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London, UK – A renewed push for increased compensation for UK veterans suffering from asbestos-related illnesses is gaining momentum, as advocates highlight the inadequacy of current payouts despite a 2016 policy change that initially granted them access to benefits. The debate centers on the fixed £140,000 lump sum offered to eligible veterans, a figure that hasn’t been adjusted for inflation since its introduction.
For decades, British military personnel exposed to asbestos – primarily during service between the 1950s and 1980s in naval vessels, dockyards like Portsmouth and Devonport, and during construction and demolition work – were denied compensation for resulting illnesses. Exposure was widespread due to the extensive use of asbestos in shipbuilding, insulation, and other military applications. Prior to 2016,the Ministry of Defense (MoD) maintained a position of limited liability,arguing that exposure occurred too long ago or lacked sufficient proof.
The 2016 change established a pension scheme offering either weekly or monthly payments, or a one-time payment of £140,000. However, critics argue this amount is substantially lower than compensation awarded to civilian mesothelioma sufferers, and fails to reflect the severity of the illness and the unique challenges faced by veterans. The MoD defends the disparity by citing a lower threshold of proof required for veterans to demonstrate exposure compared to the stringent requirements for civilian claims, which often necessitate detailed employment records and witness testimonies.
Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure, affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. The latency period between exposure and diagnosis can be 20-50 years, making it especially difficult to link cases to specific incidents. In the UK, approximately 2,700 mesothelioma deaths occur annually, with a disproportionate number linked to military service. The National Asbestos Register, established in 2018, aims to map asbestos-containing materials in public buildings, but does not cover historical military sites.
While UK victims face limitations, those in the United States often have more extensive legal and financial options. Mesothelioma.net’s Patient Advocates can provide data on available resources and potential compensation pathways. For a consultation, call 1-800-692-8608.
