Boiler & Engine Rooms
High-heat spaces relied heavily on thermal insulation, gaskets, packing, valves, pumps and other asbestos-containing products.
Military Asbestos Claims
Veterans Exposed to Asbestos
Asbestos was widely used aboard U.S. Navy ships and in military construction, shipyards, mechanical systems and other service environments. Sammons & Berry, P.C. represents veterans and families in asbestos-related claims throughout the United States.
Free initial consultation for qualifying veterans and families
Military service could place veterans around asbestos without warning.
Exposure often occurred during routine maintenance, repair, construction, shipyard work or simply by living and working near asbestos-insulated systems.
Military Asbestos Exposure
Why Veterans May Have Been Exposed
For much of the twentieth century, asbestos-containing materials were valued for heat resistance, insulation and fireproofing. Those properties made asbestos common aboard Navy ships, in shipyards and in military buildings and mechanical systems.
Sammons & Berry’s existing veterans page explains that engine rooms and boiler rooms often contained heavy concentrations of asbestos, while insulated pipes could pass through crew spaces and sleeping quarters. Fireproofing sprays, gaskets, packing and other components also contained asbestos.
Exposure could occur while a service member performed repairs, worked near another trade disturbing asbestos materials, or was aboard a vessel undergoing maintenance or dry-dock work.
Navy ShipsInsulation, pipes, boilers, engines, gaskets, packing and fireproofing.
ShipyardsConstruction, overhaul, repair, removal and dry-dock operations.
Military BuildingsPipe insulation, flooring, roofing, cement products and building materials.
Nationwide ClaimsRepresentation for qualifying veterans and families across the country.
Personnel Commonly Exposed
Military Trades With Frequent Asbestos Contact
The firm’s existing page identifies these Navy and military specialties as among the personnel commonly exposed. Exposure was not limited to these jobs, because airborne fibers could affect other people working nearby.
Boilermen
Enginemen
Firemen
Machinist Mates
Shipfitters
Pipefitters
Electrician's Mates
Seabees / Combat Construction
Beyond Navy Ships
Other Military Exposure Settings
VA identifies additional occupations and environments where veterans may have encountered asbestos. A veteran’s service branch, specialty, duty station and work history can all be relevant when evaluating exposure.
Shipyard Work
Construction, repair, overhaul and demolition of older vessels could disturb asbestos insulation and other materials.
Construction & Carpentry
Older military structures could contain asbestos in roofing, siding, flooring, wall systems and cement products.
Insulation Work
Installing, repairing or removing thermal insulation around pipes, boilers and mechanical systems could create direct exposure.
Demolition & Renovation
Breaking apart older buildings or equipment may disturb hidden asbestos-containing materials and release fibers into the air.
Common Asbestos Materials
Products Veterans May Have Worked Around
Asbestos was incorporated into many heat-resistant and construction products used in older military environments.
Pipe LaggingThermal insulation around piping and steam systems.
Boiler InsulationHeat-resistant insulation in mechanical spaces.
Gaskets & PackingUsed around engines, pumps, valves and piping.
FireproofingSpray coatings and heat-resistant materials.
Brake & Friction ProductsLinings and other high-friction components.
FlooringOlder floor tile and related materials.
Roofing & Cement SheetCommon in older military buildings.
Valves & Mechanical PartsComponents requiring heat and fire resistance.
Health Effects
Conditions Associated With Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma
A rare cancer of the thin lining around the lungs or abdomen. Asbestos exposure is the major established risk factor.
Lung Cancer
Asbestos is a known human carcinogen and is a recognized cause of lung cancer.
Asbestosis
A non-cancerous lung disease caused by inhaled asbestos fibers that can scar lung tissue and impair breathing.
Pleural Disease
Asbestos exposure can also cause pleural plaques, pleural thickening and other nonmalignant conditions affecting tissue around the lungs.
Understanding Your Options
VA Disability Benefits and Asbestos Claims
Benefits Through the Department of Veterans Affairs
VA states that veterans may be eligible for disability compensation when they have a health condition caused by asbestos exposure and had contact with asbestos during military service.
VA generally looks for medical evidence, service records identifying the veteran’s job or specialty, and medical evidence connecting the condition to military asbestos exposure.
Visit VA Asbestos Information →Claims Involving Asbestos Products and Companies
Sammons & Berry evaluates veterans’ exposure histories to determine whether qualifying asbestos trust claims or other legal claims may be available based on the products, manufacturers and exposure circumstances involved.
These legal claims are separate from the VA disability process. A free consultation can help identify which options may warrant further investigation.
Request a Free Case Review →Free Case Review
How a Veterans Asbestos Claim Starts
Contact the Firm
Call (800) 519-1440 or submit your information online for a free initial consultation.
Review Military Service
Discuss branch, rank, specialty, ships, duty stations, shipyards, dates of service and possible exposure sources.
Identify Potential Claims
The team reviews the exposure history and evaluates whether asbestos trust or other legal claims may apply.
Move the Case Forward
If the firm accepts the matter, the legal team handles the investigation and qualifying claim process for the client.
Frequently Asked Questions
Veterans and Asbestos Exposure
Where was asbestos commonly used in the military?
Asbestos was used in older Navy ships, shipyards, boilers, engines, piping, gaskets, packing, insulation, fireproofing, brakes, flooring, roofing, cement sheet and other military construction and mechanical products.
Which Navy jobs were frequently exposed?
Sammons & Berry’s existing veterans page identifies boilermen, enginemen, firemen, machinist mates, shipfitters, pipefitters, electrician's mates and Seabees among the personnel commonly exposed. Exposure was not limited to these specialties.
Could I have been exposed even if I never handled asbestos directly?
Yes. Asbestos fibers can become airborne when materials are disturbed. Service members working or living near maintenance, repair or construction activity may have encountered fibers even when another craft performed the work.
What diseases are associated with asbestos exposure?
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural disease. Veterans with health concerns should speak with a qualified medical professional or VA health provider.
Can veterans receive VA disability compensation for asbestos exposure?
VA states that disability compensation may be available when a veteran has a health condition caused by asbestos and had contact with asbestos during military service. Eligibility is determined by VA based on the evidence in the individual claim.
Can a veteran have both a VA claim and another asbestos claim?
VA disability benefits and civil asbestos claims are different processes. Whether other legal claims are available depends on the products, companies, exposure history, diagnosis and applicable law. A case evaluation can help identify issues that warrant further investigation.
What information should I gather before calling?
If available, gather your branch of service, specialty or rating, ships and duty stations, dates of service, shipyard assignments, work duties, known asbestos products and medical diagnosis information. You do not need every record before contacting the firm.
How much does a case review cost?
Sammons & Berry offers a free initial consultation. Qualifying asbestos matters may be handled on a contingency-fee basis, subject to the terms of the representation agreement.
Were You Exposed to Asbestos During Military Service?
Contact Sammons & Berry, P.C. to discuss your service history, diagnosis, exposure and potential legal options during a free initial consultation.
This page is for general informational purposes and is not medical or legal advice. VA benefit eligibility is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Every legal matter is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Anyone with health concerns should consult a qualified medical professional.