Mesothelioma VA Benefits

Name: Help With Mesothelioma VA Benefits
Uploaded: 2025-12-03T00:00:00-05:00
Duration: 1 min 11 s
Description: Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret) reviews available mesothelioma VA benefits to and explains how our team can help veterans access them.

What Are Mesothelioma VA Benefits?

VA benefits allow veterans with mesothelioma to get compensation and treatments after a diagnosis.

All military branches used asbestos, the only known cause of mesothelioma, from the 1930s to the early 1980s. As a result, 1 in 3 mesothelioma patients is a U.S. veteran.

VA benefits for mesothelioma include:

Aid and Attendance (A&A)
Disability compensation
Health care for veterans
Housebound benefits
Pensions
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Funeral benefits
Health care for dependents
Survivor pension (also called death pension)

Help With Mesothelioma VA Benefits Video Thumbnail

Video Summary: Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret) reviews available mesothelioma VA benefits to and explains how our team can help veterans access them.

Filing for mesothelioma veterans benefits can be confusing and even overwhelming, but we make it easy. The Mesothelioma Veterans Center is the #1 resource for mesothelioma veterans benefits.

We’re independent of the VA and our veterans experts, including VA-accredited attorney Major Jonathan Nelson (Ret), can help you file or maximize your VA benefits entirely free of charge. File your mesothelioma veterans benefits claim now.

Types of Mesothelioma Veterans Benefits

U.S. veterans may qualify for many types of mesothelioma VA benefits, like monthly compensation and free or low-cost medical treatments. Learn about notable mesothelioma veterans benefits below.

Disability Compensation

Veterans with service-related mesothelioma may qualify for tax-free VA disability compensation. The VA almost always assigns a 100% disability rating to veterans with mesothelioma, allowing them to get the highest possible payouts.

Married veterans with mesothelioma can receive $4,158.17 each month from disability compensation as of 2026.

We can assist you in filing a mesothelioma VA disability claim or increasing your rating to 100% if you already have mesothelioma veterans benefits. Call (877) 450-8973 now.

VA Health Care

Veterans can use their VA health care benefits to access free or low-cost mesothelioma treatments.

Veterans with a 100% disability like mesothelioma have the lowest health care copays. In addition, some of the world’s best mesothelioma doctors are part of the VA health care network.

“If you're eligible for health VA care, you could go straight to VA hospitals, which are actually quite experienced with treating mesothelioma.”

– Major Jonathan Nelson, VA-accredited attorney & Marine Corps veteran

VA Pension

Mesothelioma VA pension claims are paid in monthly installments to disabled veterans. The average VA pension awards around $1,184 a month, but factors like income, number of dependents, and disability rating impact a veteran’s payout.

Aid and Attendance (A&A)

Aid and Attendance (A&A) is extra compensation paid as part of a pension plan. Veterans can receive A&A if they are bedridden, live in a nursing home, or need a caregiver to help with daily activities.

Housebound Benefits

Housebound benefits are additional payouts offered to veterans who have VA pensions and can’t leave home due to a disability. They can receive either housebound mesothelioma veterans benefits or A&A.

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is awarded to veterans with severe disabilities, like blindness, deafness, or loss of a limb. It’s paid to veterans who already receive disability compensation.

Mesothelioma Veterans Benefits for Survivors

The surviving spouse and children of a U.S. veteran who passed away can also pursue mesothelioma VA benefits. Learn about mesothelioma veterans benefits for survivors below.

Mesothelioma VA Burial Benefits

The VA will pay families up to $2,000 in burial expenses if a veteran dies from a service-related condition like mesothelioma. The VA also provides funeral honors and headstones for graves.

VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC)

VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC) is tax-free compensation paid to a veteran’s survivors. For 2026, VA DIC pays out $1,699.35 per month for spouses, with more available if the spouse has dependents or needs third-party care.

Survivors Pension

A veteran’s dependents may be eligible for a VA Survivors Pension. To qualify, a family’s net worth must be under $163,699 or less as of 2026. The veteran’s service record (when they served and for how long) also affects eligibility.

