How to Increase Mesothelioma Disability Rating

U.S. veterans often face physical and mental health struggles that develop or worsen years after their military service ended. This is especially true if they have mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer that develops 10-50 years after exposure to asbestos.

Did you know?

Asbestos products were so widely used in every branch of the U.S. military that veterans make up 33% of all mesothelioma cases.

U.S. veterans with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may be eligible for a key benefit offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Monthly disability compensation.

Through VA disability, a veteran receives money each month depending on their disability rating. Veterans with service-connected mesothelioma almost always receive a 100% rating, meaning they get the highest payouts (typically $3,946.25 each month in 2024).

You may already be receiving VA disability at a lower rate if you have another health problem like COPD or asbestosis. If you were recently diagnosed with mesothelioma, our team can help increase your disability rating to 100% or help you file for VA benefits if you don’t have them.

Get started by contacting our VA-accredited claims agents today.

Common Questions About Increasing Disability Ratings

Understanding your options as a veteran with mesothelioma is important. It may feel like your disability rating is set in stone, but you may be able to increase your compensation.

Here are some common questions veterans like you may have about increasing your disability rating.

What Is the VA Rating for Mesothelioma?

The VA typically gives mesothelioma a 100% disability rating. This means that veterans with mesothelioma are eligible for the highest amount of disability compensation.

For 2024, veterans with a spouse can receive $3,946.25 per month if they have a 100% VA disability rating. Veterans without a spouse will get $3,737.852 each month.

You may have been approved for VA disability compensation for less serious conditions prior to your mesothelioma diagnosis. But, it’s possible to file an additional claim to increase your VA disability rating and get more money if you now have mesothelioma.

What Do I Need to File for a VA Disability Increase?

To increase your disability rating, you’ll need to file an additional claim that shows you have service-related mesothelioma.

You may need to include the following in your claim:

Medical records from VA hospitals confirming your diagnosis
Military service documents that can prove when, where, and how you were exposed to asbestos while serving
Supporting statements from family, friends, or other connections

The more evidence you can provide in your claim, the better the chance your claim will be approved and the VA will increase your disability rating.

Is It Hard to Get Your VA Disability Rating Increased?

While it may seem daunting at first, you don’t have to go through this process alone. Our team makes it much easier to increase your VA disability rating if you have mesothelioma.

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center has helped many veterans build strong cases and get a 100% VA disability rating after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Our VA claims agents can help make the process of increasing your disability rating easy. Get started right now.

Other Compensation Options for Veterans With Mesothelioma

In addition to filing VA benefits claims, our team can connect veterans with additional options for mesothelioma compensation. These other options can award significantly more compensation than VA disability benefits will.

These options include:

Asbestos trust fund claims: These trust funds provide direct payments to those harmed by asbestos products. About $30 billion is still available in asbestos trust funds today.
Mesothelioma lawsuits: These lawsuits are not filed against the U.S. military but against asbestos companies. Many veterans have received $1 million or more in lawsuit compensation.

This compensation can help you and your family afford the costs of treatment and other travel and living expenses that VA compensation may not fully cover.

You can access these additional forms of compensation while still getting VA disability payments each month. Contact us today to learn more.

Get Help Increasing Your Compensation for Mesothelioma Today

U.S. veterans who have mesothelioma deserve compensation, support, and justice after a diagnosis. To that end, the Mesothelioma Veterans Center is here to help veterans get the most from their VA disability claims.

Our team can help increase your VA disability rating to 100%, allowing you to get the highest payouts possible. Remember, for 2024, most mesothelioma veterans will get $3,946.25 monthly with 100% disability.

We can also help you access additional compensation options — which potentially award millions of dollars — if you’re eligible.