VA Recommended Scans, Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Lawsuits
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma and suspect asbestos exposure during your military service, it’s crucial to understand the recommended scans provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These scans are essential for both diagnosis and documentation, which can be vital when pursuing compensation through asbestos trust funds.
The VA typically recommends high-resolution CT scans (HRCT) or chest X-rays to detect signs of asbestos-related diseases. HRCT scans are preferred because they provide detailed images of the chest area, making it easier to identify abnormalities. These scans can reveal asbestos-related conditions like pleural plaques, pleural effusions, or pleural thickening, which are common indicators of asbestos exposure.
It’s essential to discuss your medical history with your VA healthcare provider, emphasizing your military service and potential asbestos exposure. This information will help them determine the most appropriate scans and monitoring schedule.
By following the VA’s recommendations for scans and promptly addressing any asbestos-related health concerns, you not only prioritize your well-being but also gather crucial evidence for potential asbestos trust fund claims. This proactive approach ensures that you receive proper medical care and helps in seeking compensation for any asbestos-related damages you may have suffered during your service.
Veteran’s Organizations which recommend CT scan screening include:
AMVETS: Offers veterans affected by asbestos exposure support through benefits assistance, counseling, and advocacy, helping them navigate VA claims for mesothelioma compensation and providing resources for medical treatment and financial aid.
Disabled American Veterans: Provides comprehensive support services to veterans with asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, including benefits counseling, transportation assistance, and peer support programs to improve their quality of life and access to care.
Paralyzed Veterans of America: Assists veterans exposed to asbestos with navigating VA benefits, providing legal advocacy, adaptive sports programs, and accessible housing solutions to veterans with mesothelioma and other disabilities.
Veterans of Foreign Wars: Offers veterans affected by asbestos exposure resources and support through its service officer program, helping veterans file VA claims for mesothelioma compensation and access benefits for medical treatment and financial assistance.
TO GET HELP – Our Nationwide Toll-Free Mesothelioma Helpline Number is 888.640.0914
FAQs About VA Recommended Asbestos Ct-Scans, Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
What are VA recommended asbestos CT-scans?
VA recommended asbestos CT-scans are high-resolution CT scans used to detect signs of asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, in veterans with a history of asbestos exposure during military service.
Why are these scans important for veterans?
These scans are crucial for early detection and documentation of asbestos-related conditions, providing veterans with proper medical care and serving as evidence when pursuing compensation.
Who qualifies for VA recommended asbestos CT-scans?
Veterans with a history of military asbestos exposure, especially those diagnosed with mesothelioma or experiencing asbestos-related symptoms, may qualify for these scans.
What asbestos-related diseases can these scans detect?
VA recommended CT-scans can detect various asbestos-related conditions, including pleural plaques, pleural effusions, pleural thickening, and the most serious, mesothelioma.
How can veterans access these scans through the VA?
Veterans should discuss their military service history and potential asbestos exposure with their VA healthcare provider, who will determine the need for asbestos CT-scans.
What should veterans do if they are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease through these scans?
If diagnosed, veterans should seek immediate medical treatment and consider consulting with a mesothelioma lawyer to explore their legal options for compensation.
Are there time limits for accessing VA recommended asbestos CT-scans?
It’s essential to act promptly upon asbestos-related symptoms or diagnosis, as early detection can significantly impact treatment outcomes and potential compensation claims.
The VA offers the following scans for asbestos exposure:
High-Resolution CT Scan (HRCT): HRCT is a detailed X-ray technique that creates cross-sectional images of the chest. It helps detect asbestos-related lung abnormalities, such as pleural plaques, effusions, and mesothelioma, by capturing high-resolution images of lung tissue.
Chest X-ray: A standard chest X-ray produces images of the lungs and surrounding structures. It can identify abnormalities like pleural thickening and effusions, providing a preliminary assessment of asbestos-related conditions.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: PET scans use a small amount of radioactive material to highlight metabolic activity in the body. They can help identify malignant tumors, including mesothelioma, by showing areas with abnormal cell growth.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI scans use powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues. While less common than other scans, MRI can assist in diagnosing asbestos-related diseases by detecting abnormalities in organs and tissues.
Bronchoscopy: Bronchoscopy involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the airways. It can help visualize lung abnormalities and obtain tissue samples for biopsy, aiding in the diagnosis of asbestos-related lung conditions.
These scans work by capturing images or detecting abnormalities within the body, allowing healthcare providers to identify signs of asbestos exposure and related diseases, enabling timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Mesothelioma Symptoms Include:
Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure, presents a range of challenging symptoms that can significantly impact the lives of those affected. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management. In this article, we’ll explore the various signs and symptoms associated with mesothelioma to help individuals recognize potential warning signs and seek timely medical attention.
Abdominal bloating: Mesothelioma can lead to fluid accumulation in the abdomen, resulting in abdominal bloating.
Abdominal pain: Tumors developing in the abdomen can cause persistent abdominal pain.
Anemia: Anemia may result from chronic inflammation associated with mesothelioma.
Bowel obstruction: Tumors can obstruct the bowels, leading to bowel obstruction and related symptoms.
Blood clotting abnormalities: Mesothelioma can affect blood clotting factors, increasing the risk of abnormalities.
Chest pain: Chest pain often occurs due to tumors in the chest cavity irritating the pleura.
Chronic dry cough: A persistent dry cough is a common symptom, often linked to pleural mesothelioma.
Chronic fatigue: Chronic fatigue is a consequence of the disease’s taxing effects on the body.
Coughing up blood: Coughing up blood may result from damage to the airways or lung tissue.
Difficulty breathing: Mesothelioma can restrict lung function, causing difficulty in breathing.
Difficulty swallowing: Tumors near the esophagus can make swallowing challenging.
