U.S. veterans have some of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the nation because the military heavily used asbestos in ships, vehicles, construction materials and gear. Now veterans with mesothelioma have more options for VA benefits, treatment and legal compensation thanks to recent legislation.
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Aaron Munz: Why veterans are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma
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Aaron Munz: Why veterans are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma
Veterans get mesothelioma because the U.S. military used asbestos extensively in ships, vehicles, buildings and equipment from the 1930s through the 1980s. The military used asbestos-containing materials in ships, vehicles, buildings and equipment for insulation and fireproofing. Veterans in roles like pipefitting, boiler operation, shipbuilding, mechanical maintenance and ship repair often had frequent contact with asbestos fibers. Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma many years after exposure.
Navy veterans face more than double the risk of developing mesothelioma compared to the general population, according to global epidemiological studies. Ships and shipyards used large amounts of asbestos in insulation and engine rooms, making Navy service one of the highest-risk occupations for asbestos exposure.
Asbestos use was common across every military branch and risks remain today. Veterans still face exposure when working on older equipment or in buildings that contain asbestos. This ongoing risk shows why mesothelioma remains a serious concern decades after asbestos use ended.
Roughly 1 in 3 mesothelioma cases are linked to military asbestos exposure. Veterans and civilians on military bases face asbestos exposure risks when they handle or repair older buildings, equipment or asbestos products. Every military occupation carries some risk, but jobs with frequent or close contact to asbestos fibers carry much higher risks. These risks come from tasks like ship maintenance, construction, demolition and firefighting where asbestos products were widely used.
Military Jobs With Higher Asbestos Exposure Risks
These occupations carry significant risk for asbestos exposure. Still, veterans in nearly any military role could face exposure, especially when working with older equipment or during repair and maintenance. Asbestos was so common that routine tasks sometimes released hazardous fibers. Mesothelioma symptoms can take decades to appear after asbestos exposure.
Army Col. Doug T. shared his experience with us. He tells us, “When I was diagnosed with mesothelioma, it made me realize the disproportionate number of veterans who develop cancer compared to their civilian counterparts. Based on the statistics we see now, we need to make sure veterans are being screened for these different problems and are being treated. I know the Army and the VA will do their part for me and will continue to ensure all veterans are taken care of.”
| Branch | Primary Exposure Sources | Common At-Risk Roles | Peak Exposure Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navy | Ships, submarines, shipyards, engine and boiler rooms | Pipefitters, boiler technicians, shipbuilders, mechanics | 1930s–1990s |
| Army | Vehicles, barracks, military bases, construction materials | Construction specialists, mechanics, demolition crews | 1940s–1980s |
| Air Force | Aircraft insulation, hangars, base buildings | Aircraft mechanics, maintenance crews, construction workers | 1950s–1980s |
| Marines | Ships, amphibious vehicles, base buildings | Engine room workers, mechanics, construction crews | 1940s–1980s |
| Coast Guard | Cutters, shipyards, base facilities | Boiler technicians, pipefitters, shipyard workers | 1940s–1980s |
Veterans’ families faced asbestos risks of their own, both from living in on-base housing built with asbestos-containing materials and from secondhand exposure. This happened when fibers were brought home on uniforms, gear and equipment.
Family members who developed mesothelioma from secondary exposure may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation or legal compensation through asbestos trust funds and lawsuits. If a loved one developed mesothelioma after contact with a veteran’s work clothing or equipment, they should explore their compensation options right away.
Find out if you qualify to file a VA claim with help from the nation’s most trusted mesothelioma resource.
Get Your Free GuideVeterans with mesothelioma can receive treatment at VA medical centers at little to no cost, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. Veterans should see mesothelioma doctors who understand how military service relates to this rare cancer. The VA recognizes mesothelioma as a service-connected illness when active duty service caused the majority of a veteran’s asbestos exposure.
Veterans may also get treatment through private health providers. The VA continues to expand access to emerging treatments, including immunotherapy combinations like nivolumab plus ipilimumab, tumor treating fields and clinical trials through the VA system.
