Help For Veterans And Their Family Members With Mesothelioma

The most notorious form of cancer associated with asbestos exposure is pleural mesothelioma. This disease leads to tumors in the thin pleural lining around the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma that have also been linked to asbestos involve damage to thin membrane linings around the abdomen, heart and testes.

The attorneys and staff at Bergman Draper Oslund Udo are proud to offer information and assistance to veterans and their family members who courageously face uphill battles in their fight against cancer.

What To Do After Your Diagnosis

Any cancer diagnosis is frightening. The development of symptoms – such as shortness of breath, chest pains and painful coughing – is distressing and sometimes disabling. Above all, sufferers of cancers such as pleural mesothelioma want to know what to do. There are two parts to a good answer:

• First, access to top-notch medical care in Seattle or elsewhere is vital. Early care may offer more opportunities for a better quality of life with a better survival rate.
• Second, quality legal counsel can help mesothelioma patients learn about all avenues of compensation available to them. Veterans’ benefits may be an important source of help for active and retired U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard service members.

A large part of what an experienced trial lawyer can do for a veteran with mesothelioma is to confirm that they qualify for benefits based on their disability and military service. At Bergman Draper Oslund Udo, we advise veterans on the detailed process of applying for veterans’ benefits based on a diagnosis of mesothelioma, as well as other general benefits that they qualify for through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

One Disease, One Known Cause, Many Sources Of Exposure

Since mesothelioma among veterans can often be traced to exposure to asbestos during military service, our lawyers and selected experts help our clients determine where they were likely exposed. We then help them pursue all avenues to the recovery of compensation, including filing personal injury claims and lawsuits.

Our law firm has developed a massive database covering all ships used in the U.S. Navy throughout the 20th century. We have pinpointed the manufacturers whose asbestos-laden products outfitted these ships. With this documented information, we have helped many clients obtain settlements and verdicts separately from – and above and beyond – their VA benefits.

Important Considerations To Apply For VA Benefits In Asbestos-Related Cases

The lawyers at Bergman Draper Oslund Udo have also addressed recurrent questions from clients. We share below some of this information, hoping it might serve as a starting point or reference for you or a loved one, should you decide to file a claim.

What are some of the eligibility criteria to apply for VA Benefits?

Some of the criteria to meet are not to be dishonorably discharged from your full-time service from the Air Force, Coast Guard, the Navy, the Army or Marine Corps. The asbestos-related disease you may be suffering from should be part of the VA list of diseases. You should also prove that your disease resulted from the military service you provided.

How long will my claim take?

The processing of a claim takes less than a year on average to complete. However, there are certain factors to consider when providing an accurate estimate. Such factors include the number of disabilities or injuries you claim, your claim type and the time it takes to collect the required evidence. Working with a knowledgeable attorney can help you provide all the necessary information to submit a solid claim. Please note: you should not apply for benefits for asbestos diseases without first contacting an attorney as an application can affect your ability to obtain other compensation.

If I’m denied my VA benefits, what can I do?

We can try to appeal the decision. There are three options to ask for a decision review, as follows: a supplemental claim, through which you can submit additional or new evidence. A higher-level review, which will serve to request the review of your claim as initially filed by more senior members. A board appeal will serve to take your case before a veterans’ law judge.

According to the circumstances of your case, we will issue recommendations about the most suitable options to appeal. Our ultimate purpose is to ensure that you receive the benefits and compensation you deserve. We welcome the opportunity to advise you and your family. Call us at 206-558-9840 or email us for a free consultation.