History Of Asbestos Use In The Army
Asbestos was widely used in the Army throughout the 20th century due to its durability, heat resistance, and affordability.
The material was incorporated into numerous applications, including construction materials, vehicles, aircraft, and machinery, which were essential to military operations.
Army barracks and bases often contained asbestos in insulation, roofing, and flooring materials. Vehicles such as tanks and jeeps utilized asbestos in brake pads, clutches, and gaskets to withstand high heat and heavy use.
Additionally, Army mechanics, engineers, and construction crews frequently worked directly with asbestos-containing materials, often without protective equipment.
Even as the health risks of asbestos became widely recognized in the 1970s, asbestos-containing products remained present in older Army infrastructure and equipment.
Health Risks Associated With Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos leads to several specific health risks. These include:
- Mesothelioma: is a cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. It forms in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested and become trapped, causing inflammation and cell damage.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos-related lung cancer occurs when inhaled fibers lodge in lung tissue. Over time, this leads to tumor formation. Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer in those exposed to asbestos.
- Asbestosis: Asbestosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers that scar lung tissue. The scarring reduces lung function, causing breathing difficulties and chronic coughing.
- Pleural Plaques and Effusions: Pleural plaques are thickened areas on the lung lining caused by asbestos exposure, often detected during imaging studies. Pleural effusions involve fluid buildup in the chest cavity, which can impair breathing.
Delayed Onset of Symptoms
Symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses often appear decades after exposure, typically 20 to 50 years later. This latency makes early diagnosis challenging and can delay treatment.
Impact On Military Veterans
These conditions significantly affect veterans’ health, often requiring extensive medical treatment. The progressive nature of these illnesses impacts breathing, physical activity, and overall quality of life.
VA Treatment Options For Military Asbestos Exposure
The Veterans Affairs or VA health care system has incredible doctors across the United States to treat asbestos-related cancer.
There are treatment locations in Boston, Houston, Miami, and Los Angeles. The VA health care provides free treatment for asbestos-related diseases connected to military service and is affordable for lower-income veterans.
Your Legal Rights As An Army Veteran
Army veterans exposed to asbestos during their service have multiple legal avenues to seek financial compensation for asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis. These options include lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and VA benefits.
Lawsuits and Trust Fund Claims
Veterans can file lawsuits against companies that manufacture or supply asbestos-containing materials used during their service.
Filing a claim with these trust funds does not require proving negligence but does require documentation of exposure and diagnosis.
VA Benefits and Legal Claims
Veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses may qualify for VA disability benefits if they can prove their condition is service-connected.
Filing for VA benefits does not prevent veterans from pursuing additional legal claims through lawsuits or trust fund filings, allowing them to seek multiple forms of compensation.
How To Qualify For VA Compensation For Asbestos Exposure
To qualify for VA compensation due to asbestos exposure, veterans must demonstrate that their condition is connected to their military service.
This requires clear evidence of exposure, a medical diagnosis, and proof of the link between the exposure and the illness.
Document Military Service
Identify the specific roles, duties, and locations where asbestos exposure occurred.
Common areas of exposure include shipyards, vehicle maintenance facilities, and construction sites on military bases.
Obtain a Medical Diagnosis
Provide medical records confirming a diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis.
The diagnosis must come from a qualified healthcare professional.
Establish Service Connection
Link the medical condition to military service. This involves demonstrating that the exposure occurred during active duty and was a direct cause of the illness.
Supporting evidence may include service records, occupational duties, and medical expert statements.
File a VA Disability Claim
Complete VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits). Include all relevant service and medical records to strengthen the claim.
Undergo a VA Medical Examination
The VA may require an examination to evaluate the severity of the condition and confirm its connection to military service.
Contact Us For Legal Advice
If you or a loved one is dealing with an asbestos-related illness, it is crucial to seek legal action promptly. Time-sensitive claims and the complexities of asbestos claims make early action essential to protecting your rights.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Our team of experienced mesothelioma lawyers is here to guide you through the process.
