Veterans Benefits for Mesothelioma
Do you wonder if you qualify for veterans benefits for mesothelioma, but don’t know where to start? VetLaw is a veteran-owned law firm. As VA-accredited attorneys, our mission is to help veterans like you apply for the benefits that you’re entitled to.
We know how difficult it is to navigate the VA system. We’re here to help you apply for mesothelioma VA benefits or pursue an appeal. Our goal is to maximize your benefits, so we will let you know if you qualify for other types of compensation.
We don’t charge our clients any upfront fees. It costs you nothing to have us review your case and to provide legal representation during an appeal. We only collect a fee if the VA approves your benefits. Contact us today to get started.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SERVICE-CONNECTED FOR MESOTHELIOMA?
The VA compensates veterans whose service caused them to develop a health condition, or caused an existing condition to worsen. If you developed mesothelioma because of your military service, you may qualify for service connection and receive this monthly benefit.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR VETERANS BENEFITS FOR MESOTHELIOMA?
You can file a mesothelioma VA claim if:
- You have a mesothelioma diagnosis.
- You experienced a specific in-service event. Typically, this is asbestos exposure. For example, Coast Guard vets can receive benefits for mesothelioma if they served on ships built prior to 1991 that contain asbestos.
- In order to establish service connection, you must be able to link that in-service event to your mesothelioma diagnosis. The VA calls this connection a nexus or medical nexus. However, it’s important to note that you don’t have to show this link at the time you file your initial application for benefits.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR VETERANS BENEFITS FOR MESOTHELIOMA?
You won’t automatically receive VA disability benefits after a mesothelioma diagnosis, even if you receive your medical care at a VA hospital or clinic. You can file a VA disability claim:
- Online
- By mail
- In person at your local VA regional office
- With the assistance of a professional, like a VA disability lawyer
The mesothelioma VA disability claims process is daunting. The regulations and requirements often change. And, there are so many forms on the VA website, it can be difficult to know which one applies to your situation.
THE ADVANTAGES OF USING A VA DISABILITY LAWYER TO APPLY FOR BENEFITS
You could apply on your own, but there are several advantages to letting us help you with the application process.
We know what a strong VA disability application looks like. Our lawyers know what information the VA needs to see. And, we can catch any errors or omissions.
We can help you obtain documentation. If you served years or even decades ago, you may not have the records that you need. We know how to locate this information when it’s available. And, we can help you build a strong claim by providing other supportive documentation.
We keep track of important deadlines. If the VA needs more information, they request it back by a certain date. If you miss that deadline, they could deny your claim. When you work with us, all you need to do is to attend your medical appointments.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I RECEIVE A DENIAL FROM VETERAN AFFAIRS ON MY MESOTHELIOMA CLAIM?
Unfortunately, VA claim denials are common. Even a typo or one missing piece of information could cause them to refuse your claim.
If you receive a denial, you have the right to appeal. This gives you a chance to strengthen your claim and gather more evidence. Our lawyers can help you appeal a denial from Veteran Affairs, even if we didn’t file your initial mesothelioma claim.
HOW A LAWYER CAN HELP WITH ESTABLISHING SERVICE CONNECTION FOR MESOTHELIOMA
At VetLaw, we help veterans throughout the entire application process. Our lawyers are ready to help you:
- Make a VA disability claim
- Pursue an appeal if you receive a VA disability denial
- File for a disability rating increase if your condition worsens
- Let you know if you qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits
Give us a call or contact us online to get started.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much does a VA disability benefits lawyer cost?
We only collect a fee if we are successful in getting your benefits approved. At VetLaw, we feel that veterans already face enough barriers to accessing their benefits. It costs you nothing upfront to have us file your initial claim or appeal. If the VA ultimately denies your claim, you owe us nothing.
Can I receive VA disability benefits for more than one service-connected condition?
Yes, you can receive benefits for both mesothelioma and another condition or conditions. If you have multiple service-connected conditions, the VA will calculate a combined disability rating that will not exceed 100%.
CONTACT A VA DISABILITY LAWYER TODAY
A VA Disability Lawyer’s role is to assist you throughout the confusing and often frustrating appeals process if you have been denied benefits, and assist you with establishing service connection for your mesothelioma claim, along with any other disabilities you may wish to appeal. Generally, you need to be denied at least once before an attorney can assist, but once a lawyer is involved they will often be able to quickly determine what needs to be done in order to prove entitlement to VA compensation.
If you are a veteran who received a denial on your mesothelioma claim, be sure to contact the VA Accredited Attorneys at VetLaw right away to help make sure you get the entitlement you deserve.
