What Are Mesothelioma VA Disability Benefits?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awards many benefits to veterans affected by service-related health conditions like mesothelioma. One of the most notable VA benefits is disability compensation.
VA disability benefits offer monthly payouts to U.S. veterans with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other service-related injuries.
About Mesothelioma VA Disability Benefits
- Veterans with mesothelioma usually receive over $3,800 a month.
- More compensation may be awarded if a veteran is married or has dependents.
- Mesothelioma and lung cancer often qualify for a 100% disability rating.
At Sokolove Law, our VA-accredited attorneys can help veterans maximize their compensation by pursuing both mesothelioma VA disability benefits as well as additional payouts from legal sources.
Get a free case review now to find out if we can help you access compensation or increase your VA disability rating.
Who Can File Mesothelioma Disability Claims?
U.S. veterans who were exposed to asbestos while serving in the military and later developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness may qualify for VA disability.
Asbestos was used by all military branches before the risks were publicly known. Exposure has caused many veterans to develop mesothelioma 20-50 years later.
Veterans from all branches may be able to file mesothelioma disability claims, including those who served in the:
You may be eligible for mesothelioma VA disability benefits even if you don’t remember when, where, or how you were exposed.
At Sokolove Law, our attorneys can help determine your exposure history and fight for the benefits you deserve.
“For our veterans, there is a strong likelihood that you had exposure to asbestos products while serving our country.”
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney at Sokolove Law
VA Disability Rating for Asbestos Exposure
The VA assigns a disability rating to service-related injuries or illnesses affecting U.S. veterans. This rating determines how much they may receive each month as part of their VA benefits.
The asbestos VA disability rating is typically 100% for active cancers, including mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer.
Veterans can also get VA disability payouts for asbestosis, a serious lung disease that affects breathing. The VA may rate veterans with asbestosis anywhere from 10% to 100% disabled, depending on lung function.
| Asbestos-Related Disease | Typical VA Disability Rating | Base Financial Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Mesothelioma | 100% | $3,831.30 |
| Lung Cancer | 100% | $3,831.30 |
| Asbestosis | 10% to 100% | $175.51 to $3,831.30 |
You may already be receiving VA disability at the time of your diagnosis. In these cases, we can work to increase your benefits to 100%, allowing you to get the highest asbestos VA disability payouts possible.
Call (800) 647-3434 now to learn how Sokolove Law can fight for you after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
“Hiring Sokolove Law was one of the best decisions we ever made.”
– Alan, U.S. Army Veteran & Firm Client
Mesothelioma VA Disability Rating
The VA almost always grants veterans with mesothelioma a 100% disability rating, allowing them to get $3,831.30 a month in tax-free compensation.
Additional disability compensation could be awarded if the veteran has dependent family members like spouses or children.
| Veteran’s Family Status | VA Mesothelioma Disability Payout |
|---|---|
| Single veteran (no dependents) | $3,831.30 |
| Veteran with dependent spouse | $4,044.91 |
| Veteran with dependent child and no spouse | $3,974.15 |
| Veteran with dependent spouse and child | $4,201.35 |
Besides mesothelioma VA disability compensation, you and your family could also qualify for more payouts from legal claims. The average mesothelioma claim awards $1 Million or more, with no impact to your monthly VA benefits.
At Sokolove Law, we’ll work hard to maximize your compensation by pursuing VA benefits, lawsuits, and other compensation options available.
VA Disability for Lung Cancer
The VA usually awards 100% disability for veterans with active lung cancer. As a result, U.S. veterans can receive similar payouts to those with mesothelioma after a diagnosis.
| Veteran’s Family Status | VA Disability Lung Cancer Payout |
|---|---|
| Single veteran (no dependents) | $3,831.30 |
| Veteran with dependent spouse | $4,044.91 |
| Veteran with dependent child and no spouse | $3,974.15 |
| Veteran with dependent spouse and child | $4,201.35 |
At Sokolove Law, we can help you learn more about lung cancer and disability payouts. Our team can also help eligible veterans pursue additional lung cancer compensation from legal claims.
COPD and Asbestos Exposure VA Disability
U.S. veterans with mesothelioma and asbestosis could be misdiagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung disease that causes similar symptoms like a cough and trouble breathing.
While veterans can get VA disability compensation for COPD, it’s important for them to seek a second opinion if they may have been exposed to asbestos. A mesothelioma diagnosis could potentially be worth more due to the cancer’s aggressive nature.
More Compensation for Mesothelioma & Asbestos Exposure
Outside of VA disability for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, veterans could potentially receive more money from other sources.
Many companies that made, sold, or distributed asbestos-containing products knew they were dangerous but hid the health risks to keep making money. As a result, you may be able to seek compensation by filing claims against these companies.
