Veterans and Trust Claims

For decades, the armed forces used asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, packing and other materials made by private companies. Sailors in engine and boiler rooms, shipyard workers and people working on bases could all have been exposed. A trust claim is not a claim against the government. It is a claim against the fund created by a company that supplied products used in that service. Because many companies supplied the military, a veteran's service history may connect to several trusts, sometimes in addition to civilian jobs held before or after service.

The DD-214 shows service dates and branch, but it often does not describe daily duties in detail. Additional service records, such as personnel files, ship assignments and job ratings, can help show where a veteran served and what work they did. Some trusts include certain ships, shipyards or bases on their approved lists. Crewmates who remember the work environment can also help. Veterans or families can request military records through the National Archives, and an accredited representative or attorney can help identify which records matter.

VA benefits come from the government and have their own application, medical evidence and review process. Trust claims come from private funds. Filing one generally does not prevent filing the other, and trust payments are not typically treated as reducing VA disability compensation. Still, rules can change and individual situations differ, so it is wise to confirm with an accredited representative or the VA. Many veterans work with a veterans service organization for the VA claim and a separate attorney for trust claims, with both kept informed.

1. 1

   Request complete military personnel records, not just the DD-214, through the National Archives.

2. 2

   Write down ship names, bases, ratings and duties performed during each period of service.

3. 3

   Contact crewmates who can describe the conditions and materials where you served.

4. 4

   Confirm with an accredited VA representative how trust payments interact with your benefits.