Memorial Day, held on the last Monday in May each year, helps us remember the brave members of the Armed Forces who gave their lives to protect our country and its freedoms.
In addition to those who died while serving, many veterans pass away from injuries or illnesses that stem from their time in the U.S. military. This includes mesothelioma, a life-threatening cancer often linked to military service.
Mesothelioma develops 10-50 years after exposure to a cancer-causing substance called asbestos. Veterans are at risk of mesothelioma as the military used asbestos between the 1930s and early 1980s without knowing the risks. Today, about 33% of all mesothelioma patients are U.S. veterans.
Those who died in the line of duty — or who developed a deadly illness like mesothelioma from their military service — deserve to be honored this Memorial Day.
We can also help if you or a U.S. veteran you love is fighting mesothelioma. Get a Free Veterans Packet to learn if you qualify for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and financial compensation.
Ways to Honor U.S. Service Members on Memorial Day 2024
There are plenty of ways to honor the memory of brave service members on Memorial Day.
Some of the best ways to celebrate include:
- Participate in a Memorial Day event: Parades, concerts, and ceremonies are taking place all over the country at local and national levels to celebrate Memorial Day.
- Donate: You can donate to groups that support service members, like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, or to cancer research organizations like the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
- Visit cemeteries and memorials: You and your family may want to make plans to visit a service member’s resting place to help honor their memory.
Check local TV stations or newspapers for more information on Memorial Day events happening near you.
Helping U.S. Veterans With Mesothelioma on Memorial Day
As Memorial Day approaches, you may wonder about ways not to only honor those who died, but to also support U.S. veterans who are fighting service-related illnesses like mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can be emotionally and financially devastating for veterans with mesothelioma. Thankfully, there are resources available for affected veterans as well as their family members.
Learn about the top ways to support veterans with mesothelioma below.
VA Benefits for Veterans With Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma VA benefits can provide peace of mind to veterans and their families following a cancer diagnosis.
Notable VA benefits include:
- Disability compensation: The VA almost always awards veterans with mesothelioma a 100% disability rating, making them eligible for $4,044.91 or more per month in disability compensation as of 2024.
- Funeral benefits: Family members who lost a U.S. veteran they loved to mesothelioma can apply for help to cover funeral and burial expenses.
- Pensions: Some veterans with mesothelioma or their surviving family members may be eligible for monthly pensions.
Call (877) 450-8973 for help filing for or increasing your VA benefits after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Mesothelioma Treatment Options
U.S. veterans can get treatment for mesothelioma from both military and civilian hospitals located throughout the country.
The VA has top medical specialists on staff who provide health care that’s just as good, if not better, than the care offered by civilian doctors. Veterans can get care from these mesothelioma doctors for free or at a lower cost through the VA health care system.
Veterans with mesothelioma may still be able to get care from civilian cancer specialists if they wish.
Mesothelioma Compensation Resources
Veterans with mesothelioma and their families may be able to retrieve compensation from manufacturers of asbestos-containing products, which knew the dangers of asbestos but hid them for decades.
Compensation options for veterans with mesothelioma include:
- Asbestos trust fund claims: More than $30 billion is available in these trusts. Veterans or their loved ones may qualify to file claims with multiple trusts.
- Mesothelioma lawsuits: The average mesothelioma lawsuit awards $1 million or more. Veterans and their families won’t sue the U.S. military or the government — only the manufacturers of asbestos products.
Veterans can still file for mesothelioma VA benefits in addition to lawsuits and trust fund claims.
Get a Free Veterans Packet to see how we can help you access VA benefits and legal compensation for mesothelioma if eligible.
Remembering Mesothelioma Veterans on Memorial Day 2024
It’s important to honor the sacrifices of our military members on Memorial Day — whether they died in the line of duty or from a service-related disease like mesothelioma.
Make this Memorial Day special and show your appreciation for veterans who passed away in service to our great nation.
All of us at the Mesothelioma Veterans Center will continue to honor the veterans we have lost to mesothelioma. We’re also committed to helping veterans and families still fighting mesothelioma.
Get our Free Veterans Packet for help accessing VA benefits, finding treatments, and securing compensation for mesothelioma.
