Mesothelioma Attorney for Air Force Veterans [2025 Update]

Air Force veterans are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma. According to the VA, about a third of mesothelioma patients are veterans. Members of the Air Force were exposed to asbestos on military bases in hangars, aircraft, barracks, and other facilities. Those who were diagnosed with mesothelioma may be entitled to compensation from asbestos companies. This compensation can cover their medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.

On this page, you will learn about how mesothelioma attorneys help Air Force veterans file lawsuits with civilian courts, asbestos trust funds, and claims through the VA. This article also discusses which Air Force positions had the highest risk of encountering asbestos, how to prove asbestos exposure, and what types of compensation are available to veterans with mesothelioma. You can also learn how to hire an Air Force mesothelioma lawyer and how much an attorney costs.

About the Air Force Mesothelioma Attorney

What Is an Air Force Asbestos Exposure Lawyer?

A mesothelioma lawyer for Air Force veterans is an attorney who represents Airmen who got cancer because of exposure to asbestos. These lawyers have special training on which Air Force operations, aircraft, and roles commonly expose servicemembers to asbestos. These attorneys understand what to look for in someone’s military history and medical records to prove their exposure to asbestos products occurred during their time in the Air Force.

The mesothelioma lawyer can help the person seek a settlement by applying for VA disability benefits, submitting an asbestos trust fund claim, or filing personal injury lawsuits against the asbestos manufacturers. In 2025, dependable mesothelioma attorneys have maintained asbestos exposure databases to identify all potential settlement options for their Air Force clients.

It is important to note that an Air Force veteran with mesothelioma will not file a lawsuit against the military or U.S. government. Instead, their lawyer would prepare a claim against the companies that made asbestos-based products.

Why a Lawyer’s Knowledge About Air Force Service Matters

Veterans benefit from working with a lawyer who understands where asbestos was used in Air Force operations, equipment, and different roles. Asbestos is heat and fire-resistant, so it was commonly used in the following Air Force materials and buildings:

• Multiple types of insulation
• Barracks and base housing
• Heat shields
• Roofing, floors, and siding
• Aircraft and vehicle brakes

Lawyers working for Air Force veterans can comb through a patient’s military records and identify where they may have encountered asbestos. They can use the person’s Air Force records and medical history to connect even decades-old exposure to a present-time mesothelioma diagnosis. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help Air Force veterans pursue all available paths to compensation.

How Does a Mesothelioma Attorney Help Air Force Veterans?

Mesothelioma lawyers for Air Force veterans manage all stages of the asbestos claim process, such as identifying possible VA benefits, filing an asbestos trust fund claim, and filing a lawsuit.

An attorney can help an Air Force veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma in the following ways:

• Identifying what military assignments exposed the Airman to asbestos
• Identifying the products that exposed the Airman to asbestos
• Identifying what VA benefits the veteran may be eligible for and handling any appeals
• Filing asbestos trust fund claims with asbestos companies
• Filing a lawsuit against a company who made asbestos products

Typically, the lawyer will pursue multiple types of asbestos settlements simultaneously, which maximizes the mesothelioma payout the Air Force veteran can receive. Handing over the legal responsibilities to a capable mesothelioma lawyer allows Air Force veterans and their family members to focus on other important matters after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Identify What Air Force Assignments Exposed Someone to Asbestos

Mesothelioma attorneys investigate the Air Force veteran’s case to find all potential sources of asbestos exposure. For example, they will thoroughly review the person’s service records, including where and when they were stationed at Air Force bases with known asbestos contamination.

Law firms that help veterans with mesothelioma have internal databases of aircraft, bases, equipment, and manufacturers known to have supplied products to bases. They can use this information to determine where the Air Force veteran encountered asbestos and identify the potential mesothelioma settlement options available to them.

