Asbestos In The U.S. Marine Corps
Asbestos was used mainly in the construction of buildings and the manufacturing of various vehicles. It could be found in mess halls, sleeping quarters, and officers’ work
The asbestos was also often inside the building materials such as insulation, tiles, caulking, cement, and adhesives.Â
The harmful material was also put into mechanical parts such as clutch pads, brake pads, and gaskets. These parts were put into ships, airplanes, and armored vehicles.
Military History Of Asbestos Use
During World War II and the Vietnam War, Marines used Navy Ships with widespread asbestos. There was asbestos in the sleeping quarters, boiler rooms, mess halls, and engine rooms.
The Marines and sailors worked on ships with poor ventilation exposing them to asbestos daily.
During the 1970s, the National Cancer Institute and Coast Guard worked together to study the mortality rate of marine inspectors from 1942 and 1970. A follow-up study was conducted in 2009, extending the project by fourteen years.
In the end, the study found that Coast Guard marine inspectors had a higher mortality rate than other branches,
Marine inspectors were routinely exposed to toxic substances in various locations such as merchant vessels abroad and the United States.
Their occupation often led to them examining asbestos-containing products such as pump rooms and inspecting cargo tanks.
Asbestos Treatment Options For U.S. Marines
The Veterans Affairs, or VA medical care system, has incredible doctors across the United States to help with asbestos 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.
How To File A Veteran Claim For Asbestos-Related Diseases
If the veterans’ cancer was caused by military asbestos exposure, they are eligible and entitled to VA benefits.Â
Mesothelioma that is connected to service is considered to be one hundred percent disabling. This means that veterans are granted the highest amount of disability compensation.
Verify Eligibility for VA Benefits
Veterans with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure during service are considered 100% disabled by the VA. This ensures the maximum disability compensation.
Service Connection
You must provide evidence that your mesothelioma or other illness was caused by asbestos exposure during active duty. This includes documenting your service history and exposure risks.
Key Points:
- If mesothelioma is not service-related, veterans may still qualify for healthcare benefits or other forms of legal compensation through the VA.
- Surviving spouses can file claims for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if a veteran’s death was caused by mesothelioma.
Gather Necessary Documentation
- Medical Records: Include official documentation of your mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment history.
- Service Records: Obtain proof of your military service, such as your DD-214 form, and evidence of asbestos exposure during that service.
- Exposure Evidence: Identify roles, locations, or duties where exposure to asbestos was likely (e.g., shipyards, construction projects, or vehicle maintenance).
File the VA Claim
- Submit your claim through the VA’s online portal or by mail.
- The VA may require additional documents or schedule medical exams to verify the claim.
- For assistance, work with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or experienced attorney specializing in mesothelioma claims.
Options Beyond VA Claims
Veterans exposed to asbestos fibers due to materials supplied by private companies can file lawsuits to recover damages and for asbestos trust fund claims. These lawsuits do not conflict with VA benefits.
- Who Can Be Sued? Private manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing materials used in military infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment.
- Financial Compensation Coverage: Costs for caregiving, lost income, and other expenses related to mesothelioma treatment.
Protection of U.S. Marines
Current members on active duty are at risk of asbestos exposure. Even today, asbestos exposure is still a prevalent issue in the Marines and other military branches.
The Inspector-General of the United States Defense Department conducted a study and reported that military housing in the U.S. and other countries still have asbestos.
The Marine Corps Environmental Compliance and Protection Program
The program focuses on enforcing compliance through the EPA and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, known as OSHA asbestos regulations.
AMSP—The Asbestos Medical Surveillance Program
The AMSP is a program created for military veterans seeking health monitoring for asbestos-related diseases. The Navy runs it and maintains records of veterans who have had asbestos exposure.
The Marine Corps Asbestos Safety Program
This program’s purpose is to eliminate asbestos exposure among service members. They aim to find substitutes for asbestos and other harmful materials. They also provide protective equipment and personnel training.
Protect Your Rights Today
If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos products during your time in the Marine Corps and are now facing an asbestos-related illness, taking action is essential.
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer here to help you navigate the complexities of filing legal claims and seeking additional compensation.