Veterans who are suffering from pulmonary fibrosis after exposure to asbestos 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. Veterans with a pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis will need to travel to our medical facility in Birmingham, AL to undergo free confirmatory asbestos screening that includes a chest X-ray and a physical examination.
Pulmonary Fibrosis and Asbestos Exposure on Duty
Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the space between the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs that causes scar tissue formation and stiffness in the lungs leading to inability to transfer oxygen to the bloodstream. Though this condition may occur as a result of various factors such as adverse drug reactions, respiratory infections, allergic reactions, and radiation treatment, exposure to inorganic dust such as asbestos fibers can also contribute to the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), lung scarring is the most common diagnosis among individuals who have been exposed to very high levels of asbestos over long periods of time. This group definitely includes veterans. Scarred lung tissues often lead to the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis.
Pulmonary Fibrosis Misdiagnosis and Veterans with a History of Military Asbestos Exposure
Asbestosis, a chronic respiratory illness caused by prolonged asbestos exposure results in lung scarring and stiffness of the lungs, a condition very similar to pulmonary fibrosis and is often misdiagnosed as such. The early symptoms of asbestosis include chronic dry cough and difficulty in breathing during exercise and chest pain, which also develop in pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, asbestosis, which is a more severe illness that may even develop into mesothelioma in the future, may get misdiagnosed as pulmonary fibrosis. This is very common and is more likely to happen when you ignore sharing your past history of asbestos exposure with your doctor. Veterans with asbestosis are more likely to develop mesothelioma in the future.
A pulmonary fibrosis misdiagnosis can also affect the financial compensation you are going to recover from the asbestos trust funds because the amount of money an asbestos victim is eligible depends mainly on the diagnosis. We strongly recommend seeking a second opinion from a specialist in asbestos-related diseases as this can help you receive an accurate diagnosis.
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 Pulmonary Fibrosis
Although the causal relationship between pulmonary fibrosis and asbestos exposure has not been established yet, a series of reliable medical tests have found this illness to be highly prevalent among people with a history of occupational asbestos exposure. Therefore, if you have been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and can trace back the history of military asbestos exposure, please seek a second opinion from a doctor specializing in asbestos-related diseases. Veterans are eligible for monetary compensation based on their asbestos exposure history. We can help you to receive compensation through asbestos trust funds and VA benefits as well.