Military Bases With Asbestos

For decades, the military used asbestos in buildings, vehicles, and equipment on bases around the world. Many veterans who served from the 1940s through the 1980s have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Now that we know about the connection between mesothelioma and military bases, veterans facing this diagnosis have options for compensation.

Request a Free Case Evaluation

At a Glance

• Military bases across all branches used asbestos for decades in insulation, flooring, roofing, machinery parts, and other materials.
• Prolonged asbestos exposure often occurred in high-risk jobs like shipyard work, boiler operations, pipefitting, and vehicle maintenance.
• Veterans and families diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for VA benefits, asbestos trust fund claims, and lawsuits.
• ELSM Law can investigate which military bases with asbestos caused your exposure, gather the evidence needed for claims, and handle the legal process for you.

Connecting Mesothelioma to Military Bases

Asbestos was used to strengthen building materials, insulate machinery, and protect against fire and heat. But asbestos use also exposed millions of service members to microscopic fibers that can cause life-threatening illnesses, including mesothelioma.

How Asbestos Was Used in the Military

Military bases used asbestos almost everywhere, from the buildings service members lived in to the vehicles and ships they worked on. Common products that contained asbestos included:

• Brake pads and clutches in vehicles
• Cement and concrete used for buildings and runways
• Fireproofing spray
• Floor tiles and ceiling tiles in barracks, offices, and mess halls
• Gaskets and seals in machinery and vehicles
• Heating ducts and ventilation components
• Piping insulation in boiler rooms and mechanical spaces
• Roofing shingles and siding panels
• Wire insulation in electrical systems

Veterans could have been exposed during maintenance, building and equipment repair, or construction work, especially when cutting, sanding, drilling, or sawing materials that contained asbestos. Even those not directly handling these products could have been exposed to airborne fibers in sleeping quarters, administrative buildings, and more.

Health Risks of Military Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos can cause several serious illnesses that may not appear until decades later, including:

While some of these diseases have other causes, mesothelioma is almost always linked to asbestos exposure. An experienced lawyer can help you connect your mesothelioma to military bases where you served and get the compensation you deserve.

List of Military Bases with Asbestos

Thousands of military installations across the United States and overseas contained asbestos. Below are examples of known asbestos-contaminated bases organized by branch of service. Even if your base isn’t listed here, ELSM can investigate and help determine if your diagnosis is connected to asbestos exposure during your service.

U.S. Army Bases with Asbestos

Army veterans with mesothelioma could have been exposed to asbestos in siding, flooring, roof shingles, and pipe insulation in both housing and training areas. Examples of Army installations that used asbestos include:

U.S. Air Force Bases with Asbestos

Mesothelioma in Air Force veterans was caused by asbestos exposure in aircraft maintenance hangars, heating plants, and living quarters. Examples of Air Force bases with asbestos include:

U.S. Navy Bases and Shipyards with Asbestos

Naval bases and shipyards exposed U.S. Navy veterans to asbestos in repair bays, dockyards, and shore facilities. Asbestos on Navy ships was also common. Examples of Navy facilities with asbestos include:

U.S. Coast Guard Bases with Asbestos

Mesothelioma in the Coast Guard is often due to exposure in ship repair shops, engine rooms, and building insulation. Examples of Coast Guard stations and bases with asbestos include:

U.S. Marine Bases with Asbestos

Marine veterans with mesothelioma can often trace their asbestos exposure to vehicle bays, aircraft hangars, and older barracks. Examples of Marine Corps facilities with asbestos include:

Understanding Who Was Affected

Because asbestos was used so widely in the military, nearly every service member who lived or worked on a base between the 1940s and 1980s could have been exposed. However, certain jobs are at higher risk, and families can also be exposed.

At-Risk Occupations

Some jobs are particularly connected to mesothelioma from military bases. These jobs often required direct contact with asbestos products and took place in tight spaces, causing prolonged exposure at high concentrations:

Secondhand Exposure

Asbestos contamination didn’t stay on base. Fibers clung to uniforms, boots, and personal items, traveling home with service members. Family members who hugged their loved one, did laundry, or cleaned gear could unknowingly inhale these fibers. Over time, this secondhand exposure has led to mesothelioma diagnoses in spouses, children, and other household members.

Mesothelioma Compensation for Veterans and Families

Veterans who served on military bases with asbestos and were diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for compensation. Each type of mesothelioma compensation serves a different purpose, and a lawyer can help you determine the right combination for your situation.

VA Benefits

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure during service can apply for VA benefits, including disability compensation and health care. Proving your case requires service records, medical documentation, and a clear link between your exposure and your duties. An experienced attorney can help compile and present this information effectively.

Asbestos Trust Funds

If a manufacturer supplied asbestos products to your base, you may be eligible for trust fund compensation even if the company no longer operates. Lawyers experienced in asbestos claims can identify all applicable trusts, prepare the necessary documentation, and file your claim to maximize your compensation.

Asbestos Lawsuits

You may be able to file a lawsuit against asbestos manufacturers that supplied materials to the military and get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced legal team will handle every step so you can focus on your health.

How to Get the Compensation You Deserve

A skilled mesothelioma attorney investigates your exposure history, identifies all possible sources of compensation, and makes sure your case is filed within the statute of limitations. If you or a family member has mesothelioma and worked or lived on a military base with asbestos, next steps to take include:

• Contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer: A lawyer can review military service history and medical records and determine if you have a strong claim.
• Gather documentation: This includes service records, base assignment details, and medical test results. An attorney can help track down missing records.
• Identify your exposure sources: Your lawyer will connect your diagnosis to specific asbestos products or manufacturers.
• Choose the right compensation: A lawyer will help you pursue VA benefits, trust fund claims, lawsuits, or a combination of these to maximize recovery.
• File your claims: Your lawyer will take care of filing mesothelioma claims, responding to requests, and tracking deadlines to keep your case moving forward.

ELSM Law Is Here to Help

At Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney, and Meisenkothen (ELSM), we have decades of experience representing veterans and family members diagnosed with mesothelioma. We can investigate your service history, identify how you were exposed, and build a compelling case. Our attorneys handle the legal process from start to finish, so you can focus on your health and time with loved ones.

ELSM Law has helped thousands of families secure the justice they deserve, and we’re ready to do the same for you. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

FAQs

Can I file a claim if I served decades ago?

Yes. Mesothelioma can take 10 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure, so many veterans are diagnosed long after leaving the military. You can still pursue compensation even if your service was decades ago.

Will filing a claim affect my VA benefits?

No, filing against asbestos manufacturers or trust funds will not reduce or affect your VA benefits. These are separate processes that can work together to increase your total mesothelioma compensation.

Can family members develop mesothelioma too?

Yes. Family members of veterans may develop mesothelioma through secondhand exposure when asbestos fibers were brought home on clothing, hair, or equipment. These cases can also qualify for compensation.

What is the VA rating for mesothelioma?

The VA typically assigns a 100% disability rating for mesothelioma due to its severity. This rating provides maximum monthly compensation for eligible veterans.

What is the average settlement for a military asbestos lawsuit?

Settlements vary based on the specifics of your service, diagnosis, and exposure history. Some mesothelioma settlements reach six or even seven figures, and your attorney can give you a more precise estimate based on your case.