Asbestos Jobs at Risk
| Academy Graduates | Mechanics |
| Adjusters | Mechanized Man |
| Adjutants | Medics |
| Administrators | Mess Hall Cooks |
| Admirals | Mess Person |
| Air Controllers | Messboys |
| Air Crews | Messengers |
| Airman | Messman |
| Analysts | Metal Craftsman |
| Applicators | Metal Lathers |
| Architects | Metallurgists |
| Artillery Crews | Metalsmiths |
| Assault Troops | Meteorologist |
| Assemblers | Meter Readers |
| Ballistics Experts | Meter Setters |
| Band Members | Meteorologists |
| Batteryman | Microbiologists |
| Biochemists | Midshipman |
| Biologists | Military Policeman |
| Blacksmiths | Millwrights |
| Boat Captains | Missile Batteryman |
| Boilerman | Missile Crews |
| Bombardiers | Modelers |
| Bookkeepers | Molders |
| Brakeman | Monitors |
| Bricklayers | Mortar Man |
| Brigade Combat Teams | Motorman |
| Brushers | Movers |
| Buffers | Mud Man |
| Burnishers | Navigation Crews |
| Butchers | Navigators |
| Cabin Crews | Nose Gunners |
| Cableman | Nurses |
| Caddys | Observers |
| Cadets | Oceanographers |
| Calibrators | Offbearers |
| Cameramen | Office Staff |
| Cannoneers | Officers |
| Captains | Oil Drillers |
| Carpenters | Oil Man |
| Cartographers | Oil Riggers |
| Casters | Oilers |
| Cavalry Scouts | Oilfield Man |
| Cementers | Operators |
| Changers | Ordinary Seaman |
| Chaplains | Ordnance Blasters |
| Chefs | Ordnance Experts |
| Chiefs | Overhaulers |
| Chippers | Packagers |
| Classifiers | Paint Strippers |
| Cleaners | Painters |
| Coaters | Paramedics |
| Combat Teams | Pararescue Man |
| Commanders | Pastry Man |
| Commodores | Patternmakers |
| Conductors | Pavers |
| Connectors | Pay Masters |
| Constructors | Personnelman |
| Contractors | Petty Officers |
| Controlman | Pharmacists |
| Cooks | Photographers |
| Coordinators | Physicians |
| Coppersmiths | Physicists |
| Coreman | Pilots |
| Corporals | Pipeliners |
| Corpsman | Planners |
| Correspondents | Plasterers |
| Counselors | Polishers |
| Couriers | Porters |
| Craftsman | Post Masters |
| Crew Chief | Poultry Cutters |
| Curators | Powder Mixers |
| Curers | Power Lineman |
| Custodians | Pressers |
| Cutters | Privates |
| Deck Cadet | Programmers |
| Deck Hands | Pumpman |
| Deck Mates | Pursers |
| Decorators | Quartermasters |
| Demolition Crews | Radar Man |
| Dentists | Radiology Technologist |
| Designers | Rangers |
| Detailers | Ratchet Man |
| Developers | Receptionists |
| Diggers | Recorders |
| Disabled Vets | Recruiters |
| Disassemblers | Refrigeration Mates |
| Dismantlers | Regiment Workers |
| Dispatchers | Remodelers |
| Divers | Renovators |
| Doctors | Reporters |
| Dog Handlers | Reserve Units |
| Door Gunners | Reservists |
| Draftsman | Restorers |
| Drivers | Rifleman |
| Drillers | Riggers |
| Drywallers | Riveters |
| Editors | Rodman |
| Electricians | Roofers |
| Embossers | Roughnecks |
| Engineman | Sailors |
| Engineers | Sanders |
| Engravers | Sergeant Majors |
| Enlisted Men | Sergeants |
| Enlistees | Sawyers |
| Ensigns | Scalers |
| Estimators | Scientists |
| Etchers | Scrap Loaders |
| Examiners | Screeners |
| Excavators | Scrum Masters |
| Expediters | Sculptors |
| Experts | Sea Chippers |
| Exploders | Seabees |
| Explosive Man | Sealers |
| Extruders | Seaman |
| Facilitators | Seamstress |
| Feeders | Secretaries |
| Field Man | Security Guard |
| Field Teams | Sergeant Major |
| Filers | Staff Sergeants |