Filing VA Disability Claims and Handling Appeals for Those Harmed During Their Time in the Air Force

Mesothelioma lawyers can help the Air Force veteran apply for disability benefits if their mesothelioma is related to their time in the service. Lawyers will help gather medical records and evidence of service-related asbestos exposure to support a VA disability benefits claim. They can also file and manage appeals if the mesothelioma disability request is denied or the veteran is not awarded the full value of their claim. An attorney can also advise on what VA benefits may be available to surviving family members.

Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits and Asbestos Trust Fund Claims for Air Force Veterans

Mesothelioma attorneys for Air Force veterans can also file lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims against the companies that manufactured the asbestos-containing products. Many now-bankrupt businesses created asbestos trust funds so that future mesothelioma patients can seek settlements from the company. Additionally, mesothelioma attorneys can help the Air Force veteran file personal injury or product liability claims against active asbestos manufacturers.

Mesothelioma patients can pursue multiple types of asbestos settlements (e.g., through the VA disability, trust fund, and lawsuit processes) at the same time. Moreover, receiving a payout from one source does not necessarily make the mesothelioma patient ineligible for full compensation from another source.

Negotiating Settlements and Advocating for Air Force Veterans

Mesothelioma attorneys also negotiate asbestos settlements for Air Force veterans and advocate for their best interests during the legal processes. Most mesothelioma claims settle outside of court instead of going to a full trial. A well-trained, dedicated mesothelioma legal team makes sure the Air Force veteran has the support they need to navigate the asbestos claim.

Experienced asbestos attorneys and their legal teams will do the following things for their clients:

• Efficiently schedule depositions
• Submit record requests
• Help locate military service history reports
• Identify other key materials to build a strong case in the veteran’s favor

What Jobs Exposed Members of the Air Force to Asbestos?

Anyone who served in the Air Force may have been exposed to asbestos during their active or reserve duties. During the 1900s, asbestos products were widely used across Air Force bases, including in aircraft, hangars, mission-critical buildings, and military housing. This means that many job duties could expose Airmen to asbestos.

Certain assignments , such as Helpers, Apprentices, and Journeymen, may have performed duties with the highest risk of exposure. However, anyone who lived in barracks or base housing or was present in mechanical rooms, hangars, or garages may have been exposed to asbestos.

Air Force occupations that are tied to a high risk of asbestos exposure include the following:

• Aircraft mechanics
• Sheet metal workers
• Electricians
• Engine mechanics
• Welders
• HVAC technicians
• Radar technicians
• Base maintenance crews

These occupations often handled materials that contained asbestos, such as insulated wires, building and mechanical insulation, brakes, metal, pipes, and hangar equipment. Asbestos was preferred over other materials because it is fireproof and heat-resistant, which is critical for Air Force operations. Similar to Navy veterans, this asbestos exposure puts Air Force veterans at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma than those in many other professions.

How to Choose An Attorney to Represent Your Air Force Asbestos Exposure Case

Choosing the right Air Force mesothelioma attorney is important to protect your rights and help you have a fair shot at a swift and comprehensive payout. You need to make sure your mesothelioma attorney is trustworthy, dependable, and able to pursue multiple types of VA disability and civilian asbestos claims on your behalf.

Step 1: Find a Lawyer With Experience Handling Air Force Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Cases

The first step is to find a lawyer who has extensive experience handling Air Force-related mesothelioma claims. They should understand Air Force asbestos exposure sources, basic Air Force operations and procedures, and how to request and use these records to shape a mesothelioma case. They should have the technical knowledge and experience to file and defend multiple VA disability benefits requests, civilian lawsuits, and asbestos trust fund claims on your behalf, maximizing your chance of receiving a fair payout.

Step 2: Ensure the Lawyer Has VA Accreditation and Knowledge of Mesothelioma Cases in the Air Force

Make sure the mesothelioma lawyer is accredited with the VA or has close partners who are, so they can file your VA disability claim if your asbestos exposure occurred while you were serving in the Air Force. The mesothelioma law firm you choose should also be able to prepare and handle appeals and legal challenges if your VA disability claim is denied or undervalued. They should also be able to determine if you can file a lawsuit against the companies that made the asbestos products used by the Air Force.

