Veterans who have developed lung cancer after exposure to the mineral during active military service—no matter when or where they served, may qualify for a variety of benefits including asbestos trust funds compensation and VA benefits.
Lung Cancer and Asbestos Exposure on Duty
Lung cancer is among the most common form of cancer associated with asbestos exposure, thus, is covered by the asbestos trust funds and eligible for payouts. The VA also validate lung cancer for Disability Compensation if records demonstrate exposure to asbestos in the military.
The primary route of entry into the body for asbestos fibers is inhalation. Shortly after inhalation, the asbestos fibers which attached themselves to tissue start producing increasingly inflammation and scarring, and ultimately they will affect the lungs extensively. Over the years, asbestos fibers can cause genetic and cellular damage leading to pleural lung cancer. Lung cancer causes the largest number of deaths related to asbestos exposure - around 4,800 deaths per year.
Lung Cancer Misdiagnosis and Veterans with a History of Military Asbestos Exposure
Many of the early symptoms of lung cancer, such as chest pain, persistent cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath, are also associated with other respiratory diseases. Therefore, these complications can often be attributed to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary fibrosis or tuberculosis. In addition, lung cancer may also occur at the same time as one of these illnesses, making diagnosing even more challenging. Consequently, an asbestos-related lung cancer misdiagnosis is quite common and is more likely to happen especially when the patient and his doctor ignore the past history of asbestos exposure.
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 Assistance for Veterans Diagnosed with Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer and you have a well-traced history of military asbestos exposure, take the time to seek out a second opinion from a doctor who specializes in asbestos-related diseases. Receiving a wrong diagnosis will also affect the financial compensation you can recover from asbestos trust funds, as the amount of money claimants can receive highly depends on their diagnosis. It is essential for veterans to know that they may be eligible for monetary compensation based on their exposure history. We can help you get access to compensation through asbestos trust funds and VA benefits as well.