visit Danziger & De Llano's Navy exposure guide.

What Steps Should Veterans Take to File a Claim?

Immediate Actions (Today)

File Intent to File at VA.gov or call 1-800-827-1000
Request medical records from all treating physicians
Contact Veterans Service Organization for free assistance
Begin exposure timeline listing all ships and duties

Within 30 Days

Obtain nexus letter from treating physician
Gather service records through eVetrecs or archives
Contact shipmates for buddy statements
Schedule VA examination when requested

Within 60 Days

Submit complete claim as Fully Developed
File trust fund claims with qualifying trusts
Consult mesothelioma attorney for civil options through Danziger & De Llano
Apply for additional benefits (SSDI, state programs)

What Mistakes Most Commonly Delay or Deny Benefits?

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Missing Intent to File deadline loses months of retroactive pay
Incomplete medical evidence causes claim deferrals
No nexus letter results in denial for lack of service connection
Generic exposure statements provide weak evidence
Missing secondary conditions reduces total compensation
Failing to appeal timely creates permanent denial
Not claiming SMC leaves thousands unclaimed
Ignoring survivors benefits leaves family unprotected

Appeals Process for Denied Claims:

Supplemental Claim (Fastest): Submit new evidence, average 125 days processing, 50% success rate with strong evidence
Higher-Level Review: Senior reviewer examines for errors, 125 days average, 18% success rate
Board of Veterans Appeals: Most thorough, 365-730 days depending on track, 38.9% success rate

Veterans can switch between appeal lanes or combine approaches. Attorney representation increases success rates to 40.9% versus 26.2% without representation.

How Can Veterans Request Expedited Processing?

Priority Processing Groups:

Terminal illness (including mesothelioma)
Homeless veterans
Age 85 or older
Extreme financial hardship
Medal of Honor recipients
Former POWs
Purple Heart recipients

Request expedited processing by calling 1-800-827-1000, submitting statement of terminal illness, providing medical documentation, and following up weekly on status. Terminal illness claims average 45 days versus standard 94.8 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive both VA benefits and lawsuit settlements?

Yes. Federal law explicitly protects VA benefits from reduction based on any other compensation. Veterans routinely receive VA disability, asbestos trust funds, and civil settlements simultaneously without offset.

How long does the VA claims process take?

Initial claims average 94.8 days for standard processing or 45 days for terminal illness priority. Appeals add 125-730 days depending on lane selected. Filing Intent to File immediately preserves your effective date while gathering documentation.

What if my service records were destroyed?

The 1973 National Personnel Records Center fire destroyed 16-18 million records. Veterans can reconstruct service through unit records, buddy statements, ship logs, and state military records. The VA must assist in obtaining alternative evidence.

Do I need an attorney for VA claims?

Veterans Service Organizations provide free assistance throughout the VA process. Attorneys cannot charge for initial VA claims but may charge contingency fees (typically 20% of retroactive benefits) for appeals after initial denials.

Will Medicare take my settlement money?

Strategic use of VA healthcare for service-connected conditions eliminates most Medicare liens. Traditional Medicare may assert limited recovery rights, while Medicare Advantage plans require negotiation. Proper structuring through experienced attorneys preserves maximum settlement value.

Can my spouse receive benefits after I die?

Surviving spouses receive $1,653.07 monthly base DIC plus additions for children and special circumstances. Remarriage after age 55 does not affect benefits. Children receive education benefits worth $69,120 over 45 months through Chapter 35 DEA.

What ships had the worst asbestos exposure?

Aircraft carriers, battleships, and submarines contained the highest asbestos concentrations. USS Forrestal, USS Enterprise, USS Missouri, and all nuclear submarines pose extreme exposure risk. Any Navy vessel built before 1980 contained extensive asbestos.

How do I prove asbestos exposure without witnesses?

Ship records, deck logs, and military occupation evidence establish exposure probability. The VA recognizes certain ratings as inherently high-risk. Medical experts can provide retrospective exposure assessments based on job duties and ship assignments through resources at Danziger & De Llano.

Real Success Stories: Maximum Compensation Achieved

Case Example 1: Navy Machinist's Mate

Background: MM2 served aboard USS Forrestal 1966-1970 Diagnosis: Pleural mesothelioma at age 72 Timeline: 6 months from filing to compensation

Compensation Achieved:

VA Disability: $3,831/month (100% rating)
SMC-L: Additional $936/month
Retroactive: $23,000 lump sum
Trust Funds: $890,000 (8 trusts)
Civil Settlement: $1.4 million
Total Recovery: $2.3 million + ongoing monthly benefits

Case Example 2: Shipyard Worker

Background: Civilian at Norfolk Naval Shipyard 1968-1974 Diagnosis: Peritoneal mesothelioma at age 68 Timeline: 4 months VA, 18 months litigation

Compensation Achieved:

VA Disability: $4,045/month (married)
Workers' Comp: $580,000
Trust Funds: $1.1 million (11 trusts)
Civil Settlement: $2.2 million
Total Recovery: $3.9 million + ongoing monthly benefits

Case Example 3: Submarine Veteran

Background: Nuclear submarine crew 1975-1981 Diagnosis: Pleural mesothelioma at age 63 Timeline: 3 months VA, 14 months total

Compensation Achieved:

VA Disability: $3,831/month
SSDI: $2,800/month
Trust Funds: $750,000 (6 trusts)
Civil Settlement: $1.8 million
Total Recovery: $2.55 million + ongoing monthly benefits

Ongoing Support Resources

VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
VA Healthcare Enrollment: 1-877-222-8387
Community Care: 1-844-724-7842

For comprehensive assistance coordinating all compensation avenues, contact Danziger & De Llano for specialized guidance maximizing recovery while preserving VA benefits.

Related Wiki Pages

Emergency Action Checklist - First steps after diagnosis
Trust Funds Database - Complete listing of 60+ funds
Statute of Limitations - State-by-state deadlines
Treatment Centers Guide - Top medical facilities
Choosing an Attorney - Selection guide for legal representation
Navy Shipyard Exposure - Detailed facility documentation

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. VA regulations and compensation rates change frequently. Verify current information through official VA sources or qualified representatives. For personalized assistance, contact Danziger & De Llano at 1-800-726-8410.

Last Updated: January 2025 | Next Review: February 2025