VA Disability Ratings for Mesothelioma

Under VA rating rules, active malignant conditions like mesothelioma are generally assigned a total rating while the disease is active or under treatment. That rating reflects how severely the illness affects a person's health and ability to work. The rating determines the monthly compensation amount, which the VA publishes and adjusts periodically, often with cost-of-living changes. Veterans with dependents, such as a spouse, children or dependent parents, may receive additional amounts on top of the base rate. Check the VA's current compensation tables for exact figures rather than relying on older numbers you may find online.

For many cancers, the VA may schedule a review some time after treatment ends to see whether the condition has changed. If the cancer is no longer active, the VA may evaluate any lasting effects, such as breathing problems, under other rating criteria. Veterans should attend any scheduled examinations and provide current medical records. If the disease remains active or recurs, make sure the VA has records showing that. Your veterans service officer can explain how reviews work and help respond to any proposed change.

The effective date is the date from which benefits are paid. It is often tied to when the VA received your claim or your intent to file. A later effective date can mean losing months of compensation that would otherwise have been paid. This is why veterans are encouraged to file promptly after diagnosis, even before every record is gathered, and to keep proof of when documents were submitted. If the VA assigns an effective date you believe is wrong, you can ask for review through the VA's decision review options within the time allowed on your decision letter.

1. 1

   Check the VA's current compensation rate tables to understand your monthly payment.

2. 2

   Add your spouse and dependent children to your VA record to receive any additional amounts.

3. 3

   Attend every VA examination scheduled after treatment and bring current medical records.

4. 4

   Review your effective date on the decision letter and ask about it if it looks wrong.