Additional compensation options for mesothelioma include:
- Mesothelioma lawsuits: Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can file personal injury asbestos lawsuits, and settlements award between $1 Million and $1.4 Million on average. These lawsuits are filed against asbestos-related companies, not the U.S. military or government.
- Asbestos claims after death: Family members of veterans who passed away from mesothelioma may be eligible to file asbestos claims after their loved one’s death.
- Asbestos trust funds: There’s an estimated $30 Billion available in asbestos trust funds today. These trusts allow eligible veterans to pursue compensation from manufacturers without filing a lawsuit.
Filing legal claims won’t affect VA disability benefits. Many veterans are able to get both VA disability payouts and compensation at the same time.
At Sokolove Law, we’re proud to serve veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. In fact, 42% of our mesothelioma clients are U.S. veterans.
Call (800) 647-3434 now to find out if you may be able to work with Sokolove Law to pursue compensation for mesothelioma.
Our Past Military Mesothelioma Lawsuit Settlements
At Sokolove Law, we've secured over $5.2 Billion for mesothelioma veterans, civilians, and families affected by mesothelioma nationwide.
Mesothelioma settlements and verdicts we’ve secured for veterans include:
- $40 Million for a U.S. Navy veteran in Washington
- $9.3 Million to the family of a U.S. Navy veteran in Massachusetts
- $8.15 Million for a U.S. Navy veteran from Missouri
- $3 Million for a U.S. Army veteran and maintenance worker in Kansas
- $2.53 Million to a U.S. Navy veteran exposed to asbestos in Florida
- $1.56 Million for a U.S. Marine Corps veteran in North Carolina
- $1.72 Million to a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and electrician in South Carolina
- $2.28 Million for a drywaller and U.S. Army veteran in Washington
- $1.67 Million to a U.S. Air Force veteran and airplane mechanic in Georgia
- $2.28 Million for a U.S. Navy veteran and truck driver in Arkansas
- $2.08 Million to a shipfitter in the U.S. Navy in Colorado
- $2.84 Million for a U.S. Navy veteran and elevator mechanic in Pennsylvania
- $1.43 Million to a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and maintenance worker
- $1.78 Million for a U.S. Navy veteran and longshoreman in New Jersey
- $1.96 Million to a U.S. Army Police Corps veteran and mine mechanic
- $2.72 Million for a U.S. Navy veteran and woodworker in Oregon
- $5.31 Million to a U.S. Army veteran and heavy equipment operator in Maryland
- $10.23 Million for a boiler tender and U.S. Navy veteran in California
Most asbestos lawsuits end in out-of-court mesothelioma settlements, allowing many U.S. veterans to access compensation faster. However, our lawyers are prepared to take your case to trial if a settlement isn’t reached.
At Sokolove Law, we can help U.S. veterans with mesothelioma pursue the compensation they deserve. While the value of each mesothelioma case varies, we’ll fight hard to get you everything you’re entitled to.
Let Us Fight for Your Family
We've already helped thousands of veterans with mesothelioma get compensation. See if we can help your family too.
How to File Mesothelioma Disability Claims
At Sokolove Law, our asbestos attorneys strive to make filing a mesothelioma disability claim as easy and stress-free as possible. We’ll handle the process for you, so you can focus on your health and spending time with your family.
The steps to pursuing mesothelioma VA benefits generally include:
- Getting a free case review: Our team can determine if you’re eligible for mesothelioma VA disability benefits and other types of compensation.
- Gathering evidence: Our mesothelioma lawyers can help you collect the information needed to file a VA mesothelioma disability claim, including evidence related to your diagnosis and military asbestos exposure.
- Filing for mesothelioma VA disability: A Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can help you file for or increase your VA disability compensation. If you’re denied VA benefits, you can work with us to file an appeal.
- Receiving compensation: Once your VA disability benefits claim is approved, you’ll start to receive monthly compensation.
As of January 2025, it takes 146.4 days for the VA to make a decision on a disability claim. However, by filing asbestos legal claims, your mesothelioma payout timeline could be faster.
Many veterans and families start to receive the first payouts within 90 days of connecting with our team. This allows families to get quicker access to the compensation they need.
Why Were So Many Veterans Exposed to Asbestos?
Approximately 1 in 3 mesothelioma patients is a U.S. veteran. This is because asbestos-containing materials were used throughout all branches of the military between the 1930s and early 1980s.
Asbestos was commonly used in:
- U.S. Navy ships: Before the 1980s, over 3,300 U.S. Navy ships relied on asbestos-containing materials like clutches, insulation, cables, gaskets, and piping.
- Military bases: Across the country, military bases used by the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and other branches relied on asbestos-containing construction materials.
- Planes and vehicles: Many types of ground vehicles and aircraft used asbestos-containing brake pads, insulation, and more.
Manufacturers hid the risks of asbestos products for decades to keep their profits high, putting proud service members in harm’s way. Veterans exposed decades ago are still at risk today since asbestos-related diseases take 20-50 years to form.
