What VA Benefits Are Available for Mesothelioma Veterans?

VA Disability Compensation

The primary VA benefit for veterans with mesothelioma is disability compensation — a monthly, tax-free payment based on the severity of your service-connected condition. Mesothelioma typically qualifies for a 100% disability rating, which in 2026 provides over $3,900 per month for a veteran with no dependents (higher rates apply for veterans with spouses and children). This compensation is paid retroactively to the date of your initial claim.

Because mesothelioma is directly linked to asbestos exposure — which was pervasive across all branches of the military, especially in Navy and shipyard settings — establishing the service connection is generally straightforward for veterans with documented military service.

VA Healthcare

Veterans with service-connected mesothelioma are eligible for comprehensive healthcare through the VA medical system. This includes all diagnostic testing, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, medications, palliative care, and hospice services. The VA operates specialized treatment programs and can also authorize care at non-VA facilities when specialized mesothelioma treatment is not available locally.

VA healthcare is provided at no cost to veterans with service-connected conditions rated at 50% or higher, which applies to all veterans with a mesothelioma disability rating.

Special Monthly Compensation and Aid & Attendance

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) provides additional payments above the standard disability rate for veterans with particularly severe conditions or those who require regular assistance with daily activities. Aid and Attendance is a supplemental benefit for veterans who need help with basic tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, and medication management. Mesothelioma patients often qualify for both.

These additional benefits can significantly increase the total monthly compensation a veteran receives, sometimes by more than $1,000 per month above the base 100% disability rate.

Survivor Benefits

If a veteran passes away from mesothelioma, surviving spouses and dependents may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) — a monthly tax-free benefit. Surviving spouses may also qualify for Aid and Attendance if they need personal care assistance. Education benefits for surviving children may also be available through the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program.

Pursuing VA Benefits Alongside Other Claims

VA benefits do not affect your ability to pursue mesothelioma lawsuits, trust fund claims, or other compensation. All of these can be pursued simultaneously. An experienced mesothelioma attorney helps veterans coordinate all available benefits to maximize total recovery.