Step 3: Confirm the Lawyer Has a Proven Track Record Resulting in Successful Settlement Results

The asbestos attorney should have a proven track record of securing settlements and verdicts on behalf of mesothelioma patients who served in the Air Force. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. However, it helps you understand what Air Force-related mesothelioma cases your attorney has handled and won in the past.

You may also want a mesothelioma attorney with national reach and a network of resources, including Air Force and medical experts, to help them bring strong legal claims on your behalf.

For more detailed information on how to choose the best mesothelioma lawyer, please consult our guide on this topic.

How Mesothelioma Attorneys Can Help Air Force Veterans With Settlements and Compensation

Asbestos attorneys can help Air Force veterans with mesothelioma pursue settlements and benefits through several different avenues. Sometimes, Air Force veterans qualify for multiple mesothelioma claims at the same time. Reputable mesothelioma attorneys thoroughly investigate the Air Force veteran’s case to make sure they identify and pursue all potential settlement options. They can also help structure your claim to receive as much non-taxable compensation as possible.

VA Benefits and Monthly Mesothelioma Compensation for Air Force Veterans

Air Force veterans may qualify for monthly VA disability benefits if their mesothelioma is related to their service. Veterans Affairs typically assigns mesothelioma patients a 100% disability rating. In 2025, eligible patients could receive about $3,800 to over $4,000 in tax-free mesothelioma VA disability benefits per month. Air Force veterans with mesothelioma may qualify for additional VA benefits, like Aid & Attendance.

Assistance in Pursuing Asbestos Trust Fund Payouts for Exposure in the Air Force

A mesothelioma attorney can assist the Air Force veteran in applying for an asbestos trust fund payout from a bankrupt asbestos company. Sources estimate that around $30 billion remains in asbestos trust funds created by negligent asbestos companies that have gone bankrupt. Air Force veterans can apply for compensation from one or more of these trust funds if that company exposed them to asbestos. Veterans may receive their mesothelioma trust fund settlement within a couple of months after their claim is processed and approved.

Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits and Achieving Maximum Compensation for Veterans and Families

Air Force veterans with mesothelioma may also file a personal injury lawsuit against one or more businesses that manufactured asbestos products. Payouts from these lawsuits can range up to $1 million or more, depending on the state’s liability laws, the strength of the person’s case, and other factors. Mesothelioma attorneys can help bring credible, well-supported lawsuits against one or more companies that exposed the Air Force veteran to asbestos.

How Much Does an Air Force Mesothelioma Lawyer Cost?

Reputable mesothelioma attorneys receive an agreed-upon percentage of compensation they secure for veterans and their families. King Law’s mesothelioma lawyers take asbestos cases on contingency, at no upfront cost to the Air Force veteran.

Our firm advances all administrative and court costs during the mesothelioma case, and we only get paid if the Air Force veteran does, too. We receive an agreed-upon percentage of the mesothelioma settlement, so the Air Force veteran can obtain legal services without worrying about costs.

King Law Is Investigating Mesothelioma Claims From Air Force Veterans and Their Families

King Law is actively taking calls from Air Force veterans who were diagnosed with mesothelioma from service-related asbestos exposure. Our law firm has years of experience helping service members file mesothelioma lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and VA disability benefit claims. We understand the technical aspects of bringing asbestos claims that involve military service, and we have a robust network of mesothelioma resources and experts.

Contact an Air Force Veteran Mesothelioma Attorney Today

If you served in the Air Force and were diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation. Reach out to our team today by calling (585) 496-2648 to schedule a no-obligation consultation. We can help you request a mesothelioma settlement through the VA, asbestos trust funds, or the civilian court system.

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