VA Health Care For Family Members

There are two main VA health care programs for family members: TRICARE and CHAMPVA.

Families can get TRICARE through a veteran they love and continue their coverage if a veteran passes. If a veteran’s family doesn’t qualify for TRICARE, they can get CHAMPVA.

Find your VA Benefit forms here and get help filing for free now with our team’s help.

VA Mesothelioma Cancer Centers

Across the country, VA cancer centers are offering mesothelioma treatments specifically tailored to the needs of U.S. veterans. Since veterans with mesothelioma are almost always considered 100% disabled, they have the lowest health care copays for these services.

Explore some of the top mesothelioma cancer centers that are a part of the VA’s health network below.

VA Boston Healthcare System

West Roxbury, Massachusetts

SpecialistDr. Daniel Weiner

ProceduresExtrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)

Veterans on the East Coast can receive care from the VA Boston Healthcare System for mesothelioma.

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center

Houston, Texas

SpecialistDr. Lorraine Cornwell

ProceduresExtrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)

Based in Texas, this facility has staff who treat two of the most common mesothelioma types: pleural and peritoneal.

West Los Angeles VA Medical Center

Los Angeles, California

SpecialistDr. Robert Cameron

ProceduresPleurectomy with decortication (P/D)

Veterans living on the West Coast can go to the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center for mesothelioma treatments.

VA Mesothelioma Doctors

VA mesothelioma doctors specifically understand how this cancer impacts veterans and can recommend the best treatments in each case. Many of these specialized doctors have decades of experience treating mesothelioma patients.

Dr. Robert Cameron
Dr. Cameron leads the West Los Angeles VA mesothelioma treatment team and has nearly 30 years of experience.

Dr. Eugene Choi
Dr. Choi treats U.S. veterans with peritoneal mesothelioma, which forms in the abdominal lining, at the Michael E. DeBakey VA.

Dr. Lorraine Cornwell
Dr. Cornwell spearheads the Michael E. DeBakey VA’s mesothelioma treatment program in Texas.

Dr. Daniel Wiener
Dr. Wiener has more than 20 years of experience and currently treats pleural mesothelioma patients at the Boston VA.

Since these doctors specialize in helping U.S. veterans with mesothelioma, you can rest assured knowing you’ll receive high-quality care after a diagnosis.

Many veterans can get care from these doctors for free through health care offered as part of mesothelioma veterans benefits.

How to File for Mesothelioma VA Benefits

Filing for mesothelioma veterans benefits is easy when you work with our VA-accredited attorneys. They’ll walk you through each step in the process.

1. Determine Eligibility for Mesothelioma Veterans Benefits

You can pursue VA benefits for mesothelioma if you:

Received a mesothelioma diagnosis
Served on active duty or active duty/inactive duty training
Were a reservist called to active duty
Worked with or around asbestos-containing materials while serving
Were not dishonorably discharged

Call (877) 450-8973 to learn if you may be entitled to mesothelioma VA benefits.

2. Gather Evidence

The VA will require evidence linking your military service to your mesothelioma diagnosis. Major Nelson can help gather the information needed for the strongest mesothelioma VA benefits claim possible, making the process easier and less stressful.

Evidence for mesothelioma veterans benefits includes:

Documents showing how you were exposed to asbestos while you served
Medical records confirming your mesothelioma diagnosis
A doctor’s statement linking asbestos exposure to your illness

“When a veteran's been exposed to asbestos, he may not know when or where it occurred. We can take their service record and basically fill in the blanks, figure out where his possible exposures to asbestos occurred while he was on active duty.”

– Major Jonathan Nelson, VA-accredited attorney & Marine Corps veteran

3. Get a Medical Exam (If Needed)

The VA may ask veterans to get a medical exam to determine if their illness is service-related. This requirement may be waived if you submit enough medical evidence with your mesothelioma VA benefits claim.

