Assistance for VAs: VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
You can reach VA Pacific Islands Health Care System at 459 Patterson Road Honolulu, HI 96819-1522 Phone: (808) 433-0600 or (800) 214-1306.
Read below to see if you may be at risk for exposure to asbestos. The following is a list of those with heightened hazard of developing an asbestos-related disease:
- Those with breathing problems
- Individuals with ongoing exposure to asbestos
- Those who think they have had prolonged exposure to asbestos
- Immediate family members of individuals who have worked in asbestos-related areas, even if the person who worked with asbestos has no noticeable symptoms or respiratory issues
In general, there is a group of diseases that are associated with asbestos exposure: lung cancer, asbestosis (a serious, chronic, non cancerous fibrous hardening and scarring of the lungs), mesothelioma (a cancer of the thin membranes lining the thoracic and abdominal cavities and surrounding internal organs), and pleural plaque and thickening (scarring of the lining of the lung). The warning signs of asbestos-related diseases are coughing, coughing blood, shortness of breath, chest pain and weight loss. Unfortunately, the detectable warning signs of contact with asbestos can appear up to 25 years after initial exposure. Annual or even semi-annual asbestos detection tests are recommended.
Don't be afraid to question your doctor about your health.It is important that the usual mode of testing is an x-ray (side and front view of your chest.) Further tests may include a pulmonary function test, blood work, a CT scan and/or biopsy. Doctors sometimes speak a language unintelligible to the layman. Weitz & Luxenberg believes that all those who have participated in the American Armed orces should receive the services they deserve. This includes compensation for potentially fatal diseases such as lung cancer.
Dealing with asbestos-related diseases can be challenging. Weitz & Luxenberg can help relieve some of the burden by providing you with a free case evaluation. Your first step is to fill out the form below.
your next step . . .
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Know more about benefits for Vets available at VA Kona Community Based Outpatient Clinic