Veterans of the United States Armed Forces, from every branch, that served between 1940 and 1970 were likely exposed to some level of asbestos during their service. Regardless of whether one spent time overseas or stayed in North America the entire time, there is a good chance that a veteran was exposed to asbestos.
While it is true that a huge number of servicemen were exposed to asbestos and many, particularly those that were in the Navy, have developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases or complications, the situation is peculiar. It is much more difficult to recover from the military or government for asbestos exposure or mesothelioma than it is from a privately owned company.
Private sector employees that have been exposed can sue their employer, but military veterans do not have the option of suing the Army or the Navy or the government for the disease. This is because of a particular condition of service to the country. Veterans may not seek to recover damages through the court system. Veterans can appeal for coverage through the Veterans Administration or VA but even that is a difficult procedure.
One of the biggest problems that veterans face when they attempt to collect benefits for asbestos exposure through the VA is the burden of proof. A serviceman must be able to show not only that they suffered from asbestos during their time in the military but also that the person in question was not exposed to asbestos at any other time during his or her life.
Given how widespread asbestos was during this time, proving that the military was the only place where a person was exposed to asbestos is an extremely difficult thing to do. While it is difficult to gain benefits from the VA, it is not impossible.
If you were exposed to asbestos during your time in the military and would like to learn more about gaining benefits from the VA, contact the mesothelioma attorney of Williams Hart at 1-800-781-3955 today.