Benefits for U.S. Veterans with Mesothelioma

Pension Claims

An award for Pension is dependent upon the Veteran or surviving spouse meeting the means-test requirements of income, assets, and medical expenses for an ongoing basis. Pension provides a monthly cash benefit which can help cover the cost of home care, adult day care, assisted living and nursing services. Cash payments for a pension can range from $700 to $2,000 per month depending on the type of claim and the medical rating of the Veteran. A Veteran who satisfies the needs test for aid and attendance may receive additional benefits for regular aid and attendance of another person. A Veteran who cannot establish the aid and attendance standard may qualify for increased benefits by establishing he or she is housebound, or, substantially confined to his or her home and reasonably certain to continue in that state for the Veterans lifetime, due to disabilities.

Dependency & Indemnity

Payable to certain eligible survivors of a military service member who died on active duty or whose death after service resulted from a service connected injury or disease. A surviving spouse can be eligible for $1,283.11 monthly, or more if the Veteran had dependent children under 18 or if the Spouse is entitled to Aid and Assistance. Unless a claim for Dependency and Indemnity is filed within one year from the date of the Veteran’s death, the benefit is not payable from a date earlier than the date the claim is received by the VA.