Until the early 1980s, the United States Air Force used asbestos in planes and bases. Air Force veterans exposed to asbestos may develop an aggressive cancer called mesothelioma later in life. We can help Air Force veterans with mesothelioma pursue VA benefits, treatments, and compensation.
Air Force Veterans and Mesothelioma Risks
The U.S. Air Force relied on asbestos between its founding in 1947 and the early 1980s, when the public learned that the material could cause cancers like mesothelioma.
Air Force service members were often exposed to asbestos in:
- Airplanes
- Bases and barracks
- Ground vehicles
Video Summary: U.S. Air Force veterans could develop mesothelioma if they were exposed to asbestos during their service. These veterans now qualify for VA benefits and private compensation. View Transcript
For decades, asbestos was considered a miracle material because of its heat resistance and fireproofing properties. The United States Air Force used it extensively in planes and bases between the 1930s and early 1980s for these reasons.
Unfortunately, those who served in the Air Force during this time frame have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
Air Force veterans working with or around asbestos-containing airplane parts could unknowingly inhale or swallow the fibers and get sick later in life.
Many Air Force veterans are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year, even though they were exposed decades ago.
Thankfully, Air Force veterans with mesothelioma can receive benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Mesothelioma VA benefits include disability compensation, health care, pensions, and more.
U.S. Air Force veterans with mesothelioma may also qualify to file private claims for additional compensation. These types of claims are filed against the makers of asbestos-based products, not the military or government.
We owe a debt of gratitude to our Air Force veterans for their service and sacrifice. If you or a loved one is an Air Force veteran with mesothelioma, contact the Mesothelioma Veterans Center today to get help accessing VA benefits, financial aid, and medical care.
Manufacturers of asbestos-containing products hid the risks from the military and general public for decades. Since mesothelioma takes 10-50 years to form, Air Force veterans exposed long ago are still at risk of getting sick today.
We can help Air Force veterans with mesothelioma file for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, find top doctors and treatments, and pursue compensation to cover expenses.
Get our Free Veterans Packet now to explore how we can assist Air Force veterans after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Resources for Air Force Veterans With Mesothelioma
U.S. Air Force veterans fighting mesothelioma can access a wide range of helpful resources offered as part of their VA benefits plan. They may also be eligible for compensation from legal claims.
Find out more about top resources for mesothelioma Air Force veterans below.
Financial VA Benefits
Many VA benefits provide compensation to veterans with mesothelioma and other service-related disabilities. The VA considers mesothelioma to be a 100% disability, allowing veterans to get the highest financial payouts.
Key mesothelioma Air Force VA benefits include:
- Disability compensation worth $4,044.91 a month
- Additional money for Aid & Attendance or housebound veterans
- Pension plans for low-income veterans
- Survivor benefits to help with funeral expenses and more
Call (877) 450-8973 now to get help filing for or increasing your VA benefits after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Our VA-accredited attorneys are ready to assist you.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
U.S. Air Force veterans may qualify to file mesothelioma lawsuits against manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. These lawsuits award $1 million on average, with some veterans receiving much more.
Mesothelioma lawsuits are never filed against the U.S. military or government and don't affect a veteran's ability to file for VA benefits. Loved ones can also file wrongful death lawsuits if an Air Force veteran they loved passed away from the cancer.
Asbestos Trusts Funds
Many asbestos companies filed for bankruptcy to avoid lawsuits and were forced to put money into trusts to help victims.
There’s an estimated $30 billion still available in asbestos trust funds today. Our legal partners can help you or an Air Force veteran you love file claims with all of the trusts you qualify for.
VA Mesothelioma Treatment for Air Force Veterans
Getting mesothelioma treatment is key to living longer with this cancer. The VA health care system has top cancer centers that treat mesothelioma in Air Force veterans across the country.
VA hospitals treating mesothelioma include:
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
- VA Atlanta Healthcare System
- VA Boston Healthcare System
- VA Miami Healthcare System
- West Los Angeles VA Medical Center
Air Force veterans with mesothelioma can get treatment for free or at a greatly reduced cost as part of their VA health care benefits.
Compensation Secured for Mesothelioma Air Force Veterans
Our partner attorneys have recovered over $1 million in compensation for mesothelioma in Air Force veterans.
Notable payouts secured for Air Force veterans include:
Our team may be able to help you or a mesothelioma Air Force veteran you love seek compensation, too.
Remember: Accessing legal compensation does not impact your ability to file for VA benefits, and our legal partners won’t sue the military or government.
Get a Free Veterans Packet now to learn more about compensation options that may be available to you after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
How Did Air Force Asbestos Exposure Occur?
Many Air Force veterans were exposed to asbestos while serving their country and protecting our freedoms.
Air Force personnel at a high risk of exposure included:
- Aircraft mechanics: Asbestos was used in brake pads, gaskets, adhesives, and heat shields to keep planes fireproof and durable. Air Force mechanics had the highest risk of exposure, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
- Construction workers: Insulation, piping, drywall, and other construction materials used to build Air Force bases, barracks, and hangars contained asbestos.
- Other jobs: Air Force electronic technicians, metalsmiths, welders, aircraft handlers, and fire control technicians risked regular exposure to asbestos while serving.
Working with asbestos-based products in these roles could send tiny fibers flying into the air, where U.S. Air Force personnel could breathe them in or swallow them.
