Key Takeaways
- Veterans who served before the 1980s were widely exposed to asbestos in the military, particularly on U.S. Navy ships, at shipyards like the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and Bethlehem Steel, in Army barracks and vehicle repair units, and at Air Force aircraft maintenance hangars.
- The Halpern Law Firm helps veterans pursue VA disability compensation, asbestos bankruptcy trust claims, and personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits against still-solvent companies, without one option affecting eligibility for the others.
- Veterans can file a VA disability claim for asbestos-related illness without suing the military or federal government, and benefits are available even if exposure happened outside of combat.
- Helpful documentation includes DD-214 or service records, medical diagnosis of mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, base or ship assignments, and witness statements when available.
- Pennsylvania generally allows two years from the date of diagnosis to file an asbestos-related claim, making it important for veterans not to delay reaching out for legal help.
If you served in the military before the 1980s, there’s a strong chance you were exposed to asbestos, especially if you were stationed on naval ships, in shipyards, or on aging military bases. Our team is deeply committed to honoring veterans by ensuring they receive the benefits, compensation, and respect they have earned.
At the Halpern Law Firm, we’ve spent more than 35 years helping veterans across Pennsylvania navigate the legal and financial path toward justice.
We understand how military service, asbestos exposure, and delayed medical symptoms intersect—and we’re here to help.
Experienced. Dedicated. Proven. We fight for Mesothelioma Victims.
Find Out If You Qualify for Compensation
With over 35 years of experience, the Halpern Law Firm is ready to fight for you. Get a free, no-obligation case review today and take the first step toward the compensation you deserve.
Where Did Asbestos Exposure Happen in the Military?
Asbestos was widely used across all military branches due to its heat resistance and durability. Veterans were frequently exposed in:
- U.S. Navy ships (especially in boiler rooms, engine rooms, and sleeping quarters)
- Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and Bethlehem Steel shipyard environments
- Army barracks, base housing, and vehicle repair units
- Air Force bases and aircraft maintenance hangars
Many Pennsylvania veterans worked at or near these locations and were never warned about the risks. These exposures can take decades to result in disease—but justice is still possible.
The Halpern Law Firm Helps Veterans Access Their Legal Options
Our firm works closely with veterans to help them access the full range of claims they may be eligible for, including:
1. VA Disability Compensation
We help veterans compile the medical and service-related documentation needed to apply for VA disability benefits due to asbestos-related illness. Many are surprised to learn that:
- You can file a VA claim without suing the military or federal government.
- VA benefits are available even if exposure happened outside of combat.
2. Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims
The Halpern Law Firm has successfully filed many asbestos trust claims for clients, including veterans. These claims allow you to seek compensation from companies that manufactured or sold asbestos products used during your military service. We handle:
- Identifying which trust funds apply to your case
- Gathering required documentation
- Filing claims efficiently to avoid delays
3. Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Lawsuits
If your asbestos exposure involved companies that are still solvent (i.e., still in business), we can file a lawsuit on your behalf, without affecting your VA benefits. Our legal team has decades of experience filing in Pennsylvania courts, and we’ve recovered millions for asbestos victims statewide.
Why Should Veterans Choose The Halpern Law Firm?
- Veteran-Focused Legal Team: We understand military structure, service records, and how to prove exposure from decades ago.
- Pennsylvania-Based: With offices across the state, we serve veterans in Allentown, Erie, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and more.
- Contingency Fee Structure: You pay nothing unless we get you compensation.
- Efficient, Compassionate Support: We know this is an emotional time. Our team is here to handle the details, so you can focus on your health.
Documentation You’ll Need
We help clients gather:
- DD-214 or service records
- Medical diagnosis of mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer
- Base or ship assignments where asbestos exposure likely occurred
- Witness statements when available
Time Matters — Don’t Wait to File
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for asbestos-related claims is generally 2 years from the date of diagnosis. If you wait too long, you may lose the ability to pursue compensation.
Let the Halpern Law Firm Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve
With more than 35 years of experience, David Halpern and his team are proud to stand with Pennsylvania veterans. Whether you were in the Navy, Army, Air Force, or Marines, if you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we’re here to help.
Call (800) 505-6000, fill out our contact form, or utilize our chat feature, and someone from our team will reach out to you right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where were veterans commonly exposed to asbestos during military service?
Exposure often occurred on U.S. Navy ships, especially in boiler rooms, engine rooms, and sleeping quarters, at shipyard environments like the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and Bethlehem Steel, in Army barracks, base housing, and vehicle repair units, and at Air Force bases and aircraft maintenance hangars.
Can veterans file a VA claim for asbestos exposure without suing the government?
Yes. Veterans can file a VA disability claim for asbestos-related illness without suing the military or federal government, and benefits are available even if the exposure happened outside of combat.
What types of asbestos claims can veterans pursue?
Veterans may be eligible for VA disability compensation, asbestos bankruptcy trust claims against companies that manufactured or sold asbestos products used during service, and personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits against still-solvent companies, without affecting VA benefits.
What documentation do veterans need to file an asbestos claim?
Helpful documents include a DD-214 or service records, medical diagnosis of mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, base or ship assignments where exposure likely occurred, and witness statements when available.
How much time do PA veterans have to file an asbestos-related claim?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for asbestos-related claims is generally two years from the date of diagnosis, so it’s important not to wait. Call the Halpern Law Firm at (800) 505-6000, fill out the contact form, or use the chat feature to get started.
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