Mesothelioma Compensation and the Royal Navy
The Ministry of Defence changed its policy on the 16th of December to give service members suffering from mesothelioma the option of receiving an amount in lump sum or a traditional war pension. The change was not applicable to all veterans already diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Rhod Minall and Fred Palmer were also affected due to exposure to asbestos in their military service or in civilian jobs. This was a major injustice to them and their families.
The law has changed
Mesothelioma is a deadly, terminal cancer caused by asbestos exposure, can take decades to manifest. The symptoms can take years to show up and, after being diagnosed with the disease, sufferers are likely to live for one or two more years.
It is a major step forward that the Government has decided to change the law. In April 2016, veterans of the armed services diagnosed with mesothelioma will have the option select whether to receive a pension or to take an amount of lump sum up to PS140,000. This is significantly higher than the average civilian compensation award.
Before the changes, armed forces veterans who were diagnosed with mesothelioma could claim the War Disablement Pension. This only provided a monthly income, which was not suitable for those suffering from severe chronic diseases like mesothelioma. The War Pension Scheme did not provide lump-sum compensation.
After extensive lobbying, backed by the Royal British Legion and Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum, the law has been changed to allow veterans of the armed forces diagnosed with mesothelioma to receive an amount of up to PS140,000 in addition traditional War Pension. The lump sum is tax-free.
Prior to this, a mesothelioma diagnosis could have qualified someone for a war-related disability pension of up to PS32,000, regardless of whether they were divorced, single, or widowed. Contrary to this, civilians diagnosed with mesothelioma can receive up to PS600,000 under the Government's Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme.
All veterans of the armed forces diagnosed with mesothelioma will be able to opt for this option. The law will also apply to those who have been exposed to asbestos during their service and outside it, also known as "dual exposure".
Mesothelioma UK has already started helping former sailors and other armed services personnel with mesothelioma claims. We can assist them to learn about the new law and what is involved. We can also assist them in determining the best way to get compensation. This could include tracing the companies that may be responsible for their exposure to asbestos.
The lump sum will be PS140,000.
The amount of compensation paid to sufferers is based on various factors, including age, the effect mesothelioma has on the lifespan and how much care is needed. It is also based on the effect mesothelioma's cancer has affected family members and whether or not the individual can work.
Asbestos victims should seek compensation from those accountable for their exposure to asbestos. If they cannot locate the responsible parties, a government program will pay lump sums to mesothelioma victims. The average amount paid is around PS144,000.
Previously, ex-servicemen diagnosed with mesothelioma were able to receive a war disabled pension under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008. This is a monthly payment dependent on the person's age and the extent of their impairment. But, it's considerably less than civilian mesothelioma compensation, which can reach six-figures.
Fred Minall from Northampton who was a member of the Royal Navy as a naval engineering officer between 1957 and 1964 was informed that he is entitled to a lump sum payment of PS140,000 under the new law. He has mesothelioma - an incurable lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

According to mesothelioma lawyers Simpson Millar, this is an incredible victory for patients with mesothelioma. The majority of Navy personnel, like many civilians, docked in US ports during their career, where they were exposed to harmful asbestos fibres. This is due to the extensive use of asbestos on American ships at the time. The signs of mesothelioma could not be apparent for a long time, leaving veterans with limited compensation options.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that Mesothelioma sufferers who had not previously been awarded a war-pension, will be offered up to PS140,000 as a lump-sum payment. This is a significant increase from the current amount that non-married mesothelioma veterans receive under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme.
This new payment will be subtracted from the current war pension that a person receives. This means it is important that anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma who is considering applying for this new payment seeks advice from seasoned mesothelioma lawyers to ensure they get the right deal.
It is a victory for the Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion has delivered an enraged rebuke to the government over claims that it hasn't acted on its pledge to enshrine the military covenant in law. The charity has asked the responsible minister to explain why it is refusing to honor its pledge to veterans and has threatened to withdraw of a number of forums where it works with the Ministry of Defence.
The Legion's involvement with the MoD is vital, but it needs to be more productive to ensure that the community is being taken care of in a manner that makes a real difference to their lives. It is therefore vital that the feedback loop within forums is improved in order that all issues that are not being addressed are recognized and the reasons for this are explained.
The Royal British Legion, as the largest and most enduring Armed Forces Charity, is situated at the heart of a national network that offers support to members of the Armed Forces. They are also the organization that is best placed to comprehend the challenges that those who serve and have served as well as their widows and widowers.
The fact that mesothelioma patients are usually left without financial security is one of their biggest worries. average compensation for mesothelioma claim that is available is usually not enough to cover the cost of living or medical expenses, and it is often not possible to get a mortgage.
Asbest was used in shipbuilding, in addition to other Naval activities. Many veterans are struggling to cope with their health issues and the effects of their illness on their financial situation.
However, there are a number of organizations that can assist in this. For example, mesothelioma lawyers can help to secure legal compensation for sufferers. This can be used to pay for treatment or essential living expenses. Mesothelioma sufferers can also claim compensation from the companies who supplied asbestos-containing products.
Veterans will welcome it
The Ministry of Defence announced that Navy veterans with mesothelioma can receive a lump-sum payout of PS140,000. This will enable them to receive substantial financial aid to ease the financial pressure that mesothelioma can cause their families.
This news will be greeted by the thousands of former military personnel who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The law has been amended to allow them to be paid a similar amount to civilian sufferers who have mesothelioma compensation claims.
The change is the result of the campaigning of the Royal British Legion and other groups, which led to the Prime Minister pledging to investigate the issue. The MoD's decision to change its policy will allow a lot of veterans who were eligible for a pension to opt for a lump-sum. This will provide them with the peace of mind they require and the financial security they need to live out the rest of their lives.
Asbestos exposure is associated with mesothelioma. It can take decades before symptoms begin to show up but just one exposure can increase the risk of developing the condition. The majority of mesothelioma victims were exposed to asbestos while at work, which includes Navy shipyards. The UK law was changed last year to permit people to sue employers if they were exposed to asbestos while working, but many veterans are still unaware that they are able to seek compensation from the government.
Mesothelioma is a terrible cancer and there aren't words to describe the way it has affected many lives. The decision by the government on how to deal with the unfair treatment of veterans is an enormous victory.
However, it's not enough stop the suffering of mesothelioma patients as well as their families. They'll also have to seek compensation from the companies who supplied the military with asbestos products. Veterans could file trust fund claims against a variety of different corporations, based on the place they worked, which could include shipyards, bases, and ships. This can include a variety of large multinationals that have been known to sell asbestos-related products to the US Navy and other branches of the military.