Many veterans never saw asbestos as a threat during their service. It was just part of the job; the pipes on the ship, the brake pads in a Humvee, and the walls of an old barracks. Years later, the illness appears. Mesothelioma moves quickly, and the bills come just as fast. What many don’t realize is that they can tap into both the VA and civil lawsuits. Together, they can make a big difference.
How the VA Decides These Claims
The VA doesn’t just take your word for it. You need two things: a confirmed asbestos-related diagnosis, and a way to show it’s linked to your service. That means medical records, service history, and maybe even a doctor willing to write that connection down.
If you were in a shipyard, working on aircraft, repairing brakes, or building structures during your enlistment, you’re more likely to have the records that prove exposure.
What VA Benefits Can Cover
If you get approved, VA disability pays you monthly, tax-free. The amount depends on your disability rating. It also opens the door to VA health care, which can be huge when you’re facing a cancer like this.
You’ll need to file the right form (VA Form 21-526EZ) and give them everything, including diagnosis, service proof, and any link between the two. An Environmental Health Coordinator at the VA can set up exams and help document your exposure.
Why Civil Cases Still Matter
The VA pays for the harm tied to your service. It doesn’t go after the companies that made the asbestos products. Many of those products came from private contractors, not the military itself. A civil claim can hold them accountable.
This is important if you also worked in civilian jobs after service that involved asbestos. Shipyards, construction, and manufacturing are all possible exposure points. Civil cases can cover losses the VA doesn’t include, like pain and suffering or lost income.
We Help Veterans Pull Every Lever
At Pourciau Law Firm, we know how to trace exposure back to its source, whether it’s in your service record or tied to a private company. We can help with VA claims and civil lawsuits, working both angles so you don’t leave money on the table.
Call 504-305-2375 or use our intake form today. Let’s review your records, talk through your history, and get you moving toward the benefits and compensation you’ve earned.