For residents of Washington and Oregon who worked in industries where asbestos was common, it is natural to be fearful of illnesses that stem from it, specifically mesothelioma. This is known to impact people who worked in shipyards, auto manufacturing, paper mills with insulation material and more. For some, they did this form of work in multiple ways due to their decision to join the United States Navy. For many years, asbestos was categorized as a useful mineral. As people became ill, its dangers became apparent.
Symptoms and prognosis for mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can take many years to manifest and be diagnosed. The symptoms can arise intermittently and include breathing difficulties, pain in the chest, problems swallowing, chest fluid accumulation and more. When serving in the military and performing the necessary duties, it is possible that people inhaled or swallowed dust from asbestos. That dust can eventually be a catalyst for mesothelioma. Since it can take as long as 60 years, that means people who served as far back as the 1960s and beyond could have been exposed and become ill because of it. It can also happen due to exposure as recent as a decade or two ago. There is no known cure for mesothelioma, so those who are diagnosed can hope that treatment will extend their lives as much as possible. Of course, it depends on the stage and the severity.
Veterans who were exposed to asbestos may be eligible for benefits
For veterans who were exposed to asbestos and were diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to know what options are available to hold those responsible accountable. While veterans who were in combat could have been exposed to it during mobilization, it is more common in more mundane jobs and being stationed in shipyards, doing repair work and other manufacturing-type tasks. There could be disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with health care coverage and other forms of compensation. The type of work the person did will be integral with showing that asbestos exposure led to mesothelioma and there should be coverage for it.
For mesothelioma victims and their families, acting quickly is key
For veterans who settled in Washington State or Oregon, a mesothelioma diagnosis will leave them wondering what they can do. If they were exposed when serving their country in the military, it is even worse. To get the top medical care, be prepared for the future and try to address the illness as effectively as possible, it is wise to have help. Such factors as the time-frame for which the claim will be heard and assessed, what steps are available after a denial and if there are other ways to fight back should be known. Discussing the case with caring people who are involved in the local community and truly want to help is imperative.