Key Facts About Mesothelioma Care for Veterans
The VA partners with some of the nation’s top mesothelioma specialists, and veterans can receive expert care at VA medical centers. The VA also offers clinical trials, including emerging therapies designed for veterans.
For many veterans, access to experienced specialists can improve outcomes and quality of life. Understanding treatment choices also means thinking about the cost of care. VA benefits can help cover expenses and provide financial relief for veterans and their families.
Odell R.
Navy Veteran Says Surgery Improved His Well-Being
Odell R. served 20 years in the U.S. Navy as a boatswain’s mate and electrician before being diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma and told he had 6 to 9 months to live. Renowned specialist Dr. Avi Lebenthal performed a 12-hour surgery that removed all visible signs of the cancer. His granddaughter Sydney told us, “Originally, we were told he wouldn’t see another Christmas. But that has changed since surgery.”
Odell R.
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can qualify for several VA benefits. These benefits provide financial support, health care access and extra aid to help with the costs and challenges of mesothelioma. The PACT Act of 2022 expanded eligibility for many of these benefits.
VA Benefits for Veterans With Mesothelioma
Filing claims for VA benefits can help give veterans and their families peace of mind when facing treatment costs and other mesothelioma-related expenses. Veterans and their families can explore available options and get support through the VA and our Veterans Department.
Mesothelioma care for veterans is provided through the Veterans Health Administration. This is the health-care branch of the VA and offers a wide range of services for veterans with mesothelioma. Veterans must show that at least 50% of their asbestos exposure happened during active duty to qualify. The VA provides standard treatments and specialized care tailored to mesothelioma.
Covered Mesothelioma Care for Veterans
Veterans eligible for VA health care get full coverage for mesothelioma treatment and support. In-home health care helps veterans who need medical care but can’t travel. This clinical service is separate from special monthly compensation, which provides extra financial support for veterans needing help with daily activities at home.
Disability compensation offers monthly, tax-free payments to veterans with service-connected illnesses like mesothelioma. The VA considers mesothelioma a 100% disabling condition because of how seriously it affects daily life. To receive these benefits, veterans must file a claim and provide proof that their asbestos exposure occurred during military service. VA compensation rates may increase based on dependents or additional needs.
Aaron Munz, former U.S. Army captain and director of our Veterans Department, explains: “Many veterans we assist across the nation have already been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and the VA has denied their claims. We work closely with them to identify when and where they came into contact with asbestos. Then we help them write an asbestos exposure summary describing their asbestos exposure history and the lack of protective equipment available at the time.”
| Benefit Type | Monthly Amount (2026) | Who Qualifies | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disability Compensation | $3,938.58 (single) / $4,158.17 (married) | Veterans with service-connected mesothelioma | VA Form 21-526EZ |
| Special Monthly Compensation | Varies by level | Veterans who are severely disabled or need home health care | VA Form 21-526EZ |
| Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) | $1,699.36 | Surviving spouses and dependents of veterans who died from service-connected mesothelioma | VA Form 21P-534EZ |
| Aid and Attendance | Additional monthly amount | Veterans who need help with daily activities like dressing, bathing or eating | VA Form 21-2680 |
| VA Health Care | Covers treatment costs | Veterans whose active duty service caused their mesothelioma diagnosis | Apply at VA.gov |
| Pension | Income-based | Disabled veterans with low income who can’t work | VA Form 21P-527EZ |
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for VA benefits if their illness directly links to asbestos exposure during military service. Discharge status, a confirmed diagnosis and medical evidence connecting the illness to military service are all required.
Eligibility Criteria for Veterans Benefits
The PACT Act of 2022 expanded VA health care eligibility for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including asbestos. The act is formally known as the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act. It created presumptive conditions, meaning veterans no longer need to prove their specific asbestos exposure caused their illness because causality is presumed.
Veterans who meet these requirements can apply for benefits with help from a VA-accredited claims agent. These agents guide veterans through the claims process, ensuring all documents are submitted correctly and on time. If you are unsure about your eligibility, a mesothelioma specialist or a VA-accredited claims agent can help you understand your options and guide you through your next steps.
