Because of its prevalence in shipyards and construction materials, many veterans were exposed to asbestos, which is now known to be highly carcinogenic. Veterans with a health condition from military asbestos exposure may be eligible for VA compensation.
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In this article we list risk factors for asbestos-related conditions, detail the most common conditions asbestos causes in veterans, and explain how to file for compensation for VA asbestos exposure.
In this article about military asbestos exposure:
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral fibers that originate underground. Before the mid-1970s, asbestos was widely used in building construction and construction materials due to its strength and resistance to heat and corrosion.
Before it was phased out, you could find asbestos widely used in roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, automobile clutches, brakes, and transmission parts. Other sources of asbestos included packaging, gaskets, coatings, and more.
An asbestos containing material (ACM) is any material that contains more than 1% asbestos. When an ACM is damaged or disturbed, harmful asbestos fibers are released into the air. Breathing in asbestos increases risks of lung diseases. The longer you breathe these fibers in, the greater your risk of developing a serious respiratory illness.
Asbestos exposure in the military
Because asbestos is resistant to heat, provides insulation, and has fireproofing capabilities, the military used several ACMs before asbestos was phased out.
VA disability lawyer Joseph Scott explained, “For over 70 years, the military used a deadly carcinogen in almost every aspect of daily life. Asbestos was used in a variety of construction, from shipbuilding to housing, to insulation, to electrical manufacturing. It was thought to be as common and useful as wood, glass, steel, rubber, but it was later found out to be extremely, extremely carcinogenic or cancerous.”
Asbestos exposure has also been a problem at multiple military bases including Fort McClellan and Fort Bragg. Because of all this, many veterans were exposed to asbestos.
Whether or not you develop asbestos related health conditions may depend on how much asbestos you were exposed to and for how long. Those that are exposed to high levels during a short amount of time, and those exposed to lower levels over a long period of time, may be more at risk.
Veterans most at risk for asbestos-related illnesses
Veterans especially at risk for asbestos-related illnesses may have performed one or more of the following duties during service:
- Demolishing asbestos-containing structures
- Removing or handling of damaged asbestos materials
- Working as a pipefitter, welder, boiler operator, building renovator, or demolition specialist
- Serving in Iraq and other countries where older buildings were damaged
In general, the VA suggests that you get tested for illnesses that affect your lungs if you worked in any of these areas during service:
- Mining
- Milling
- Shipyards
- Construction
- Carpentry
- Demolition
Or, get tested if your MOS involved working with any of the following products:
- Flooring
- Roofing
- Cement sheet
- Pipes
- Insulation
- Clutch facings and brake linings (friction products)
Asbestos in the Navy
From the 1930s through the 1990s, the Navy often used ACMs in ship building and construction materials found above and below deck.
If you are a Navy veteran who worked under any of these conditions, you may be at a higher risk of developing an asbestos-related illness:
- Served on a ship whose keels were laid before 1983
- Worked in a shipyard any time between the 1930s and 1990s
- Worked on a ship below deck before the early 1990s
- Removed damaged asbestos lagging in engine rooms
- Used asbestos paste to re-wrap pipes
Veterans who are uncertain about when the ship they served on was built and whether asbestos was present may also benefit from visiting the National Archives website. This resource is not intended to be comprehensive, but may be a helpful tool for some Navy veterans seeking benefits for military asbestos exposure.
Health conditions caused by asbestos
Asbestos exposure can cause several health problems, usually affecting the lungs and membranes around the lungs. Symptoms of asbestos-related health conditions, including cancer, don’t usually show up until 20 to 50 years after prolonged exposure.
Below are the most common asbestos-related illnesses and how the VA rates them.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a form of lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust and fibers. When asbestos fibers enter your lungs, they can cause scarring of the lungs and thickening of the membranes surrounding your lungs, called pleura. The combination of scarring and thickening makes it very difficult to breathe.
Because the scarring worsens slowly over time, many don’t notice their symptoms right away.
The VA rating for asbestosis is based on diagnostic code 6833, using the General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease as follows:
| Description | VA Rating | Monthly payment (vet only) |
|---|---|---|
| Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | 100% | $3,831.30 |
| FVC of 50- to 64-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation | 60% | $1,395.93 |
| FVC of 65- to 74-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 56- to 65-percent predicted | 30% | $537.42 |
| FVC of 75- to 80-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 66- to 80-percent predicted | 10% | $175.51 |
Pleural plaques
Pleural plaques are thickened areas of tissue that form around the pleura surrounding your lungs. Pleural plaques are a non-cancerous, symptomless reaction to asbestos exposure and usually develop 20 years or more after exposure.
Like asbestosis, the VA rating for pleural plaques is based on the criteria listed in the General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease. Potential ratings are 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100% based on the results of lung function tests.
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Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a fast-growing cancer. When mesothelioma affects the tissue around the lungs, it’s called pleural mesothelioma.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain in the chest
- Painful coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Lumps under the skin on the chest
- Tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
If you have a mesothelioma or lung cancer diagnosis from military asbestos exposure, the VA will likely assign you a 100% disability rating. This 100% rating will continue for the duration of your illness and treatment as well as six months after treatment ends. At this point, you’ll be re-evaluated and may be granted a new disability rating based on any residuals.
Getting VA disability for asbestos-related illness
Because symptoms of asbestos exposure don’t show up for decades, some veterans may have trouble getting VA benefits for illnesses caused by military asbestos exposure.
However, with the right documentation, it is possible to get VA disability compensation for your asbestos-related condition.
To file a claim, fill out the application for disability compensation and collect and submit supporting evidence.
Supporting evidence may include:
- Your military discharge papers (DD214)
- Sick bay records from service
- Medical records from the VA, private doctors, or hospital visits
- Supporting statements that tell the VA more about your condition. These statements can come from family members, friends, former bosses or coworkers, law enforcement personnel, or people you served with.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, it is possible to get VA benefits from an illness you develop from exposure to asbestos during military service. If you worked with asbestos containing materials (ACMs) during service or worked on a ship built with ACMs, you may have breathed in asbestos. The most common illnesses veterans develop from prolonged asbestos exposure are asbestosis, mesothelioma, and pleural plaques. VA disability compensation for these conditions is available to qualifying veterans.
Veterans with a mesothelioma diagnosis that is service-related will likely receive a 100% VA disability rating for the duration of their illness and six months after treatment ends.
Neil Woods
VA disability attorney
Woods & Woods
Neil Woods is the firm’s owner and president. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
