Military veterans represent approximately one-third of all mesothelioma diagnoses in the United States — the direct result of the armed forces' pervasive use of asbestos throughout the 20th century. Veterans of all branches — Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard — were exposed, though the degree varied significantly by branch, role, and era of service. Veterans who served from the 1930s through the mid-1970s face the greatest risk, though exposure continued at lower levels into the 1980s.
History of Asbestos Exposure for Veterans
The US military was one of the largest single consumers of asbestos in American history. The Navy used asbestos to insulate virtually every vessel in the fleet. The Army incorporated asbestos in barracks buildings, motor pools, weapons systems, and vehicle brakes. The Air Force relied on asbestos insulation in aircraft and ground support equipment, and in hangar and maintenance facility construction. The Marine Corps, serving alongside the Navy, faced the same ship-based exposures as sailors. All branches housed personnel in asbestos-insulated base housing and operated from facilities with asbestos in their construction. The 20 to 50 year latency period means veterans exposed in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s are the generation being diagnosed with mesothelioma today.
Common Asbestos-Containing Products
The following products were commonly used in this occupation and are well-documented in asbestos litigation:
- Ship insulation and fireproofing (Navy and Marines)
- Military vehicle brakes, gaskets, and friction components (Army)
- Aircraft insulation, engine components, and heat shields (Air Force)
- Military base barracks and facility insulation (all branches)
- Armored vehicle and tank components (Army, Marines)
- Military equipment and weapon system insulation
Your Legal Rights
Veterans have two distinct legal pathways that must both be pursued: VA disability claims and civil lawsuits against asbestos product manufacturers. The VA recognizes mesothelioma as a presumptive service-connected disease, making VA claims straightforward — no need to prove specific exposure events. Separately, veterans can sue the private companies that manufactured the asbestos products used during their service. The US government has sovereign immunity and generally cannot be sued, but the private companies that supplied asbestos products to the military are fully liable.
Key Facts for Veterans
- Veterans account for approximately 33% of all US mesothelioma diagnoses annually
- All branches affected: Navy and shipyard workers have the highest rates
- VA 100% disability compensation for mesothelioma: $3,737.85/month (2025)
- VA benefits include free healthcare, family survivor benefits, and burial benefits
- VA claims and lawsuits against manufacturers are separate and can both be won
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally no — the government has sovereign immunity. However, you can file VA disability claims against the government AND separately sue the private manufacturers that supplied the asbestos products used during your service. These manufacturers are fully liable under product liability law.
Yes. Army personnel were exposed through military vehicle maintenance (brakes, gaskets), construction and repair of barracks and base facilities, and equipment using heat-resistant asbestos components. Exposure was not limited to the Navy.
The length of service matters less than whether exposure occurred during service. Even relatively brief service in an asbestos-heavy environment can establish a service connection. The VA's presumptive disease classification means you don't need to prove exactly when or where you were exposed.