Mesothelioma in the Marines: What It Is and What You Can Do

Marines, like other veterans, were put at high risk of exposure to asbestos while serving their country. Exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor for developing a lethal form of cancer, mesothelioma. ⁽¹⁾

“Of the nearly 3,000 Americans diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, 30 percent of this total are veterans,” according to the Purple Heart Foundation. ⁽²⁾

Marines Have Higher Rates of Mesothelioma

Living and working onboard ships put sailors at elevated risk of asbestos exposure. Marines also lived and worked on Navy ships, performing similar tasks as sailors would while onboard. This includes maintenance, repair, and operation of vessels. One notable example is actor and former Marine, Steve McQueen, who died of mesothelioma in 1980. ⁽³⁾

An international review study, that included data for the United States Navy and Marine Corps, concluded, “A more than double excess risk for mesothelioma among seamen working aboard ships emerged from our meta-analysis.” The analysis of 1999-2015 U.S. data indicated out of 11 U.S. military mesothelioma deaths, there was a 3.4 standard mortality ratio among Marine oilers. ⁽⁴⁾

This underscores the fact that when there is mesothelioma in Marines, they need to develop an understanding of the disease. They also need to become aware of what support is available to them and what legal options they have.

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that starts in the thin tissue surrounding internal organs (mesothelium), according to the Mayo Clinic. Most frequently, mesothelioma begins in the mesothelium around your lungs, but it can also affect your heart, belly, and testicles. ⁽⁵⁾

High levels of asbestos exposure are linked to mesothelioma, according to the American Cancer Society. Asbestos is a group of natural mineral fibers that occur as bundles. Fibers getting into the air can be inhaled, lodging in your lungs. Over time, the asbestos fibers in your lungs scar and damage lung cells, causing mesothelioma. ⁽⁶⁾

Read more medical information regarding mesothelioma.

Is Mesothelioma a Terminal Illness?

Mesothelioma is a terminal illness. There are treatments to reduce your symptoms — and even extend your life — but no cure. Most people with mesothelioma die within 18 months after diagnosis. ⁽⁷⁾

How Did Marines Get Exposed to Mesothelioma?

Marines were exposed to asbestos while they were near construction work on ships. Exposure also occurred while working and carrying out maintenance tasks on ships, or when being transported to areas of conflict. For example, repairing gaskets or removing insulation on ships are high-risk exposure activities and were regularly performed by Marines. These activities could disturb and release asbestos fibers. ⁽⁸⁾

Asbestos containing materials were widely used throughout cruisers, destroyers, aircraft carriers, and submarines because water does not damage asbestos. ⁽⁹⁾ For more insight on asbestos in ships visit, Navy Veterans and Asbestos Exposure.

Other Sources of Marine Asbestos Exposure

Ships were not the only source of asbestos exposure Marines faced. Military vehicles, braking systems, fireproofing materials, pumps, and boilers all contained asbestos. ⁽¹⁰⁾

For example, W&L secured a seven-figure settlement for a veteran boiler operator diagnosed with mesothelioma after a nearly 55-year career.

Asbestos was widely used in buildings. It was in such things as plumbing, piping, sealants, and adhesives. It was also in tiles, flooring, roofing, and cement. Military bases, mess halls, and barracks became sources of contamination. ⁽¹¹⁾

Understanding VA Ratings for Mesothelioma

When you file a claim for disability benefits with the Veterans Administration (VA), it reviews your “Compensation and Pension Exam results, your military service, how it affects your life, and filing for secondary conditions.” Based on this review of information, the VA assigns a disability rating to determine your level of monthly compensation. ⁽¹²⁾

The VA disability benefits scale ranges from 0 to 100%. It is important to know that the VA uses a weighted average approach to calculate disability benefits. “The weighted average system is codified in federal regulations and represents how all your disabilities affect your entire life.” ⁽¹³⁾

Presumptive Medical Conditions

The VA has published a list of conditions considered “presumptive” for the purposes of disability benefits. Among the conditions listed are cancers of the lungs. ⁽¹⁴⁾

A 100% disability rating provides substantial benefits. It is often awarded for the most seriously disabling conditions. Mesothelioma is a terminal disease with no cure. As such, it has a 100% disability rating with the VA. ⁽¹⁵⁾

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma connected to your military service, you should consider filing with the VA. Find out more about your eligibility to file an online claim with the VA. ⁽¹⁶⁾

Legal Options for Marines Diagnosed with Mesothelioma

Many Marine Corps veterans were first exposed to asbestos through their work in the military. However — after their service ended — you may have continued to perform the same, or similar, work in private industry. Often this meant further exposure to asbestos and ultimately a diagnosis of mesothelioma.

As a veteran, your first step — after beginning medical treatment for a mesothelioma diagnosis is to speak with an attorney to consider all of your legal options.

