All Posts in ‘Veterans’

Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May. The special day was created in 1950 to acknowledge all those who served the United States Armed Forces.

In a lot of ways, it is similar to both Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Memorial Day was created to observe those who fought and fell in the Civil War and has since been extended to include anyone who has lost their life while serving for the United States military. Veterans Day has also been known as Armistice Day, the same day World War I ended. We observe this holiday to honor all armed service veterans.

As a Veterans Counselor, I speak with scores of veterans each week about asbestos-related issues and how various programs and options fit their specific situation. One item that often comes up is whether a veteran’s income is a factor when the VA is evaluating a claim for VA Disability.

Veterans often tell me, “I don’t think I’m eligible for VA Disability Compensation because I have a good income.” Or when asked if they have applied for VA Disability, they'll reply, “I did apply, but I was turned down because I make too much money.”

These responses seem logical. But they show a fundamental misunderstanding of VA Disability.

Why should veterans apply for benefits at all? Surprisingly, I get this question more than you might think.

The short answer is an easy one: because you earned them.

I have had many veterans who were diagnosed with an asbestos illness tell me that they don’t want to file a VA Disability Claim because there are so many veterans out there who are more deserving of it. You know what? That is just not true.

Bob Oberstar already has his spring calendar so booked – a garden to plant, grass to cut, fish to catch, wild turkey to shoot – there isn't time to worry if he'll be around to see it through.

He's too busy for that.

Surviving mesothelioma has not been easy by any measure, but Oberstar has become an unassuming beacon of hope for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis that includes a quicker-than-anticipated end.

Military veterans are a large portion of mesothelioma cases in the U.S.  This week we have covered a few stories related to asbestos exposure and Navy veterans.  Globally, there has been debates in the past regarding the re-opening of Mine Jeffery and the concerns of exporting of 3rd world countries being a dangerous health hazard.  This week it has been announced that mines are set to re-open in Zimbabwe as well.

We have summed up the most important new stories of the week in the asbestos and mesothelioma community for you to share with your friends and families.  Hope you had a great week!

Guest Article: Caring for Parents Together Ft. Diane Keefe

A significant number of mesothelioma cases are found in veterans of the United States military. .  Asbestos, a mineral known for causing mesothelioma and other diseases, was a material used routinely in all branches of the military up until the 1970s.

Because of exposure inside the military and outside of it – many veterans took blue-collar jobs that also exposed them to asbestos once they got out of the service – thousands of veterans since have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases.

In a previous article about organizations that help veterans with asbestos-related diseases, we mentioned the Department of Veteran Affairs as a top healthcare provider for veterans.  In addition, the facilities listed below are some of the many VA facilities available around the U.S. that treat asbestos-related diseases..

The first week of the year has been full of asbestos and mesothelioma news.  We covered lots of tips for mesothelioma patients and their families to ring in the New Year.  We thank Alexis Kidd for sharing her experience in our “Survivor Insight Series” this week.  In case you missed something this week at The Mesothelioma Center we have our weekly recap ready for you to share.  Are there any topics you would like to have covered next week?

6 Tips for Working with Your Doctor

A simple trip to the doctor can be medical information overload.  Lean a few tips on how to manage and make the best out of each and every trip to the doctor.  Remember this information is important!

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in seniors, with the average age of diagnosis being 62 years old.  Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20-50 years, so an older demographic who may have been exposed in the early 19th century would just now be seeing signs and symptoms.  There are a few others factors that contribute to the high number of mesothelioma cases in seniors such as occupational settings, and asbestos exposure in WWII.

Seniors were a part of the workforce that was more likely to experience asbestos exposure on the job since asbestos was used more frequently before the 1970s and ’80s.  According to NIOSH, over 75 occupational groups are known to have exposed workers to asbestos.  The mining industry has been shut down in the U.S but at one time was a very popular occupation. When asbestos mining ended, with the closing of Lowell chrysotile quarry, the highest risk of occupational exposure was in the construction industry.  They began using asbestos for many products throughout the 19th century to build homes and other building structures.

World War II lasted from 1939 to 1945, and during this time asbestos was widely used throughout all divisions of the U.S. Armed Forces. Although every division utilized asbestos, the most use was throughout Navy ships and shipyards. Veterans who served before the hazardous material was phased out in the 1970s and '80s are at most risk since naval personnel were not informed of the potential dangers. Visit our veterans and mesothelioma section for more information on filing for VA benefits and other asbestos-related claims.

The number of living American veterans who were at Pearl Harbor 70 years ago when the United States was attacked and drawn into World War II is dwindling to a precious few.

Yet the historic significance of Pearl Harbor Day has only grown.

"To a lot of veterans, that date (Dec. 7) is engrained in their psyche," said Carl Jewett, retired Navy and director of the Veterans Department at the Mesothelioma Cancer Center. "This really is a special day."

There are many organizations that help veterans in various ways worldwide.  Most organizations are notable for their health benefits and social clubs they provide for their veteran communities.  Veterans have been faced with a variety of health issues over time such as PTSD, Agent Orange, and mesothelioma.  Mesothelioma is caused by being exposed to high levels of asbestos which was used in nearly every branch of the military.  It was a common mineral used in weapons, ships, and air craft carriers because it was inexpensive and has high resistance to heat.  Over 25% of mesothelioma cases are found in veterans due to their high amounts of exposure while in service.

We have listed a few organizations that help ex-servicemen when returning from war.  These organizations provide advocacy, health care, youth support, and raise money for charitable foundation

American Legion The American Legion is the nation’s largest veteran’s service organization with over 14,000 posts. They are a not-for-profit organization which provides assistance with health and disability benefits, career and financial resources, as well as troop support.  They are also involved in family and youth programs such as baseball, scouting, honor veterans, and the Legion Riders. (http://legion.org/)