Filing a VA claim for mesothelioma starts with gathering your military service records and medical diagnosis documentation. Mesothelioma receives an automatic 100% disability rating once the VA approves service connection, meaning veterans who qualify receive the maximum monthly compensation.
Follow These 4 Steps to Apply
Veterans who don’t meet every requirement on their own may still qualify with the right support. The PACT Act of 2022 expanded eligibility and reduced the burden of proof for many veterans with asbestos-related illnesses.
We can help you or a loved one file asbestos-related VA claims and access potential benefits.
Get Help NowVeterans with mesothelioma have three main options for financial assistance: VA benefits, asbestos trust funds and legal compensation through lawsuits. Veterans don’t sue the military itself. Claims target the companies that supplied asbestos-containing materials to the military, and more than $30 billion remains available in trust funds those companies created to compensate people diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases.
Veterans can apply for VA disability compensation and health care while also pursuing trust fund claims or lawsuits. VA claims target government benefits while lawsuits target the companies that manufactured asbestos products, so filing one doesn’t affect the other. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help veterans file trust fund claims and hold responsible companies accountable.
Veterans with mesothelioma should take several key steps to protect their health, access treatment and secure the benefits and support they’ve earned through military service. Acting quickly helps maximize treatment options and provides critical physical, emotional and financial help.
Steps for Veterans With Mesothelioma
Our Patient Advocates have worked with veterans since 2006. We help half of all veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, offering personalized support. You can access specialists and dedicated resources for mental health and caregiver needs.
Yes, mesothelioma is a VA disability. If the majority of a veteran’s lifetime asbestos exposure occurred during active duty, the VA classifies mesothelioma as a service-connected disability eligible for compensation and health care benefits.
Mesothelioma receives a 100% VA disability rating. The VA assigns this rating because of how seriously the disease affects daily life and a veteran’s ability to work. As of 2026, a 100% disability rating pays $3,938.58 per month for a single veteran. This rating stays at 100% while the cancer is active and for six months following the final treatment.
Yes, several resources exist specifically for veterans with mesothelioma. Veterans may qualify for VA disability compensation and VA health care if military service caused or worsened their condition. VA-accredited claims agents who specialize in asbestos claims can guide veterans through the benefits process. The VA MISSION Act community care program gives veterans access to civilian mesothelioma specialists when a VA facility isn’t nearby. Fisher House provides family lodging while a veteran receives hospital treatment.
To file a VA claim for mesothelioma, complete VA Form 21-526EZ and submit it with your medical diagnosis records and military service documentation. After submission, the VA will schedule a Compensation and Pension exam to evaluate your claim. The VA typically issues a rating decision within 3 to 12 months. Mesothelioma receives an automatic 100% disability rating once the VA approves service connection.
Yes, family members of veterans who died from service-connected mesothelioma may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, which pays $1,699.36 per month as of 2026. Family members may also qualify for wrongful death claims and asbestos trust fund compensation. Veterans’ family members who developed mesothelioma from secondhand asbestos exposure on uniforms or gear may also have legal options worth exploring.
The U.S. Navy has the highest mesothelioma rate among military branches because of extensive asbestos use in ships, submarines and shipyards. Navy veterans and shipyard workers had the most frequent and prolonged asbestos exposure of any military group. All branches used asbestos, but the Navy’s reliance on it for insulation and fireproofing in enclosed spaces made exposure especially hazardous.
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Munz, A. (2026, March 6). Mesothelioma & Veterans. Asbestos.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026, from https://www.asbestos.com/veterans/
Munz, Aaron. "Mesothelioma & Veterans." Asbestos.com, 6 Mar 2026, https://www.asbestos.com/veterans/.
Munz, Aaron. "Mesothelioma & Veterans." Asbestos.com. Last modified March 6, 2026. https://www.asbestos.com/veterans/.
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My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.
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Former U.S. Army Capt. Aaron Munz is the director of the Veterans Department at The Mesothelioma Center, and he is a VA-accredited Claims Agent. He received the Bronze Star in 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Munz has intimate knowledge of how veterans were exposed to asbestos because he served under similar conditions.
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