By working with our team to build your mesothelioma veterans benefits claim, you may have a stronger chance of avoiding this step.

4. File the Mesothelioma VA Benefits Claim

Once you have the needed evidence, our VA-accredited legal partners can help you file for mesothelioma VA benefits for free.

The VA recommends working with an accredited attorney or agent to make the process easier, since trying to file on your own can be stressful and confusing.

5. Await a Decision and Receive Benefits

Once the claim has been submitted, the VA will review it and determine if you’re entitled to mesothelioma veterans benefits. This normally takes a few months, but our team can often speed up the process.

For example, we can contact your local congressperson to help process the claim faster. Some mesothelioma VA benefits claims have been reviewed in one month or less in this way.

Do you have a question about VA benefits? Ask VA-accredited attorney Jonathan Nelson now!

Increasing Your Mesothelioma Veterans Benefits

Many U.S. veterans are already receiving mesothelioma VA benefits, but at a lower level, at the time of their diagnosis. We can increase a veteran’s VA rating to 100%, allowing them to get the highest payouts and lowest health care costs possible.

We’ll help increase your mesothelioma veterans benefits by:

Gathering evidence related to your diagnosis and asbestos exposure
Helping you fill out VA Form 21-526EZ for disability benefits
Working with the VA to expedite processing times

Because mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, it’s likely that you’ll receive a 100% disability rating following your diagnosis.

Get help increasing your mesothelioma veterans benefits right now from Major Nelson.

Mesothelioma VA Benefits vs. Other Compensation Options

Mesothelioma veterans benefits are an important resource, but they aren’t your only option. In fact, you’ll likely qualify for additional mesothelioma compensation through the legal system.

The average legal claim pays out $1 million or more, and it doesn’t impact your mesothelioma VA benefits or involve suing the military or government.

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center has partnered with the veteran-founded law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy as well as Sokolove Law, which has helped families harmed by asbestos since 1979.

The firms’ attorneys may be able to help you file:

Mesothelioma lawsuits: These allow you to recover compensation from manufacturers that hid the health risks of asbestos-containing products. Many U.S. veterans have recovered over $1 million from these legal claims.
Asbestos trust funds: Filing a trust fund claim can allow you to get money without a lawsuit. There’s more than $30 billion set aside in asbestos trust funds.
Wrongful death lawsuits: You may be eligible to file this type of lawsuit if you lost a loved one to mesothelioma, with many families recovering millions of dollars.

“Don’t fall into the trap that a VA claim is your best and only solution. The Veterans Administration does not pay you for any of your pain, or the loss of enjoyment of your grandchildren or wife. If you go through the civil court system, we can get you more fully compensated.”

– Ricky LeBlanc, Sokolove Law mesothelioma attorney

Pursuing legal compensation for mesothelioma in addition to your VA claims allows you and your family to receive full compensation after a diagnosis. Get a free case review now to find out your eligibility.

We Can Help You File for Mesothelioma VA Benefits

You risked your life to defend our country through military service, and if you’re facing mesothelioma, you deserve maximum VA benefits.

We know how confusing and stressful going through the VA can be, which is why our VA-accredited attorneys are ready to walk you through the entire filing process for free

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center can help you:

File for mesothelioma VA benefits
Get 100% VA disability compensation faster
Increase your VA disability rating
Pursue legal claims without impacting your VA benefits

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center is proud to have assisted thousands of other U.S. veterans and their families who were harmed by asbestos — and we’ll stand by you, too.

Call (877) 450-8973 now for help filing or maximizing a mesothelioma veterans benefits claim.

Mesothelioma Veterans Benefits FAQs

What is the VA disability rating for mesothelioma?

The VA rates service-connected mesothelioma as a 100% disability in most cases. This is the highest disability rating possible and is reserved for life-threatening conditions, which include active cancers.

As a result, mesothelioma veterans with a 100% rating are able to receive the highest disability payouts and the lowest health care copays.

Is mesothelioma a presumptive condition?

Yes, you may qualify for VA disability compensation if you have mesothelioma. The VA typically pays out $4,158.17 each month for this cancer.

