How to File a VA Compensation Claim For Asbestos Exposure Filing a va compensation claim for asbestos exposure may feel overwhelming. However, there are several efficient ways to get the compensation you're due. The VA provides compensation for veterans suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related ailments, including malignant and nonmalignant illnesses like pleural plaques and atelectasis as well as asbestosis, and pericardial effusion. To be eligible, you need to have a physician write a medical nexus letter which ties your illness to your military service. How do I file a VA Claim? Veterans with lung cancers caused by asbestos or illnesses such as mesothelioma may be eligible for compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Many veterans aren't sure how to submit an VA claim or how to seek assistance. The VA has a range of programs that can help veterans and their families with the medical, financial and emotional burdens resulting from asbestos exposure. These include disability compensation and health care for free and geriatric health care. Additionally the VA offers a program that pays funeral and burial expenses. A VA benefits specialist will assist you submit a claim to the VA to receive compensation for mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases. They can also help determine which evidence is required to prove your claim. This includes evidence that you were exposed to asbestos while serving in the military and your condition was a direct result of this exposure. It is essential to provide all the evidence needed to prove your case. A VA-accredited lawyer with experience in mesothelioma will review your medical records to determine if you qualify for compensation. They can also help you file the necessary paperwork to apply for these benefits. They can also represent you in an appeal in the event that the VA denies your claim or requires additional documents. The type of compensation you'll be entitled to depends on the severity of your illness and how it affects your daily life. For instance, if you suffer from malignant mesothelioma or any other cancers that are associated with asbestos and asbestos-related cancers, the VA generally rates you at 100 percent, which means you are considered completely and permanently disabled. Non-cancerous diseases which have a direct link to asbestos can also be rated 100%, based on the severity. Additionally to this, the VA offers Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for the surviving family members of veterans who died from mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease. This compensation can be used to pay for funeral and burial expenses and other expenses like lost income. This kind of compensation could be extremely beneficial to the family members who are left behind. Working with an VA Mesothelioma Lawyer Veterans who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses may be eligible for financial compensation. A mesothelioma attorney can help veterans with their VA claim. A lawyer can assist veterans determine if they are eligible for certain benefits. They can determine whether veterans are eligible to get VA disability benefits and/or compensation resulting from a lawsuit filed against asbestos manufacturers. The VA recognizes mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos-related illnesses as being service-connected illnesses. Veterans must present medical proof of the disease and demonstrate that at least half of their exposure to asbestos was while on active duty. Mesothelioma lawyers are able to help veterans who served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard get the financial assistance they need. They can assist veterans in filling out the VA EZ form, gather the necessary documents, and then submit the VA along with them. Attorneys can assist veterans in collecting medical evidence, like mesothelioma diagnosis valid and a doctor's declaration. They can also assist veterans in bringing a lawsuit against asbestos companies that made a profit from the exposure. This could lead to a settlement, a jury verdict, and compensation for victims. Asbestos was used heavily by the military for a long time especially in aircraft, ships vehicles, barracks and other structures. The substance was usually placed on pipes, bulkheads and valves to act as a thermal insulation. asbestos illness compensation was also found in engine and boiler rooms, around electrical wires and switches, as well as on floor tiles and wall linings. A mesothelioma attorney can help determine whether a veteran was exposed to asbestos during their time in the military. They can assist them in filing a suit against asbestos manufacturers which could result in a settlement, or a court ordered award of compensation. Asbestos victims are entitled to an annual tax-free payment from the VA. This amount depends on the victim's disability rating, as well as whether or not they are discharged honorably vet. Asbestos victims can also get free healthcare and treatment at VA hospitals. They also qualify for funeral and burial benefits, like the burial plot and headstone, or marker. Documentation Gathering The VA recognizes asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, for instance, as service-connected disabilities. This can help eligible veterans receive monthly payments and specialized health care. To be considered for approval veterans must present all the documentation necessary to prove their asbestos exposure. For this reason, it is best for veterans to partner with a seasoned legal team who can help in the process of assembling and filing the required paperwork. A mesothelioma attorney can assist the veteran to file an VA claim and determine if he / is eligible for additional benefits, like dependent indemnity compensation. These benefits can cover expenses related to medical bills or income loss, and are designed to help to compensate a disabled or deceased loved ones of a veteran for the losses they have suffered. Asbestos exposure is the most common mesothelioma-related cause, but it can also be the reason for other illnesses such as pleural disease or asbestosis. Asbestos exposure is more frequent in certain military professions, and those who have served could be more at risk for developing these conditions. These include boiler technicians, electricians, machinist's mates and pipefitters, enginemen and shipyard workers. Obtaining asbestos compensation often involves making claims against the companies that produced and distributed these hazardous materials that at one time were present in a variety of consumer products. Many of these companies have now declared bankruptcy as a result of the large number of personal injury lawsuits they have faced from those who were exposed and then diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. A mesothelioma attorney can assist a veteran to make claims with the VA and the asbestos trust fund to ensure they receive the amount of compensation to which they are entitled. In certain cases, the attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help the victim file a lawsuit against the asbestos manufacturers responsible. This could result in a bigger amount of compensation than that offered through the VA. This is important since victims are often burdened with high medical bills and lost income. Finding a Diagnostic Asbestos-related illnesses have a lengthy incubation period, and symptoms can be misinterpreted as other conditions. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and a degraded quality of life. It can also result in the cost of healthcare to be high, as well as loss of wages, and a diminished capacity to work. A mesothelioma diagnosis and the associated VA benefits can help to offset these expenses. Veterans must be first diagnosed with mesothelioma, or a different asbestos-related disease. Then, a veteran must prove that their disease is at least 50% the result of military service or exposure to asbestos. This can be accomplished by giving an asbestos exposure report in writing. It will outline the time, place and manner in which the veteran was exposed asbestos during their time in the military. It should be accompanied by medical evidence. This could include pathology and X-ray reports and an asbestos exposure timeline. The VA will scrutinize these to determine if a person is eligible for a disability rating, and the amount of compensation they are entitled to. The highest level of compensation is offered to those suffering from mesothelioma which is considered 100% disabling. The VA sets the maximum monthly amount for this disability rating. Veterans who have a rating of 100% are also eligible for other benefits, such as Aid and Attendance. Navy veterans are more prone to mesothelioma than other branches of the military. This is due to the widespread use of asbestos in naval shipbuilding. Navy workers are usually exposed to asbestos because of their jobs as boiler technicians, pipefitters, machinist's mates and enginemen, or hull maintenance technicians. Those who served in the Army, Air Force, and Marines could also have experienced significant exposure to asbestos. However, these diseases aren't as prevalent as mesothelioma, and don't tend to show up as rapidly. Regardless of the branch of service, veterans who suffer from mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related diseases should apply for their VA benefits as soon as they can. This will allow them to get the financial aid they need, both during their lives and for their families.
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