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Asbestos Exposure and VA Disability

Asbestos Exposure and VA Disability

Asbestos exposure poses a significant health risk, particularly for veterans who may have encountered this material during their service. Understanding the connection between asbestos exposure, related health conditions, and VA disability compensation can help veterans secure the benefits they deserve. Leah explores the nature of asbestos, the risks it presents, and the steps veterans can take to address these issues through the VA system.

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What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction, manufacturing, and military settings due to its heat resistance and durability. From the 1940s through the 1980s, asbestos was commonly found in Navy ships, military buildings, and various products. Resources exist to help identify ships and buildings known to contain asbestos, though these databases are not exhaustive.

While asbestos was valued for its utility, its long-term health effects were not well understood at the time. Veterans exposed to asbestos during service often unknowingly inhaled its fibers, which can cause severe health issues decades later.

Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos fibers can result in serious respiratory and systemic health conditions. Common asbestos-related diseases include:

  • Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
  • Asbestosis: A chronic lung condition caused by the scarring of lung tissue.
  • Lung Cancer: Often linked to asbestos exposure, especially in veterans who smoked.
  • Pleural Plaques: Thickened patches on the lung lining, indicating asbestos exposure.

The latency period for these diseases is typically 20 to 50 years, meaning symptoms may not appear until long after exposure. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and chest pain. If you are experiencing these symptoms and have a history of asbestos exposure, seeking medical attention is crucial.

VA Disability Compensation for Asbestos Exposure

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes that health conditions caused by asbestos exposure during military service may qualify for disability compensation. However, proving eligibility requires demonstrating a connection between service-related asbestos exposure and the diagnosed health condition.

Eligibility Information

To qualify for VA disability benefits related to asbestos exposure, eligible veterans must:

  1. Demonstrate Asbestos Exposure During Service:
    • Provide evidence of contact with asbestos in the military, such as service records indicating jobs or duties associated with exposure (e.g., mining, milling, shipyard work, construction, carpentry, or demolition).
  2. Establish a Diagnosed Health Condition:
    • A medical diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma or asbestosis, is essential. The condition must be documented by a qualified healthcare provider.
  3. Prove Service Connection:
    • A positive nexus statement from a doctor linking the asbestos exposure during service to the diagnosed condition is required. This can be obtained at the VA C&P exam in many cases.

Claim Details

Veterans filling claims often gather the following details

Submit medical records documenting the asbestos-related diagnosis.

  • Include service records listing duties or specialties with potential exposure.
  • Obtain a doctor’s statement establishing the connection between service-related exposure and the condition.

Veterans can file claims independently or seek assistance from an accredited claims agent, attorney, or Veterans Service Officer (VSO). Many counties have free VSOs who can guide veterans through the process.

The Role of Environmental Health Coordinators

VA Environmental Health Coordinators can assist veterans concerned about asbestos exposure. These professionals assess exposure risks and help document mitigating factors such as the use of protective equipment. They also address other environmental risks, such as radiation exposure.

Contacting the Environmental Health Office at your VA healthcare facility can provide additional guidance and support. Coordinators can:

  • Evaluate exposure history.
  • Recommend appropriate medical testing.
  • Guide veterans through VA resources and claims processes.

Disability ratings for asbestos-related conditions depend on the severity and impact of the condition. During a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam, VA medical professionals assess how the condition affects daily functioning. The results determine the disability rating, which directly influences the compensation amount.

For example:

  • Mesothelioma and severe lung cancers often receive higher ratings due to their debilitating nature.
  • Conditions like pleural plaques or mild asbestosis may receive lower ratings unless symptoms significantly impair daily activities.

Resources for Veterans

Veterans seeking information and assistance with asbestos-related claims can explore the following resources:

  • VA Website: Comprehensive help documents and claim filing instructions.
  • Environmental Health Coordinators: Available at VA healthcare facilities.
  • Mesothelioma.net: Offers information on asbestos exposure and VA-accredited legal professionals specializing in asbestos-related disorders.
  • Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): Provide free support in navigating the claims process.