| Film Editors | Serviceman |
| Finishers | Setters |
| Fire Chiefs | Ship Breakers |
| Fire Controlman | Shipfitters |
| Fire Crews | Shipmasters |
| Firefighters | Signalman |
| Firemen | Skinishers |
| First Mates | Smelter Man |
| Fitters | Soderman |
| Flagman | Soldiers |
| Fleet Interns | Sonarman |
| Flight Crews | Sorters |
| Folders | Soundman |
| Galley Cook | Splicers |
| Generals | Spotters |
| Geoscientists | Sprayers |
| Graders | Squad Commanders |
| Greenskeepers | Station Engineers |
| Grinders | Steam Crews |
| Guards | Stenographers |
| Guardsman | Stockroom Keeper |
| Gunners Mate | Stonemason |
| Gunsmiths | Storekeepers |
| Hammerman | Strike Groups |
| Handyman | Subcontractors |
| Honor Guard | Submarine Man |
| Hospital Man | Surgeons |
| Hull Man | Switchman |
| Hydraulic Man | Tail Gunners |
| Infantry Division | Tailors |
| Infantryman | Tankerman |
| Inspectors | Teachers |
| Installers | Technical Writers |
| Instructors | Technicians |
| Instrument Man | Telegraphers |
| Interpreters | Telephone Lineman |
| Investigators | Tenders |
| Ironers | Third Mates |
| Janitors | Throttle Man |
| Journeyman | Tinkers |
| Specialists | Tinsmiths |
| Judges | Tire Changers |
| Kitters | Tool Programmers |
| Kneaders | Toolers |
| Lab Worker | Torpedo Man |
| Laborers | Traffic Controllers |
| Laggers | Trainees |
| Laminators | Trainers |
| Landscapers | Translators |
| Latrine Diggers | Transporters |
| Layers | Truck Unloaders |
| Leadman | Turret Trainers |
| Leak Man | Unit Commanders |
| Liaison Officers | Unloaders |
| Lieutenants | Upholsterers |
| Lineman | Utilities Man |
| Loaders | Vessel Crews |
| Locators | Waitstaff |
| Longshoreman | Warehouse Man |
| Lookouts | Warfare Man |
| Lt. Colonels | Warrant Officers |
| Machine Setters | Washers |
| Machinist Mates | Weapons Mates |
| Machinists | Weather Observers |
| Mail Carriers | Weatherman |
| Maintainers | Weighers |
| Maintenance Man | Welders |
| Majors | Wheelman |
| Managers | Winders |
| Mappers | Wing Crews |
| Mariners | Wipers |
| Marksman | Wireman |
| Masons | Wrecking Crews |
| Measurers | Yardman |
| Meat Cutters | Yeoman |
Asbestos Exposure in U.S. Army Buildings
| Army Affairs Offices | Army Intelligence Museum |
| Army Air Bases | Army Laboratories |
| Army Air Fields | Army Laboratory |
| Army Air Stations | Army Machine Shops |
| Army Artillery Depots | Army Medical Centers |
| Army Aviation Museum | Army Medical Department |
| Army Barracks | Army Medical Department (AMEDD) |
| Army Base Housing | Army Medical Department Museum |
| Army Base Workshops | Army Medical Museum and Library |
| Army Buildings | Army Military Hospitals |
| Army Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory (CECRL) | Army Military Intelligence Corp |
| Army Command Centers | Army Mississippi Valley Division (CEMVD) |
| Army Communications | Army Museums |
| Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories(CECER) | Army North Atlantic Division (CENAD) |
| Army Dental Labs | Army Northwestern Division (CENWD) |
| Army Depots | Army Oil Fields |
| Army Development Centers | Army Ordnance Museum |
| Army Digitization Office (ADO) | Army Pacific Ocean Division (CEPOD) |
| Army Engineering and Support Centers | Army Post Facilities |
| Army Forts | Army Power Plants |
| Army Geospatial Centers | Army Quartermaster Museum |
| Army Great Lakes and Ohio River Division (CELRD) | Army Radar Stations |
