One of the most common health conditions that may develop after prolonged exposure to asbestos is pleural plaques, the fibrous thickening of the lung and sometimes diaphragm tissue. This can affect as much as 50% of servicemen and women, with most cases detected through routine pulmonary check-ups, as the condition is mostly asymptomatic.
Pleural Plaques Should Be Seen as a Sign for Alarm
Even if the lack of symptoms might make pleural plaques seem far less severe than other lung conditions, regular screenings will still be necessary after a diagnosis, as people affected by asbestos run an increased risk for developing any serious respiratory illness.
It is also significant that many asbestos-related conditions tend to "look" very similar on X-rays and CT scans, so more than one test or medical opinion might be required to establish a certain pleural plaque diagnosis. A claim for trust fund benefits can be filed with any employer, but only sufferers of bilateral pleural plaques are entitled to benefits.
The risk of complications is also greatly affected by the amount of time spent in contact with the toxic agent. So regular check-ups are especially important for veterans who spend long hours inside asbestos-rich spaces, such as Air Force hangars and most US Navy ships.
Receiving a wrong diagnosis and unsuitable treatment greatly affects your prognosis. We have a team of skilled specialists who are well equipped and experienced to provide you with an accurate diagnosis.
Veterans of All Military Branches Are Eligible for Compensation
That’s not to say that any vet who developed pleural plaques as a result of breathing in asbestos needles while on active duty isn’t entitled to equal benefits, regardless of branch served and relative occupational hazards.
Cases of pleural plaques are almost without exception the result of occupational asbestos exposure, and this gives any claimant a great edge against either the VA or a former employer through the established asbestos trust funds.