One of your legal options is to file a mesothelioma lawsuit against all parties responsible for your exposure to asbestos. This can include companies, manufacturers, and suppliers that sold asbestos products to the military.

It can also include past employers who may have knowingly had asbestos in their products. They can be held liable for your illness if they did not adequately inform or train workers — like you — who used or handled those products as part of your job tasks.

Asbestos Trust Funds

Another option is to file claims with asbestos trust funds. These funds were established by companies that went out of business. The trust funds are meant to pay claims of asbestos victims. There are many asbestos trust funds. However, they often have time limits for filing claims.

Knowing the trust funds you should file claims with, how long you have to file your claims, and how to navigate the claims process can be challenging. A skilled and experienced asbestos attorney — like the attorneys at Weitz & Luxenberg — will file your claims with the appropriate trust funds. Choosing the right attorney is key to achieving a successful outcome.

W&L is a nationally recognized asbestos litigation law firm with nearly 40 years of experience representing veterans and their families. W&L has a team of asbestos attorneys who are dedicated to supporting our clients, obtaining the best possible outcomes for your case, and holding asbestos companies responsible for the harm they have inflicted. Get more information on how to file mesothelioma lawsuits.

Resources for Marines and Their Families

Veterans may be eligible to receive medical benefits for mesothelioma through the VA healthcare system. This is particularly important for mesothelioma in Marines faced with questions about expensive treatments and whose life expectancy is threatened.

Many times, these benefits include medical care at VA specialized treatment centers located all around the country. For example, according to the VA, “One of the doctors to treat mesothelioma, Dr. Robert Cameron, who is listed as one of the top five doctors for mesothelioma and thoracic surgery, works right here at our West Los Angeles VA.” Dr. Cameron has extended the lives of his patients through pioneering the “pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) surgery” treatment. This is when doctors only remove the cancer from the lung’s lining — and not the entire lung. ⁽¹⁷⁾

The VA also offers benefits to family members, survivors, and caregivers of mesothelioma Marines. Such benefits often include: ⁽¹⁸⁾

• Burial costs.
• Education.
• Health care.
• Housing assistance.
• Life insurance.
• Survivor compensation.

People who qualify for benefits may also have coverage for mental and emotional health, such as medication, counseling, and support groups.

In fact, there are many different types of resources available for veterans, their families, survivors, and caregivers who must navigate the challenges of mesothelioma. These resources are both public and private. The resources address financial, legal, and medical needs — including housing, transportation, mental and emotional care, and insurance.

Financial Resources

• VA financial hardship assistance. You can request help with medical copays.
• Semper Fi & America’s Fund. This organization can provide immediate financial assistance.

Legal Resources

• Navy JAG Corps Legal Assistance. Get help with wills, estate planning, powers of attorney, and military rights and benefits.
• VA Office of General Counsel. Learn about free legal clinics and get information on pro bono resources for veterans.
• Weitz & Luxenberg asbestos lawyers. W&L is a leader in mesothelioma litigation. We are a valuable source for holding any responsible parties accountable for the harm they do. We can pursue your legal claim, often resulting in compensation that could provide financial security. Consultation is free. To better understand this devastating disease and how we can help, visit Asbestos Diseases.

Medical Resources

Healthcare

• VA Health Programs for Veterans. This provides information and links to medical resources for veterans and their families.
• MyHealtheVet. This portal helps veterans manage their health care.

Housing

• Fisher House Foundation. This group provides housing when medical treatments are away from home.
• American Cancer Society Hope Lodge. This community provides housing during medical care away from home.

Transportation

• American Cancer Society Road to Recovery. This program provides transportation to cancer treatments.
• VA travel pay reimbursement. The VA reimburses mileage and expenses to and from health care appointments.

Mental Health

• VA Mental Health. The VA provides information and links to VA locations offering covered mental health services.

Insurance

• VA health care and other insurance. Veterans may be eligible to receive benefits under multiple health insurance policies. This provides information on what is covered by VA health benefits combined with Medicare, Medicaid, and other private insurance plans.

What You Can Do: Weitz & Luxenberg Is Here to Help

As a veteran, your first step should be to explore your treatment options with a mesothelioma medical expert. Getting appropriate medical care quickly is critical when dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Then hire a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible, to discuss filing your claim with the VA for benefits and compensation. Weitz & Luxenberg has the history and reputation of a national leader in mesothelioma lawsuits. W&L asbestos attorneys can help you weigh all of your legal options. Providing compassionate and skilled representation, W&L attorneys are dedicated to helping you achieve justice.

From the very beginning of your mesothelioma journey, seek connections with support networks for mesothelioma and Marines. This can help you to gain insight, understanding, and guidance. Utilize some of the above resources to help meet your needs. Not only can this give you peace of mind but it can also help your loved ones and caregivers.

Marine veterans with mesothelioma should reach out to us at (917) LAWYERS, or fill out the form on this page. We want to take on the legal fight with you and offer you a free case evaluation.