Key Takeaways
- Veterans account for approximately 30% of all mesothelioma cases in the United States — making military service one of the single largest risk factors for the disease.
- All five branches of the U.S. military used asbestos extensively from the 1930s through the 1980s — in barracks, vehicles, planes, ships, shipyards, ammunition storage, pipes, insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, gear, and clothing.
- The Navy used the most asbestos of any branch. Ships and shipyards were constructed and insulated with asbestos, and sailors lived aboard these vessels for extended periods — creating prolonged, unavoidable exposure.
- Mechanics and repair technicians across all branches faced the highest risk because they physically handled, moved, and repaired asbestos-containing materials as part of their duties.
- Military asbestos exposure is not just a historical issue — the 9/11 attacks released approximately 300–400 tons of asbestos, exposing military personnel and first responders. Existing military infrastructure built with asbestos also continues to pose risks during maintenance.
- Veterans are eligible for VA disability benefits, pensions, and VA claims — but must demonstrate both an asbestos-related disease and a connection between their exposure and military service.
Asbestos Exposure in the Military
Veterans that served in the military from the 1930s until the 1980s likely encountered asbestos. Asbestos was embraced as a “super-product” because it was chemically inert, had fire retardant qualities, enhanced the durability of the products it was added to, and was relatively inexpensive.
Asbestos was used:
- In barracks
- To construct military vehicles and planes (insulation, engines, brakes, plane wings, etc.)
- In ammunition and ammunition storage
- In ships and shipyards
- In the pipes, insulation, and floor/ceiling tiles of military buildings
- To supplement gear, clothing, and building products
Veterans and Mesothelioma
Notably, this isn’t an exhaustive list of the ways in which veterans may have encountered asbestos. More recently, the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center released approximately 300-400 tons of asbestos, which exposed first responders and people in the military alike. So, although a majority of asbestos exposure occurred in the twentieth century, people in the military are still at a higher risk for asbestos exposure (compared to the general public) because of existing infrastructure and maintenance of said infrastructure.
Although all five branches of the military relied on asbestos, the Navy utilized the most asbestos. Their ships (and surrounding shipyards) were constructed and insulated with asbestos. When Naval members went underway, they lived on these ships for extended periods of time, and were likely to encounter asbestos—even if that asbestos was technically “safe” because it was sealed.
Mechanics and repair technicians in all five branches were at higher risk compared to their fellow servicemembers for asbestos exposure. In fact, on the VA’s website, they list the areas of “carpentry, demolition, construction, mining, milling, and shipyards” as a priority for compensation. Their risk was significantly higher because they dealt with asbestos most closely, and would be required to move, repair, and physically handle asbestos (and products containing asbestos).
So, because of an extensive utilization of asbestos, the U.S. military put millions of servicemen at risk for developing mesothelioma. Today, veterans account for about 30% of all mesothelioma cases.
Now What?
Veterans are eligible for special benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans can file claims through the VA, so long as they can ensure that a.) they have an asbestos-related disease; and b.) that they were exposed to asbestos during their enlistment. Usually, doctors will have to write a note that validates the asbestos exposure as being related to their patients’ military involvement. From there, the VA offers a variety of compensatory options, like:
- Disability benefits
- Pension
- VA claims, which function like a trust fund
If you served in the military and believe you were exposed to asbestos, it’s imperative to a.) inform your doctor; and b.) consider seeking financial justice.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, we are here to help. Our website offers useful information regarding types of asbestos-related diseases, hospitals to receive treatment in Pennsylvania, a variety of different treatment options, and more. For more information or for legal help, please call us at (800) 505-6000 or simply fill out our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are veterans more likely to develop mesothelioma?
Veterans are more likely to develop mesothelioma because asbestos was used extensively across all five branches of the U.S. military from the 1930s through the 1980s. It was valued for being chemically inert, fire-retardant, durable, and inexpensive. Service members encountered asbestos in their living quarters (barracks), vehicles, ships, planes, ammunition storage, building infrastructure, gear, and clothing — often without any warning or protective equipment. Today, veterans account for approximately 30% of all mesothelioma cases in the U.S.
Which military branch had the highest asbestos exposure?
The U.S. Navy utilized the most asbestos of any branch. Ships were constructed and insulated with asbestos-containing materials throughout — in engine rooms, boiler rooms, pipes, sleeping quarters, mess halls, and deck surfaces. When sailors went underway, they lived aboard these ships for weeks or months at a time, creating prolonged, unavoidable exposure in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces. Navy shipyards where vessels were built and repaired were equally hazardous.
Which military roles had the highest exposure risk?
Mechanics and repair technicians across all branches faced the highest risk because their duties required them to physically handle, move, cut, and repair asbestos-containing materials. The VA specifically lists carpentry, demolition, construction, mining, milling, and shipyard work as priority areas for compensation claims. However, any service member who lived or worked in asbestos-containing facilities — even those not directly handling the material — may have been exposed.
Are veterans still being exposed to asbestos today?
Yes, to some extent. While asbestos is no longer actively used in new military construction, existing infrastructure built before the 1980s may still contain asbestos-containing materials. Military personnel involved in maintenance, renovation, or demolition of older buildings and facilities may be exposed when those materials are disturbed. Additionally, the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center released approximately 300–400 tons of asbestos, exposing both military personnel and first responders to significant levels of airborne fibers.
What VA benefits are available for veterans with mesothelioma?
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several compensatory options for veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases:
- Disability benefits — monthly compensation based on the severity of the service-connected condition
- VA pension — financial support for veterans who meet certain service and income criteria
- VA claims — function similarly to trust fund claims, providing compensation for asbestos-related illness
To qualify, veterans must demonstrate that they have an asbestos-related disease and that their exposure occurred during military service. A doctor’s note connecting the diagnosis to military involvement is typically required.
What should veterans do if they believe they were exposed to asbestos?
If you served in the military and believe you were exposed to asbestos — particularly if you served between the 1930s and 1980s or worked in maintenance, repair, construction, or shipyard roles — take two steps: inform your doctor about your exposure history so they can monitor for symptoms and order appropriate screening, and consider your legal and VA benefits options. For information about pursuing compensation, call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