As a result of this corporate negligence, many U.S. veterans qualify for both mesothelioma VA disability benefits and asbestos lawsuit compensation.
“Mesothelioma changed our lives drastically. My husband was let go of his work. We suddenly had no income coming in. About a month after he was diagnosed, we contacted Sokolove Law to help us. We would’ve been lost without the firm coming to our aid.”
– Constance, Wife of a U.S. Veteran with Mesothelioma
Get Help with Mesothelioma Disability Claims
For over 45 years, Sokolove Law has worked to help veterans and families affected by mesothelioma pursue the compensation and justice they deserve.
We’re proud to assist veterans like you in securing mesothelioma VA disability benefits and accessing more compensation from lawsuits and asbestos trust funds.
Our mesothelioma law firm has secured over $5.2 Billion for patients and families across the country, including many U.S. military veterans. There are never any hourly or out-of-pocket fees to work with our team.
You bravely served your country, and now it’s our turn to serve you. Call (800) 647-3434 now or fill out our contact form to start the process.
Asbestos Exposure VA Disability FAQs
Is mesothelioma cancer a disability?
Yes. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) considers service-connected mesothelioma to be a disability. Many veterans are at risk due to widespread military asbestos use between the 1930s and early 1980s.
We can help eligible U.S. veterans with asbestos-related diseases pursue compensation from mesothelioma claims and trust funds as well as VA disability benefits.
Contact our team now to find out if you may qualify for mesothelioma VA disability and other types of compensation.
What percentage of VA disability is asbestos exposure?
The VA typically awards a 100% disability rating to veterans with mesothelioma, allowing them to receive $3,831.30 a month in tax-free compensation.
U.S. veterans could receive even more mesothelioma compensation from the VA if they have a spouse or dependent children.
How do you prove asbestos exposure to the VA?
To show you suffered military asbestos exposure to the VA, you'll need to show when, where, and how you came into contact with this dangerous mineral.
Our attorneys can collect military documents, medical diagnosis records, and other supporting evidence to help prove asbestos exposure so you can get the VA benefits you deserve.
How can I raise my asbestos exposure VA disability rating?
At Sokolove Law, we can help raise your VA disability rating to 100% if you were already getting benefits but were recently diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer and the VA considers it to be a total disability. As a result, you’ll likely qualify for maximum VA disability compensation.
Call (800) 647-3434 now to connect with our team. We’ll work to get the highest mesothelioma disability payouts available.
Can I get VA disability for lung cancer?
Yes. You may qualify to get VA disability benefits for lung cancer if you were exposed to asbestos while serving in the military.
If you have active lung cancer, you’ll typically receive a 100% VA disability rating, which awards over $3,800 a month. Lung cancer and disability claims allow many veterans to afford the care they need.
What’s the best way to appeal a VA disability claim?
There are three different ways to file an appeal with the VA if you were denied disability for mesothelioma.
VA disability appeal options include:
- Supplemental Claim: Providing additional information to support your VA disability claim
- Higher-Level Review: Getting your case reviewed by a senior VA employee
- Board Appeal: Having your case heard before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
At Sokolove Law, we can help U.S. veterans determine an appropriate appeal option and fight for the benefits they deserve. This may include gathering more information to show how veterans were exposed to asbestos while serving.
We can also assist veterans in securing additional compensation through the legal system, with no impact to their VA benefits. The average mesothelioma settlement is worth $1 Million to $1.4 Million, granting many veterans more compensation than VA benefits.
Does stage 4 lung cancer qualify for disability?
Yes. If your stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis stems from service-related exposure to toxins like asbestos, you may qualify for VA disability compensation.
Evidence showing that you worked with or around asbestos and medical records linking your diagnosis to asbestos exposure can allow you to get VA disability benefits for stage 4 lung cancer.
Is asbestosis a disability?
Yes. Asbestosis may be considered a disability by the VA if you can provide evidence linking your diagnosis back to military asbestos exposure.
How much VA disability compensation you may receive depends on your level of lung function. Asbestosis slowly weakens the lungs, and you may receive more disability compensation if your condition is serious.
How much compensation can I get for mesothelioma?
VA disability compensation usually awards $3,831.30 a month to veterans with mesothelioma. You could receive even more VA disability compensation if you have a dependent spouse or children.
Also, you could qualify for additional compensation from mesothelioma lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims. Our mesothelioma attorneys secure over $1 Million on average from lawsuit settlements.
Get a free case review now for help accessing mesothelioma compensation.
What is the VA disability rating for mesothelioma?
The VA’s disability rating for mesothelioma is typically 100% — the highest available. This rating allows veterans to receive the most money possible from VA disability payouts.
As of 2025, this amounts to over $3,800 a month or more if you have dependents.