Dyspnea: Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is a prevalent symptom due to lung involvement.
Fatigue and weakness: The disease’s progression often leads to fatigue and weakness.
Fluid build-up in the lungs: Pleural mesothelioma can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs.
High Fever: An elevated temperature may result from the body’s response to inflammation caused by mesothelioma.
Nausea: Nausea can occur due to the disease’s impact on the digestive system or as a side effect of treatment.
Neck Swelling: Swelling in the neck may occur if lymph nodes are affected by the cancer.
Pain in the abdomen: Abdominal pain can result from tumor growth or irritation of surrounding tissues.
Palpitations: Palpitations may occur due to the stress and anxiety associated with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Shortness of breath: This common symptom is often related to lung involvement by mesothelioma.
Swelling in the abdomen: Abdominal swelling is a consequence of fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.
Tumors around the abdomen: The presence of tumors in the abdomen can lead to various symptoms, including pain and discomfort.
Tumors around the lungs: Tumors in the lung lining can cause chest pain, coughing, and breathing difficulties.
Tumors around the heart: Pericardial mesothelioma can lead to tumors around the heart, resulting in chest pain and other cardiac symptoms.
Unexplained weight loss: Weight loss is often a sign of advanced mesothelioma and can occur due to decreased appetite and the body’s response to cancer.
Recognizing the symptoms of mesothelioma is vital for early diagnosis and intervention. If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, particularly if there is a history of asbestos exposure, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Early detection can lead to more treatment options and potentially better outcomes. Remember, you don’t have to face this journey alone, as there are medical professionals and legal experts who can provide guidance and support throughout the process.
Veterans and Asbestos Exposure
Thousands of U. S. servicemen and women came into contact with asbestos fibers during their tour of service. Many Veterans diagnosed with Mesothelioma have complained that they were not given any warning, training or respiratory protective gear when handling, installing, loading, repairing, or removing asbestos-containing products.
- Asbestos was used by the U. S. Military in more than 300 different materials and products.
- Millions of U. S. Veterans have been exposed to asbestos during their tour of service.
- A recent study showed that as many as 30-40% of Mesothelioma victims is U. S. Veterans.
- Mesothelioma has affected veterans from all branches of service including those who worked in Navy shipyards.
- The U.S. Military used thousands of asbestos-containing products in their ships between the 1920-late 1970’s.
- Asbestos was listed as the top contaminant at 32 U.S. Army base closures during the 1990s.
- Mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases primarily occur in Veterans between the ages of 55-75.
- Veterans who served between 1940 and 1980 have the greatest risk of developing Mesothelioma or an asbestos-related cancer.
- 14 in every 1,000 WW II shipyard workers died of an asbestos-related disease compared to 18 in every 1,000 combat related deaths.
Asbestos was used heavily in the shipbuilding and in military ships. Many veterans working in confined quarters have been exposed to asbestos.
Asbestos is most dangerous when inhaled or ingested. Most U. S. Veterans are particularly at risk because that worked on building and demolition projects that exposed them to asbestos fibers and dust. It was nearly impossible to avoid coming into to contact with asbestos if you worked on military construction sites.
Veterans were daily exposed to toxic asbestos dust and fibers where they inhaled and ingested them without any protection in their workplace. Families of workers and other military veterans that were exposed to asbestos secondhand are also developing Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disease.
Veterans diagnosed with Mesothelioma have complained that they were not given any warning, training or respiratory protective gear when handling, installing, loading, repairing, or removing asbestos-containing products.
FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY TODAY! – Call Our Nationwide Toll-Free Mesothelioma Helpline – 888.640.0914
Asbestos Trust Funds and Mesothelioma Claims
U. S. Asbestos Bankruptcy Trusts Funds have paid out nearly 21 billion to more than 600,000 asbestos claimants. There are about 60 active Asbestos Trust Funds with an estimated $32 billion in remaining assets.
Asbestos Settlement Trusts were established to help compensate workers and their families for asbestos exposure causing Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. When an Asbestos company establishes a Trust Fund all settlements are managed by trustees that decide the compensation amounts paid to Mesothelioma claimants. U. S. Courts allow Asbestos defendants to file for protection under a legal process known as bankruptcy reorganization. This allows the company to pay claims and stay in business.
Asbestos Trust Fund settlements typically do not come with an admission of guilt by the asbestos company that set up the trust.
According to the American Cancer Society with the average survival time for people with Mesothelioma is 4-18 months.
Taking Legal Action
When confronted with the devastating impact of a mesothelioma diagnosis resulting from asbestos exposure, pursuing legal action becomes a crucial step towards securing the compensation you rightly deserve. Our team is here to assist you in initiating a mesothelioma lawsuit with an experienced mesothelioma attorney, ensuring the protection of your rights and the delivery of justice. Discover today which Asbestos Trust Funds you may be eligible for to receive compensation.
Schedule a FREE Case Consultation
Scheduling a free case consultation is your first step toward seeking justice in mesothelioma cancer lawsuits. We are ready to assess your unique situation and provide the guidance you will need during this challenging time. Take this essential step toward pursuing fair compensation for your mesothelioma-related injuries.
Get Help from an Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney
When dealing with the complexities of mesothelioma cancer lawsuits, getting help from an experienced injury attorney is crucial. For more than 24 years, we have assisted workers, veterans, and families in obtaining the compensation they deserved from negligent asbestos companies. Contact us at 888.640.0914 to secure the support you will need throughout your pursuit of fair and just compensation.
24 Hour Call Back Guarantee!
Fill out our free Mesothelioma case evaluation form and an experienced Mesothelioma lawyer will call you to immediately start processing your claim at no cost to you.
Call Today! 888.640.0914 – Chat Available 24/7 – 365 Days a Year!
VA Recommended Scans, Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Lawsuits