| Hi Attorney ,
Asbestos related cases have grown considerably in our business. Our Medical Experts have made clear in their Nexus Opinions that many Veterans were exposed to Asbestos throughout their military career, and as a result, they now suffer from a variety of debilitating diseases. COPD is the most widely known connection, but in addition to pulmonary illness, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), can also be the result of Asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was widely used in the ship building industry, in general construction materials, and in aviation mechanics, to name just a few examples, between the early 1930’s and the early 1980’s. As a result, many veterans who served on ships whose hulls were laid during this time, worked in shipyards (even through the 1990’s), worked in construction, worked on machinery, etc., had a significant risk of developing asbestos related illnesses.
Research supports that Asbestos exposure can cause multiple pulmonary illnesses including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). And, Asbestos induced COPD can also include symptoms that are medically indistinguishable from smoking induced COPD. Therefore, a Veteran who smoked can still be service connected for Asbestos exposure in cases supported by MOS and risk factor weighting.
Medical studies also conclude that the chronic inflammation caused by Asbestos exposure can lead to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and subsequent coronary complications.The connection between Asbestos and CAD is not as widely known as the Asbestos connection to COPD. And, because of the long latency period between a Veteran’s time in the military and the onset of their respiratory or cardiac condition, many veterans do not consider filing a claim to service connect COPD or CAD as a result of their Asbestos exposure .. and this is unfortunate.
MedConnectVA can help you determine if your case can be service connected. As always, we medically pre-screen all of your cases without cost or obligation. |
