VA Benefits and Asbestos

Thirty percent of those diagnosed with mesothelioma annually are military veterans

Did you know that mesothelioma is recognized as a “service-connected” medical condition by the Veteran Affairs Department (VA)? This means that you may be eligible for VA benefits. Qualifying can be challenging, but help is available. Currently, U.S. military veterans account for just seven percent of the American population. However, veterans are estimated to be 30 percent of the nearly 3,000 mesothelioma cases diagnosed annually in the United States. If you are a veteran who was exposed to asbestos during your military service and you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a VA accredited attorney can help you file for VA benefits.

Waters Kraus & Paul’s asbestos lawyers have successfully prosecuted cases for clients who were exposed throughout the United States, Canada, and even the Middle East including Iran, where many American citizens worked in refineries.

Helping Veterans for Over 20 Years

Discovering that you or a loved has been diagnosed with mesothelioma can be a heavy blow leaving you stunned. We can help. Several lawyers here at Waters Kraus & Paul are accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This means they are authorized to prepare, present, and prosecute claims for veterans’ benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs. Waters Kraus & Paul has been helping veterans and their families seek justice for more than 20 years. In fact, almost 50 percent of our clients are military veterans and our asbestos lawyers have tried many Navy cases to verdict.

Veterans and Asbestos Exposure

U.S. military veterans who have sacrificed their lives in battle fighting for our country are not the only victims of wars gone by. Countless veterans from all branches of the armed forces were exposed to asbestos during their military service and are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma. For them, the war continues on.

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos-containing materials were used extensively in U.S. Navy shipyards and military bases. Veterans with a history of long-term or intensive asbestos exposure are particularly susceptible to this life-threatening cancer. When asbestos dust is inhaled into the lungs, it starts a chain of events within the body that can lead to the development of mesothelioma over time.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important that you talk to an asbestos lawyer who is VA accredited before submitting any claims. He or she can help you thoroughly explore all options that may be applicable to you.

Who is at Risk for Developing Mesothelioma?

High Risk Military Duties:

  • Aircraft Mechanic
  • Auto Mechanic
  • Boiler Tender
  • Electricians Mate
  • Engineman
  • Fireman / Fire Control
  • Machinist Mate
  • SeaBees
  • Shipfitter

High Risk Military Jobsites:

  • Naval Ships
  • Shipyards
  • Building Construction
  • Renovation Projects
  • Power Facilities

Filing a Claim for Mesothelioma

Dealing with complex, bureaucratic organizations can be overwhelming and intimidating, especially when you are sick and worried about financial obligations. We can help. Waters Kraus & Paul has VA accredited lawyers who can guide you through the submissions and appeals process at no cost to you or your family – from filling out the proper forms to pulling together the necessary documentation. We are experienced in drafting asbestos exposure summaries, identifying other sources of exposure, and producing a fully developed claim. Our lawyers can protect your VA Benefits and any other compensation that you may be eligible to receive.

Contact us to learn how you can protect your interests and maximize your recovery from all sources available to you.

How Long Have Manufacturers Known The Risks of Asbestos?

Many mesothelioma victims are entitled to asbestos exposure compensation. Asbestos manufacturers often knew of the dangers. In fact, asbestos was first linked to cancer as early as the 1930s.

Evidence shows that these companies did not advise workers of the potential hazards, nor did they make any effort to put warning labels on the products to inform workers of the dangers of asbestos. As a result, thousands of workers have developed mesothelioma over the past century. Many have died, and many others face staggering medical bills as their health deteriorates.

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August 29, 2023 Mass torts trial lawyers Peter Kraus and Gary Paul have earned repeat selection among the nation’s most respected attorneys in the annual Best Lawyers in America legal guide. Best Lawyers is the oldest and one of the most admired peer-review guides to the legal profession. Recognition by Best Lawyers is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor conferred on an attorney by their peers. For more than four decades, Best Lawyers guides have earned the respect of the legal profession, the media and the public as one of the most reliable, unbiased sources of legal…

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What are my chances?

That’s the first question everyone asks. The truth is it’s impossible to know. But we can tell you this. Waters Kraus & Paul has what it takes to fight against big corporate interests and win. That’s why we’ve taken more mesothelioma trials to verdict than any other firm. And that’s why we’ve recovered more than $1.3 billion for clients like you. Do you think you have a case? Contact us now to speak with an attorney.

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