Even 35 years in the U.S. Military, serving in Vietnam and during the Cuban Missile Crisis, weren’t as hard as fighting mesothelioma. Just ask veteran John Conway, who was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma decades after his first asbestos exposure.
Veterans like John aren’t alone; 1 in 3 mesothelioma patients are former service members. But navigating the VA system, understanding your rights, and securing the benefits you deserve can be overwhelming on top of everything else.
At Bluestein Attorneys, we guide veterans through the VA claims process with clarity and dedication. In this article, we break down the benefits and resources available to veterans and their families after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
You Are Not Alone! 1 in 3 Mesothelioma Patients Are Veterans
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, with fewer than 3,000 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Yet, veterans make up a staggering 33% of all diagnoses, largely because of extensive asbestos use in the military.
For decades, asbestos was used extensively in ships, vehicles, buildings, and equipment across all military branches. Service members who worked with or around asbestos-containing materials often inhaled or ingested microscopic fibers, which can remain in the body and cause mesothelioma 20, 30, 40, or even 50 years later. Navy veterans, like John Conway, who was mentioned earlier, experienced the most intensive asbestos exposure due to the massive use of asbestos on naval ships.
It wasn’t until the early 1980s that the military began phasing out asbestos. As a result, veterans who served during World War II, Vietnam, and the Gulf War are still being diagnosed with lung cancer and mesothelioma today.
Mesothelioma in Military Families
Veterans who worked around asbestos often brought home fibers on their uniforms, skin, or hair, unknowingly exposing their families. Spouses and children who handled contaminated laundry or shared living spaces were at risk of inhaling these fibers, which can later develop into mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Compensation for Veterans
Many veterans battling mesothelioma begin by filing VA mesothelioma claims, but that’s just one of several paths available. Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to multiple forms of support. Each program serves a unique purpose, and many veterans qualify for more than one benefit simultaneously:
VA Disability Compensation
Mesothelioma is typically rated by the VA as a 100% disability, which qualifies eligible veterans for the highest level of monthly compensation. As of 2025, that means $4,044.91 per month for married veterans and $3,831.30 for single veterans, completely tax-free. Even if you previously received a lower rating for another asbestos-related disease, a mesothelioma diagnosis may make you eligible for a rate increase.
> Need help navigating your Mesothelioma claim? We’ve helped hundreds of South Carolina veteran file their claims and secure their benefits. Contact our VA Team
VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Veterans with service-connected mesothelioma whose daily activities are significantly impacted may qualify for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) — a tax-free benefit that supplements standard VA disability payments. SMC is awarded based on the level of assistance you need for personal care and daily tasks. As of 2025, monthly amounts range from $136.06 to $11,677.59, depending on the number of dependents, severity of symptoms, and whether the veteran is housebound, needs daily assistance, or is in hospice care. Since mesothelioma is usually rated at 100% disability, many veterans automatically qualify for SMC-S (housebound benefits) if they rarely leave home.
VA Pensions for Veterans with Limited Income
Veterans with mesothelioma who meet certain income and service requirements may qualify for a need-based program known as a VA pension. To be eligible, you must have served during a wartime period, be at least 65 years old, be permanently and totally disabled, and meet the financial threshold (for 2025, the net worth limit is $159,240). Even veterans with higher incomes may qualify if they have significant medical expenses. The VA calculates pension amounts based on the difference between your income and a fixed Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR).
Aid & Assistance (A&A)
If you qualify for a VA pension and need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating, you may also receive Aid & Attendance benefits. This additional monthly payment helps cover the cost of home care, assisted living, or nursing support. You may be eligible if you’re bedridden, live in a nursing home due to disability, or have severe vision loss. In 2025, eligible veterans can receive up to $33,548 annually in A&A support.
Survivor Benefits
Family members of veterans who passed away from mesothelioma may also be entitled to tax-free VA benefits. These include Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), survivor pensions, and burial benefits.
Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
Veterans with mesothelioma may also be eligible for compensation from asbestos trust funds. These were established by companies that manufactured or used asbestos products and later filed for bankruptcy. As part of their bankruptcy proceedings, these companies were required to set aside over $30 billion to compensate individuals who developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases due to exposure to their products. You can file asbestos trust fund claims and pursue VA benefits at the same time, since they are separate paths and one does not cancel out the other. Most veterans qualify to file with multiple trusts and can often begin receiving payouts within 90 days.
Need Help Filing a Claim? Here’s How We Support Veterans
Navigating a mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Bluestein Attorneys, our VA team is dedicated to assisting South Carolina veterans in filing strong VA mesothelioma claims and securing the full range of benefits they’re entitled to. When appropriate, we also connect veterans with trusted national asbestos litigation experts to pursue legal action against the companies responsible for their exposure. This dual approach ensures you explore every avenue for the compensation and support your family deserves.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, don’t wait to understand your options. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, or call us at (803) 779-7599. Complex systems or legal red tape should not prevent you from improving your quality of life and providing security for your family during this challenging time.
