List of U.S. Navy Ships with Asbestos

List of U.S. Navy Ships with Asbestos: Understanding Service Connection and VA Benefits 

Serving in the U.S. Navy is a distinguished honor, but many veterans are now facing unforeseen health challenges due to asbestos exposure during their service. Asbestos was extensively used in Navy ships for its fireproofing and insulating properties, especially between the 1930s and early 1980s. This widespread use has led to serious health conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, which may not manifest until decades after exposure. 

If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, it’s crucial to trace your medical condition back to your time aboard Navy ships known to contain asbestos. Establishing this connection is vital for securing VA benefits and compensation, ensuring you and your loved ones receive the benefits you deserve. Understanding which ships had asbestos and how exposure occurred can significantly impact your claim.  

At VA Claims Insider, we’re committed to educating veterans like you on the complexities of service connection and VA benefits. By identifying the specific ships associated with asbestos exposure and understanding the related medical issues, you can build a strong case for the benefits you’ve earned through your service.  

Understanding Asbestos Exposure on Navy Ships

Asbestos was a common material in ship construction due to its durability and resistance to heat and fire. It was used in various components, including insulation, gaskets, boilers, and pipes. Unfortunately, when these materials were disturbed during maintenance or repairs, asbestos fibers became airborne, posing a significant health risk to those on board. 

Navy veterans who served on ships built before the 1980s are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. Recognizing the specific ships and the extent of asbestos use can aid in establishing a service connection for health conditions. 

List of U.S. Navy Ships with Asbestos

The following is an asbestos ship list of U.S. Navy ships where asbestos exposure has been documented. Serving aboard these vessels may have resulted in significant asbestos exposure: 

Aircraft Carriers

• USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72): Commissioned in 1989, this Nimitz-class aircraft carrier contained asbestos materials. 

• USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70): Commissioned in 1982, asbestos on the USS Carl Vinson ship was significant, leading to potential exposure for crew members. 

• USS Enterprise (CVN-65): The world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, commissioned in 1961, had extensive asbestos use. 

• USS Forrestal (CV-59): Commissioned in 1955, this aircraft carrier contained asbestos insulation and other materials. 

Battleships

• USS Missouri (BB-63): Commissioned in 1944, this Iowa-class battleship had asbestos insulation and other materials. 

Destroyers

• USS Benner (DD-807): Commissioned in 1944, this Gearing-class destroyer contained asbestos materials. 

Seeking VA Benefits for Asbestos Exposure

If you served on a ship with documented asbestos exposure, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits. The VA asbestos ship list can be a critical resource in proving your service connection. Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related conditions should file a claim to access medical care and compensation. 

Conclusion

The impact of asbestos exposure on Navy veterans cannot be overstated. Navy asbestos settlements have helped many affected veterans secure the benefits they deserve, but the claims process can be complex. If you believe your health condition stems from Navy ships with asbestos, it’s crucial to take action. 

VA Claims Insider is here to educate you through the process. Understanding which ships had asbestos, gathering medical evidence, and leveraging expert education can significantly improve your claim outcome. Don’t navigate this journey alone—reach out today to explore your options and secure the benefits you rightfully deserve. 

(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions

What health conditions are linked to asbestos on Navy ships?

Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other respiratory conditions. These diseases may take decades to develop, making it crucial for veterans to seek medical evaluations and VA benefits if they experience symptoms. 

How can I prove my asbestos exposure for a VA claim?

Providing service records, ship assignments, and medical documentation linking your condition to asbestos exposure is key. The VA asbestos ship list can support your claim. 

Are family members eligible for compensation if a veteran dies from asbestos-related illnesses?

Yes, surviving family members may qualify for VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if a veteran’s death was due to a service-connected asbestos illness. 

Where can I get coaching with my VA asbestos-related claim?

VA Claims Insider provides expert education to veterans to pursue the benefits they deserve. Reach out today to get the support you need. 

Want Expert-Level Support for Your VA Disability Claim? WE GOT YOUR SIX!

• VA Claims Insider is the #1 most trusted name in VA disability claims.  
• Work directly with a VA claims coach who can educate you to VA claim victory.  
• 25,000+ disabled veterans have served in our membership programs since 2016.  
• 30% average rating increase for veterans who complete our #1-rated Elite program.  
• 4.7/5.0 average rating out of 5,500+ total reviews; over 4,500 5-star reviews. 

Author

Dan Pearce

Dan has an expansive library of content that he’s created across industries, serving as a creator for countless articles, podcasts, videos, eBooks, websites, and more. He boasts a passion for storytelling and utilizes a degree in English with a double creative writing emphasis in Fiction and Poetry Writing, in order to embolden his subject matter to unparalleled heights.