Veterans who have other asbestos-related illnesses like lung cancer and asbestosis may also be eligible for VA disability compensation.

Our team can help determine if your mesothelioma diagnosis means you can access VA benefits.

Which cancers qualify for VA disability?

The VA offers disability compensation to any U.S. veterans with cancers that stem from exposure to carcinogens like asbestos during service.

U.S. veterans can get VA disability benefits for asbestos-caused cancers like:

Mesothelioma
Ovarian cancer
Lung cancer

The VA rates any active, service-related cancer as a 100% disability. U.S. veterans can get free or low-cost cancer treatments through VA health care and the highest monthly disability compensation payouts with our assistance.

“I am here to help veterans with filing for disability when they've gotten a diagnosis of mesothelioma or lung cancer,” says Major Nelson. “I want to make sure that they have all the benefits that they're entitled to and to make sure that their family's taken care of if they pass away.”

What is the average payout for mesothelioma victims?

U.S. veterans can receive $4,158.17 a month through mesothelioma veterans benefits claims compensation.

Veterans with mesothelioma can also file lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims to seek additional compensation. Mesothelioma lawsuits pay over $1 million or more on average, and asbestos trust funds contain an estimated $30 billion.

Get our Free Veterans Packet to find out how much you may be able to receive.

Can I file VA asbestos claims?

Yes. U.S. veterans can often file asbestos claims to receive mesothelioma veterans benefits.

You can file claims for VA benefits for asbestos exposure if you:

Were exposed to asbestos while serving in the military
Developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease as a result
Have a doctor confirm your diagnosis is caused by asbestos.

We can help determine if you may be eligible to file an asbestos VA claim. Call (877) 450-8973 now.

Who can file for mesothelioma veterans benefits?

U.S. veterans from any branch of the Armed Forces — the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy — can file for mesothelioma VA benefits if they were exposed to asbestos while serving and later developed this cancer.

Veterans must be able to prove that they were exposed to asbestos during their military service and that this exposure led to their diagnosis.

We can help pinpoint a veteran’s exposure if they don’t remember or are unsure.

How long do I have to file mesothelioma VA claims?

There are no time limits to file for mesothelioma veterans benefits, but it’s in your best interest to file as soon as possible.

Mesothelioma is very aggressive, and VA benefits can allow veterans to afford potentially life-extending treatments. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start using these benefits to get care.

Call (877) 450-8973 now to file for mesothelioma benefits for free with our help.

What is the holy grail of VA disability?

The “holy grail” of VA disability is considered to be a 100% disability rating. The VA typically only awards this to U.S. veterans who are considered completely disabled as a result of their service-connected health issues.

However, mesothelioma typically qualifies as a total disability given its aggressive nature and poor long-term prognosis. As a result, it’s common for U.S. veterans diagnosed to receive a 100% VA disability rating.

How do I get mesothelioma VA claim help?

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center offers free help with accessing veterans benefits. Major Nelson is an expert in the VA claim filing process, and will guide you through each step.

We can also help you increase your VA disability rating to 100% and explore more ways to get medical and financial support if you’re facing mesothelioma.

What are some important considerations when filing a VA claim for asbestos exposure?

When you’re filing for asbestos VA claims, there are a few important things to remember to make the overall process easier for you.

We recommend:

Not paying for VA claim help: The best VA-accredited agents and attorneys, such as Major Nelson, will assist you at no charge.
Filing quickly: When facing a mesothelioma diagnosis, every second counts. We may be able to help expedite your VA claim review so you can get benefits faster.
Pursuing other compensation options: The VA is an important resource, but it’s not the only one. You could get much more compensation through legal claims, which don’t impact your mesothelioma veterans benefits.

Call us now at (877) 450-8973 for help pursuing mesothelioma VA benefits and recovering additional compensation after a diagnosis.

Disclaimer

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by the doctors or hospitals listed above. The contact information above is listed for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact these doctors and facilities directly.