| Army Heritage and Education Centers | Army Research Laboratory (ARL) |
| Army Heritage Center Foundation | Army Reserve Base |
| Army Hospitals | Army Retirement Homes |
| Army Housing Complex | Army Review Boards Agency (ARBA) |
| Army Installation Command | Army Service Stations |
| Army Installations | Army Shipyards |
Army Veterans and Asbestos Containing Products:
| Access Panels | Cords | Marine Hosing |
| Acoustic Tiles | Cork Board | Military Aircraft |
| Acoustical Insulation | Deck Covering Materials | Military Vehicles |
| Adhesives | Decks | Mixes |
| Air Handling Systems | Drywall | Mortar |
| Aircraft Braking Systems | Ducts | Motor Parts |
| Aircraft Engines | Electrical Equipment | Packing Assemblies |
| Aircraft Stitching Wire | Electrical Insulation | Packing Materials |
| Ammunition Hoists | Electrical Wiring | Paints |
| Army Gas Masks | Engine Heat Shields | Pipe Coverings |
| Asbestos Blankets | Engine Parts | Pipe Insulation |
| Asbestos Boards | Epoxies | Pipe Wrap |
| Asbestos Cement Sheets | Felts | Pipes |
| Asbestos Coated Steam Pipeline | Fire Bricks | Plane Compartments |
| Asbestos Concrete | Fire Doors | Plumbing Systems |
| Asbestos-Containing Coots | Fire Resistant Clothes | Propeller assemblies |
| Asbestos-Containing Gloves | Fireproofing | Protective Fire Retardant |
| Asbestos-Containing Parts | Fireroom Equipment | Pumps |
| Asbestos Filters | Firewall Seals | Pyrotechnics |
| Asbestos on Planes | Flexible Duct Connectors | Refractory |
| Asbestos Sheets | Floor Tile | Rivets |
| Asbestos Suits | Flooring Materials | Rods |
| Asbestos-Containing Parts | Foundation Cement | Roof Shingles |
| Asphalt Plastic Cement | Furnaces | Roof Tar |
| Base Floor Covering Materials | Gaskets | Roofing Materials |
| Base Structures | Generators | Sealants |
| Block Insulation | Grinders | Sealing Firewalls |
| Boiler Insulation | Gun Mounts | Seals |
| Boiler Room Equipment | Heat Resistant Gloves | Smoke Screen Generators |
| Boiler Valves | Heat Resistant Materials | Soil on AFB Bases |
| Boilers | Heat Shields for Engines | Sound Dampening Materials |
| Brake Linings | Heating Systems | Soundproofing Panels |
| Brake Pads | Hot Water Pipes | Steam Pipes |
| Brakes | Hot Water Tank Insulation | Steam Valves |
| Bulkhead Systems | Hulls | Structural Fireproofing |
| Cables | HVAC Systems | Stucco |
| Capacitors | Hydraulic Assemblies | Surfacing Materials |
| Caulks | Hydraulic Systems | Systems Used to Heat Cockpits |
| Ceiling Tiles | Instrument Paneling | Tadpole Tapes |
| Cement Asbestos Shingles | Insulating Materials | Tanks |
| Cement Chalk Boards | Insulation | Tar Joint Compound |
| Cement Covered Flues | Insulation Cement | Thermal Insulation |
| Cement Mixtures | Insulation Felts | Torque Valves |
| Cement Pipes | Insulation in Cargo Bays | Tubes |
| Cement | Insulation of Tanks | Turbines |
| Clutch Facings | Insulation on Boilers | U.S. Army Aircraft |
| Clutch Pads | Insulation on hot water pipes | Valves |
| Clutches | Insulation on Steam Pipes | Vibration Dampeners |
| Cockpit Heating Systems | Jet Engines | Vinyl Flooring |
| Communication Systems | Jet Exhaust Insulation | Wall Insulation |
| Concrete Additives | Joiner Bulkhead Systems | Wallboard Joint Compound |
| Concrete Foundations | Joint Compound | Walls |
| Construction Equipment | Lubricants | Weapon Systems |
| Cooling Towers | Machinery | Wiring |