U.S. Air Force Asbestos Exposure

If you are an Air Force veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease, the asbestos exposure attorneys at Ward Black Law want to help you seek veteran benefits and other sources of compensation. You made immense sacrifices in service to our nation, and you deserve compassionate support and legal representation during this critical time.

U.S. Air Force veterans and their loved ones who have developed asbestos-related illnesses could be entitled to an array of VA benefits, including disability, health care, and dependency compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you could also have other avenues for pursuing financial recovery from different sources.

Our experienced legal team is ready to review your service history, determine where and how the exposure likely occurred, and seek maximum compensation for you from every available source. We can deal with the paperwork and hearings while you concentrate on living your life and spending time with your loved ones. The lawyers at Ward Black Law have helped over 1,000 people in North Carolina seek compensation after asbestos exposure. We want to help you, too.

Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and options as an Air Force veteran with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease. The case review is free, confidential, and comes without further obligations on your part.

Asbestos Exposure in the Air Force

Asbestos exposure in the Air Force has been a persistent problem for decades. Between the 1920s and 1970s, the U.S. Air Force used asbestos in its planes, machinery, bases, and other applications.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous material widely used in various industries due to its desirable properties, such as heat resistance, sound absorption, and tensile strength. Widespread commercial use began in the late 19th century and peaked in the mid-20th century.

Despite its useful properties, scientists discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health risks. Over time, inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause various diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Due to these health concerns, the use of asbestos has been significantly reduced, but not before millions of Americans and thousands of airmen experienced potentially toxic exposure.

Air Force Occupations at Risk

Because of its strength and heat-resistant properties, asbestos was frequently used in Air Force aircraft parts and components. Therefore, aircraft mechanics and technicians were at significant risk of toxic levels of asbestos exposure. Electricians, engineers, boiler workers, pilots, welders, and firefighters experienced substantial asbestos exposure.

Asbestos could also be found throughout Air Force bases in living quarters, dining facilities, and other areas. Virtually any airmen serving during the 1920s through the 1970s, including veterans serving in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, could be at risk.

How Were Air Force Veterans Exposed to Asbestos?

Air Force veterans were exposed to asbestos in various ways during their service, including through:

• Common asbestos products at Air Force bases – Asbestos was commonly used in building materials and could be found throughout Air Force bases. A report from the Department of Defense that examined eight military installations, including three air bases, found “systemic deficiencies in the management of … asbestos-containing materials” in government-owned and government-controlled military family housing. Common asbestos-containing products used in construction and buildings include cement, drywall, insulation, pipes, shingles, sealants, and tiles.
• Asbestos in aircraft parts used by the military – The military used numerous asbestos-containing parts on aircraft, including insulation, adhesives, gaskets, valves, brakes, and engine parts. Even the personal protective equipment that aircraft mechanics and technicians wore contained asbestos. While most companies stopped using asbestos in products in the 1970s, many aircraft with asbestos-containing parts were in service for years afterward.

Compensation for Air Force Asbestos Exposure

Air Force veterans exposed to asbestos during service may be eligible for compensation through various legal avenues. Here are a few potential sources of compensation:

• Veteran’s benefits – Veterans who have developed asbestos-related diseases due to their military service may be eligible for compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA provides medical and disability benefits for veterans with service-connected disabilities, including asbestos-related conditions like mesothelioma, cancer, and asbestosis. The amount of monthly compensation an Air Force veteran may receive will depend on their disability rating and their number of dependents.
• Product liability lawsuit – Air Force veterans might also pursue legal action against the manufacturers of asbestos-containing items used in various products and materials purchased by the military. By filing a lawsuit, veterans with asbestos exposure in the Air Force may recover compensation for their medical bills, lost past and future wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, diminished quality of life, and other losses.
• Asbestos trust funds – Some companies facing significant asbestos-related litigation have established trust funds as part of bankruptcy reorganization to compensate individuals harmed by their dangerous products and materials. Veterans may be eligible to file claims with these trust funds if their exposure can be linked to a company associated with an established trust.

Filing for Air Force VA Benefits

To receive VA benefits for asbestos exposure in the Air Force, you must file a claim with the VA that includes the following evidence:

• Medical records that show you have a health condition associated with asbestos exposure
• Service records that show you had contact with asbestos while serving in the Air Force

If you served decades ago, you may face difficulty locating your service records. Our Air Force asbestos exposure attorneys can help you gather the necessary evidence to support your claim. You will want your claim to be complete, detailed, and wholly accurate, which our lawyers can help with.

You can file your VA claim online, by mail, or in person. Then you wait for a decision, which can take over 100 days, according to the VA’s tracker. The VA may request additional information from you, your doctors, and government agencies to aid in their decision-making. It may also seek a claim exam that will help determine your rate of disability.

Once the VA makes a decision, it will mail a packet that includes the reason for its decision. If the VA denies your claim, you have several options for seeking a review. Our attorneys can help you decide which avenue to pursue for the best possible outcome in your circumstances.