Veterans Health System: Mesothelioma Surgeons

The Boston VA healthcare system, is the premier mesothelioma program in the VA network. It offers multidisciplinary care, for all stages of mesothelioma. It is a unique center of excellence in the VA system- the "Harvard VA". Complex surgery for mesothelioma is routinely performed by two well trained attending general thoracic surgeons, Dr. Lebenthal and Dr. Cohen for appropriate candidates. General thoracic surgeons at the west Roxbury VA are part of Brigham and Women's Hospital general thoracic group in Boston, which is considered by most in the field to be the nations leading group for the multidisciplinary treatment of mesothelioma.

If you wish you may contact Dr. Lebenthal's nurse Lynne Santangelo directly at 857-203-6202.

Attention Veterans
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are currently about 25 million living men and women who served in the Armed Forces. Millions of these veterans were exposed to toxic levels of asbestos-containing material. This has resulted in thousands of asbestos-related diseases in veterans.

Through our Veterans Assistance Program we is available to help with your asbestos-related VA Claims as well as assist you with questions about other forms of financial compensation. Click here or call 888-888-4051 for more information.

Military Asbestos Exposure

For over a 100 years, asbestos was praised for its heat resistance and fireproofing capability. Because of its many applications, the military mandated widespread use of asbestos until the 1970s. Many veterans, especially Navy personell serving between 1940 and 1970 had a relatively high risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses. In addition, anyone employed in shipyards from the 1930s through the 1970s hold an even greater risk of developing a disease.

Veterans with Mesothelioma or Other Asbestos-Related Illness

Diagnosing someone with mesothelioma is often complicated since many of the symptoms are similar to other conditions. Early warning signs such as persistent cough, night sweats, and fever are often confused with pneumonia. This delay in diagnosis gives the cancer an opportunity to develop and spread throughout the body.

Mesothelioma treatment for asbestos-related illnesses varies depending on the condition. Thankfully, there are organizational resources for veterans that can offer assistance with the complications associated with asbestos-related illness.

VA Claims and Other Veteran Benefits

Veterans can apply for Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits for asbestos-related diseases, and the resources here can assist veterans in applying for benefits. In order to get compensations, a veteran must provide some verification that their disease is asbestos-related and that exposure occurred during military service. If a veteran cannot prove their asbestos exposure is limited and isolated to their military service, they can seek compensation from asbestos manufacturers to help pay for treatment.

Currently, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs recognizes mesothelioma as a service-connected medical condition. However, even if a veteran has been diagnosed with mesothelioma (nearly all cases are caused by asbestos), the VA may not approve their claim for disability compensation for various reasons. If you are going to apply, we highly recommend you call one of our specialists to assist you to make sure your paperwork effectively communicates your exposure. 1 888-888-4051

The following resources offer more information about VA claims, benefits and eligibility requirements for veterans:

• Talk to a Veteran About Your Claim
• VA Benefits FAQs VA Claim Myths
• We offer free assistance with all aspects of the claim process. For more information or free assistance regarding VA benefits, programs and eligibility, please call 1 (888) 888-4051 or contact our Veterans Assistance Department by filling out the form on this page.

Asbestos Products

More than 300 products containing asbestos were used by the military, primarily by the Navy from the 1930s through the 1970s. Every ship and shipyard built by the Navy before the mid-70s was fitted with numerous asbestos-containing materials. Below is a list of products containing asbestos that were commonly used by the military:

• Boilers Gaskets
• Valves Floor & Pipe Coverings
• Floor and Pipe Coverings
• View more products containing asbestos

Asbestos in Ships & Shipyards

Virtually no portion of a naval ship was asbestos-free between the '30s and mid-70s, making Navy veterans and shipyard workers one of the most at-risk groups for developing asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos-containing materials were extensively used in engine and boiler rooms and other areas below deck for fire safety purposes, but all former sailors are at risk because the dangerous mineral was also used in navigation rooms, sleeping quarters and mess halls.