ASBESTOS TESTING
Health care services for military veterans at the VA Healthcare System in Pittsburgh, PA

Contact information for military veterans to test for exposure to asbestos: VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA 15240. Phone: (866) 482-7488 (1-866-4VAPITT).

Read below to see if you may be at risk for exposure to asbestos. The following is a list of people at elevated chance of developing an asbestos-related disease:

• People with breathing problems
• Anyone with extended exposure to asbestos
• People who think they have had protracted exposure to asbestos
• Immediate family members of anyone who has worked in asbestos-related industries, even if the individual who worked with asbestos has no obvious signs of exposure or respiratory issues

Certain illnesses are associated with asbestos exposure: 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), pleural plaque and thickening (scarring of the lining of the lung) and lung cancer. The most commonly known symptoms 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 primary exposure. Annual or even semi-annual asbestos detection tests are recommended.

It is vital to get tested if you presume that you have been exposed to asbestos. Other ways of testing is an x-ray (side and front view of your chest.) Other tests may include a pulmonary function test, blood work, a CT scan and/or biopsy. At times, medical professionals may speak a language that is baffling to the average person. You should not hesitate to ask your doctor about your condition. If you don't understand your doctor, get him to break it down so can better understand. Weitz & Luxenberg believes that all citizens who have participated in the U.S. Armed orces should receive the services they deserve. This includes compensation for deadly diseases such as lung cancer.

Coping with mesothelioma can be daunting. 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 . . .