These fibers remain in the body for decades, causing long-term irritation. After 10-50 years, this damage could lead to the formation of mesothelioma tumors.
Where Were Air Force Veterans Exposed to Asbestos?
The U.S. Air Force widely used asbestos-containing materials for decades. The two main places veterans could have been exposed were bases and planes.
Learn more about where Air Force asbestos exposure occurred and if you could have been at risk below.
Air Force Bases
Over 80 U.S. Air Force bases were built with asbestos-containing materials like pipes, insulation, and concrete.
Air Force bases that used asbestos included:
- Amarillo Air Force Base
- Beale Air Force Base
- Charleston Air Force Base
- Edwards Air Force Base
- Ethan Allen Air Force Base
- Fairchild Air Force Base
- Griffiss Air Force Base
- Holloman Air Force Base
- Lackland Air Force Base
- Nellis Air Force Base
- Patrick Air Force Base
- Plattsburgh Air Force Base
- Randolph Air Force Base
- Scott Air Force Base
- Topsham Air Force Base
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Asbestos fibers could have easily been released into the air during construction or repair jobs on Air Force bases.
Did you develop mesothelioma after serving on an Air Force base? Call (877) 450-8973 — you may qualify for benefits, treatments, and financial compensation.
Planes
The U.S. Air Force used asbestos to keep planes durable and heat-resistant. From the military branch’s inception in 1947 until the early 1980s, virtually all planes contained asbestos.
Planes that used asbestos included:
- B-36 Peacemaker
- B-47 Stratojet
- B-52 Stratofortress
- B-58 Hustler
- F-104 Starfighter
- KC-135 Stratotanker
- SR-71 Blackbird
- U-2 Spyplane
“The Air Force used asbestos extensively, particularly in parts for airplanes. So if you were a mechanic or a pilot, there's a high likelihood that you also were exposed to asbestos.”
— Eric Hall, VA-Accredited Attorney & U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Secondhand Exposure Risks and the Air Force
Family members of Air Force members were at risk of secondhand asbestos exposure. Asbestos dust could stick to a service member’s clothing, and when they returned home, the fibers could be inhaled by loved ones.
Get our Free Veterans Packet to explore VA claims, compensation, and treatment options if you or a loved one is fighting this cancer.
U.S. Air Force Veterans Who Survived Mesothelioma
While mesothelioma is aggressive, some Air Force veterans have bravely fought this cancer and gone on to live fulfilling lives.
Hear from Air Force veterans who became mesothelioma survivors below.
Arthur
After serving in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, Arthur “Art” Putt worked as a mechanic, where he was exposed to asbestos-containing brakes.
In 2018, Art developed a cough that wouldn’t go away. His doctors diagnosed him with pleural mesothelioma and expected him to live a year or less. However, thanks to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and dietary changes, Art is still living today.
“You can’t change it. Make the best of it as you can,” Art says. “Get as close to your family and friends as you can.”
Shandi
While serving in the U.S. Air Force, Shandi received a shocking peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis in 2014. She was just 26 years old.
She suffered secondhand exposure as a child because her father had worked on Air Force planes containing asbestos. Originally given 14 months to live, surgery and chemotherapy have kept her cancer-free for more than a decade.
“I feel very optimistic,” she told the EWG in a recent report. “But it’s always in the back of my head: When is it going to come back?”
We Can Help Mesothelioma Air Force Veterans
Mesothelioma Air Force veterans can pursue VA benefits, health care services, and compensation to ease their stresses by working with our team.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center has helped thousands of veterans and families get key resources after military asbestos exposure led to a mesothelioma diagnosis.
If eligible, U.S. Air Force veterans like you can access:
- VA benefits, including monthly payouts and treatments
- Free or low-cost mesothelioma treatments
- Legal payouts worth $1 million+ on average
Call (877) 450-8973 now or get a Free Veterans Packet to explore all the ways we can assist you.
Air Force Asbestos Exposure FAQs
What is the VA rating for mesothelioma?
The VA typically grants a 100% disability rating for mesothelioma in U.S. Air Force veterans. This means veterans can receive the highest disability payouts for this cancer.
With this rating, the VA awards $4,044.91 a month to married mesothelioma Air Force veterans, helping them cover any expenses they face following a diagnosis.
Who is eligible for mesothelioma compensation?
U.S. Air Force veterans, as well as veterans of other branches and loved ones, may be eligible for financial compensation.
Private companies made and sold asbestos products until the early 1980s without disclosing the health risks. As a result, you may qualify to pursue payouts from them if you have mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.
Mesothelioma compensation claims are worth $1 million or more on average. Get a free case review now to find out your eligibility for compensation
When did the Air Force stop using asbestos?
The U.S. Air Force stopped using asbestos in the early 1980s after the dangers became widely known. Major renovation efforts removed asbestos from most Air Force assets.
However, asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer have a long latency period, developing 10-50 years or more after exposure. This means Air Force veterans who were exposed are still in danger of developing mesothelioma today.
Which military bases had asbestos?
Over 80 U.S. Air Force bases used asbestos products before the risks were known, including Edwards Air Force Base, Scott Air Force Base, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Those at the highest risk of Air Force asbestos exposure worked with or around asbestos-containing products on bases. These service members include construction workers, welders, and electricians.
If you are suffering from mesothelioma and served on a U.S. Air Force base, we may be able to help you pursue medical care, compensation, and VA benefits. Call (877) 450-8973 now to learn more.
