Veterans who are suffering from diffuse pleural thickening because of exposure to asbestos during their active military service—no matter when or where they served—qualify for a variety of benefits including asbestos trust funds compensation and VA benefits. Veterans with a diagnosis of diffuse pleural thickening will need to travel to our medical facility in Birmingham, AL to undergo a free confirmatory asbestos screening that includes a chest X-ray and a physical examination.
Diffuse Pleural Thickening and Asbestos Exposure on Duty
Diffuse pleural thickening is a condition which is characterized by extensive scarring that thickens the lining of the lungs called pleura. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases caused by prolonged asbestos exposure. Studies have found that 5-13.5% of people with occupational asbestos exposure have developed diffuse pleural thickening after at least 2 to 34 years of exposure to the dangerous mineral.
The tiny asbestos fibers once inhaled become trapped within the pleura leading to irritation of the lung lining and chronic inflammation. Over a period of time, the inflammation can cause severe scarring of the lungs that restricts proper expansion of the lungs while trying to breathe in air.
Diffuse Pleural Thickening Misdiagnosis and Veterans with a History of Military Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos-related pulmonary disorders such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma are commonly misdiagnosed as diffuse pleural thickening because the early symptoms such as breathlessness, chronic dry cough, and chest pain develop in all of these conditions. Diffuse pleural thickening is often misdiagnosed and most veterans who were initially diagnosed with diffuse pleural thickening, in fact, had asbestosis, lung cancer, or even more aggressive mesothelioma.
If you are diagnosed with diffuse pleural thickening, it is important to seek a second opinion from a doctor specializing in asbestos-related diseases so as to check whether your initial diagnosis is correct. A diffuse pleural thickening misdiagnosis is quite common and therefore, it is vital to share the history of possible asbestos exposure with your doctor so that you can receive an accurate and timely diagnosis. A wrong diagnosis will not only affect your treatment plan and prognosis but will also affect the amount of financial compensation you are eligible to receive from the asbestos trust funds.
Receiving a wrong diagnosis and unsuitable treatment greatly affects your prognosis. We have a team of skilled specialists who are well equipped and experienced to provide you with an accurate diagnosis.
Quality Legal Assistance for Veterans Diagnosed with Asbestos-Related Diffuse Pleural Thickening
If you are a veteran diagnosed with diffuse pleural thickening, you may have been exposed to asbestos during your military service and therefore you are eligible to receive compensation for the damage caused. It is also essential to seek a second opinion from a specialist in asbestos-related diseases as the rate of misdiagnosis is quite high among victims of asbestos exposure. Veterans are eligible for monetary compensation based on their asbestos exposure history. We provide quality assistance and help you to receive compensation through asbestos trust funds and VA benefits as well.