Final Thoughts

Asbestos exposure during military service has left many veterans facing serious health challenges. The VA provides disability compensation for qualifying conditions, but understanding the process and gathering the necessary documentation can be complex. Veterans are encouraged to utilize available resources, including medical professionals, VSOs, and Environmental Health Coordinators, to secure the benefits they deserve.

If you suspect you’ve been affected by asbestos exposure, seek medical evaluation and contact the VA or a trusted representative to begin your claim. Early action can help ensure you receive the care and compensation needed to address these serious health issues.

Also read: Top 5 Conditions Related to Back Pain in VA Disability

At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.

Our purpose is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.

Understanding the unique challenges veterans face, our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.

Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.

Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.

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We are a veteran-owned family company that provides Independent Medical Opinions, often referred to as “Nexus Letters”. 

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  • Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting Boerne, Texas 78006
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Danielle McClaskey

Client Relations Specialist U.S. Navy Veteran

In her active-duty service in the United States Navy, Danielle undertook a variety of responsibilities, ranging from essential administrative duties to providing crucial medical care. Her multifaceted contributions played a pivotal role in enhancing her fellow service members’ operational effectiveness and well-being.

As a disabled veteran, she developed a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by her fellow service members. Now, in her civilian role, Danielle is a valued member of the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team, where she continues to leverage her extensive background and educational achievements to provide exceptional support to veterans.

Leticia

LETICIA

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Leticia has been in the medical field for nearly 14 years. She has always had a passion for medicine and caring for her community. Leticia has spent the last 4 years caring for veterans and first responders with alcohol and substance abuse in a medical rehabilitation setting whilst continuing her education working towards a degree in software development.

Someday she hopes to develop medical software that further enhances the patient’s experience in medical care. Leticia has a deep respect and love for those who have served as she comes from a family of law enforcement and military veterans.

Alan Bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Alan Bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Julie Pereira

JULIE PEREIRA:

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

During her Active-Duty time in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, Julie provided medical administration
and patient care services in the field, the hospital, and base medical office settings.  This military medical and
administrative background has given Julie the hands-on experience and extensive knowledge necessary to
provide unparalleled service to her fellow Veterans through the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team.

Julie’s educational achievements include a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Human Services and a pre-nursing associate in arts and science.

Julie has been inspired by her firsthand knowledge of navigating the VA Benefits process. She has dedicated
most of her adult life to serving Veterans through her knowledge derived from her military and civilian medical
education and training.

Jennifer Januta

JENNIFER JANUTA

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

During her Active-Duty service in the Army, Jennifer supported various research efforts centered on combat casualty care and Soldier performance. Her military background gave her unique insights into veterans’ distinct challenges, ultimately inspiring her to join the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team.

Jennifer’s educational achievements include a master’s in molecular biology from George Washington University and a master’s in data science from Texas Tech University. Jennifer wholeheartedly dedicates herself to utilizing her knowledge and expertise gained from 15 years of healthcare experience to impact the well-being of those who have served positively.

Alan Bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Leah - Meet the Team

LEAH BUCHOLZ, PA-C

U.S ARMY VETERAN, MEDICAL EXPERT & FORMER C & P EXAMINER

Meet Leah, the founder, and leader of our organization. ​​A combat veteran herself, she understands the unique challenges veterans face, making her mission about much more than running a successful business. It’s about the opportunity to provide a legacy of exceptional service for our heroes.​

​“It is essential to remember that there is no greater honor than caring for service members on the battlefield. Continuing to care for Veterans after separation is an opportunity that I have been afforded to extend that care in this new battlefield related to service-incurred disabilities.”

Her inspiration comes from years of military experience working alongside her fellow servicemembers, particularly key leaders who have influenced her journey, applying their wisdom to her path. She values her team deeply, most of whom are also disabled combat veterans, each member a trusted individual sharing her vision.

 “Driven by passion and purpose, I aim to create a sustainable change that empowers veterans and future generations.”

Leah’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. From overcoming and living with her service-related disabilities to navigating work-life balance, she’s learned to face each hurdle head-on with resilience.  Like many of her veteran brothers and sisters, her early background consisted of limited resources and opportunities. Her military service has helped shape her into a steadfast leader, offering relatable inspiration to others.

Join us in celebrating Leah, a compassionate leader, and resilient veteran, driving our mission to serve those who served our nation.

Prestige Veteran
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