Help for Our Vets: Los Angeles Regional Office
You can reach Los Angeles Regional Office at Federal Building, 11000 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90024 Phone: (800) 827-1000.
There are certain individuals who are more easily injured by exposure to asbestos. Primarily, there are some questions one should ask to figure out if asbestos is a personal health threat. Some questions to ask include: Do you think you have had prolonged exposure to asbestos? Are you an immediate family member of someone who has worked in asbestos-related industries? Have you worked somewhere where asbestos insulation was used? Is it possible your exposure to asbestos was in the form of a "burst exposure" (a very heavy concentration) to asbestos for short periods of time? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you may wish to discuss this with your health-care provider.
In general, there is a group of diseases that are associated with asbestos exposure: Mesothelioma (a cancer of the thin membranes lining the thoracic and abdominal cavities and surrounding internal organs), asbestosis (a serious, chronic, non cancerous fibrous hardening and scarring of the lungs), lung cancer, and pleural plaque and thickening (scarring of the lining of the lung). The most commonly known symptoms of asbestos-related diseases are coughing, coughing blood, shortness of breath, chest pain and weight loss. Unfortunately, the tangible symptoms of asbestos exposure can appear up to 25 years after initial exposure. Annual or even semi-annual asbestos detection tests are recommended.
It is recommended to seek medical council if you think that you have been exposed to asbestos. One form of testing is an x-ray (side and front view of your chest.) Added tests may include a pulmonary function test, blood work, a CT scan and/or biopsy. Physicians may speak a language puzzling to the average person. Don't be afraid to question your doctor about your status. If you don't understand your doctor, request that he put it in plain words so you can better comprehend. Weitz & Luxenberg stands by the belief that all those who have participated in the United States Armed orces should receive the benefits they deserve. This includes compensation for life-threatening diseases such as lung cancer.
Coping with lung cancer can be very difficult. Weitz & Luxenberg can help decrease some of the worry 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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Find out more about information for Veterans available at Oakland Regional Office