U.S. Navy veterans have higher rates of mesothelioma than any other group of people. The navy used asbestos more extensively than any other branch of the U.S. military and exposed veterans on ships, in shipyards, and on bases. Qualifying navy veterans can make claims to the VA for mesothelioma compensation and health care.

While not all veterans will experience illness from asbestos exposure, the consequences for too many have included damaging and deadly diseases, including cancer. Navy veterans exposed to asbestos during wartime or non-active duty service did not realize the danger they were in. Many were diagnosed with these illnesses decades later. By the time most of these illnesses are diagnosed, they are very difficult to treat and often deadly.