Information for Veterans
Do you need to contact Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center? 77 Wainwright Drive Walla Walla, WA 99362 Phone: (509) 525-5200 or (888) 687-8863.
Could you have been exposed to asbestos? Read the following to see if you fall under a category at risk. These individuals are people who: have had contact with asbestos through a "burst exposure" i.e. a very heavy concentration of asbestos for short periods of time, unexplained breathing problems, long-term dealings with asbestos, or friends or relatives of people who have involved themselves with asbestos-related trades even if the the one exposed to asbestos has no obvious signs of exposure.
The following are the ailments which have been linked to 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 main indicators of asbestos-related diseases are coughing, coughing blood, shortness of breath, chest pain and weight loss. Unfortunately, these signs of contact with asbestos can appear up to 25 years after primary exposure. Annual or even semi-annual asbestos detection tests are recommended.
It is recommended to get tested if you believe that you have been exposed to asbestos. One form of testing is an x-ray (side and front view of your chest.) Supplementary tests may include a pulmonary function test, blood work, a CT scan and/or biopsy. There are times when a doctor may speak a language that is perplexing to the layman. Be sure to ask your doctor about your status. If you don't completely comprehend your doctor, get him to clarify so you can better comprehend. Weitz & Luxenberg stands by the belief that all citizens who have participated in the U.S. Armed orces should receive the services they deserve. This includes compensation for potentially fatal diseases such as lung cancer.
Contact with asbestos can seriously damage your health. Weitz & Luxenberg understands this and is here to help. For a free consultation, fill out the form below.
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Learn more about tools for Veterans available at Kent CBOC