My family is gearing up for Thanksgiving as I’m certain yours are as well. My kids hosting has some distinct advantages – I get to see remodeling home jobs, chat with the other grandparents, and play with my grandchildren. Visiting their homes and growing families brings me great joy. However, as I get older conversations are increasingly focused on my future long-term care.
As I’ve begun to build our relationships on Instagram with many of you and your VFW or AL posts across the country I know that when one person in your family is diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease the other family members live with it as well. Keeping your relationship to yourself healthy and balanced isn’t as simple as some would suggest.
Did you know that veterans with asbestos-related diseases can access these funds without going through the VA? The development of asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, has a latency period of anywhere between 10 and 50 years. Symptoms usually only present themselves 20 to 30 years after exposure to asbestos, once the disease has already started to develop. This means that you are caring for someone elderly and very sick. If the claimant dies we can still get money for you and your family. If the claimant is already dead you can file postmortem claims.
The Asbestos Trust system is similar to Social Security – if the veteran you are caring for can document 3 areas they may be eligible for compensation.
Specified Disease such as Mesothelioma, various Cancers, and Lung Damage
Lung cancer or a diagnosis of mesothelioma are obvious but there are other asbestos-related diseases. As the caretaker you have already noticed reduced lung function as non-strenuous activities such as getting up from a chair result in exhaustion.
SIX MONTHS OF EXPOSURE TO THE PARTICULAR COMPANY´S ASBESTOS, USUALLY BASED ON SITE LISTS.
Many veteran caregivers may not know that their loved one is suffering from a non-cancer asbestos disease that could have been caused by exposure to asbestos during service. While CTC is your support during the filing process your role is vital to help the claimant secure documents.
FIVE YEARS OF CUMULATIVE ASBESTOS EXPOSURE FROM ANY SOURCE, INCLUDING CIVILIANS. As you have to show 5 years of overall exposure you will have to go beyond military records and consider civilian employment.
Without the service of Veterans we would not be where we are as a nation.
We recognize the service of the countless husbands, wives, children, and sibling caregivers of our retired Veterans in one of the hardest and most unappreciated jobs. You are important and in fact vital to the claimant process because you may see things that the Veteran doesn’t.
To learn more about the process visit the eligibility page.
You Served Us, Now Let Us Serve You
Thanks so much!