News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thursday. November 21, 2024: Immigrant military personnel from Latin America, the Caribbean, and other regions made important contributions through their service in the military. Unfortunately, most of these brave people faced unexpected battles due to exposure to asbestos. This is due to the widespread use of asbestos in military environments.
Several additional obstacles make the fight against mesothelioma even more challenging. Most retired service members cannot access critical health care services due to limited awareness, language barriers, and complex eligibility requirements. Non-citizen veterans and those who have been deported after retirement are particularly vulnerable, as they lose all of their eligible benefits.
Barriers to health care for immigrants
Retirees face unique challenges when accessing health care in the US While the VA Department provides specialized services, immigrant veterans face significant barriers that impede their ability to receive timely care. These issues include:
1. Lack of awareness and confusion regarding eligibility
Confusion about eligibility for VA health care benefits is the most obvious obstacle facing immigrant veterans. Most non-citizen veterans are also unaware of the benefits they may have. This is mainly due to unclear communication from the department. While being in the U.S. military is the primary criterion for accessing care, immigrant veterans struggle to understand the various eligibility rules. This uncertainty delays diagnosis and treatment, making the condition worse.
2. Language and cultural barriers
Language is the other obvious barrier facing immigrants seeking care. Veterans who are not fluent in English have difficulty communicating with medical professionals. This often leads to misunderstanding of the patient’s symptoms and treatment options.
Unfortunately, most immigrant veterans also do not understand the health care system itself. They can’t easily navigate insurance paperwork, file claims, or access specialty care. In addition, cultural differences affect how immigrants perceive health care. Without an interpreter, most retirees risk being misdiagnosed or receiving substandard treatment.
3. Lack of scope and support
Lack of targeted outreach is the other major challenge facing immigrant veterans, especially those from underrepresented communities. Information about VA services and benefits is available in English. Immigrant retirees may lack the resources or support network to learn about their rights and options.
As such, they do not seek care from the Mesothelioma Veterans Center and other providers until their conditions become severe. This means they miss out on early interventions that could otherwise improve their health outcomes.
Legal possibilities for compensation
Retirees who develop mesothelioma during their service may seek compensation. However, immigrant veterans have difficulty accessing these options due to various challenges, including limited knowledge of the legal system. The following legal options can help veterans secure financial compensation:
- Veterans Affairs Disability Claims: These are the most direct route for retired service members to receive compensation. Retirees only need to prove exposure occurred during their military service.
- Trust funds: Most asbestos companies have trust funds that compensate victims of asbestos-related conditions.
- Personal Injury Suits: Retirees with mesothelioma may pursue personal injury lawsuits in addition to VA claims.
- Legal Aid and Advocacy Groups: Most nonprofit organizations and legal aid groups focus on helping retired service members secure compensation for asbestos-related illnesses.
Mesothelioma compensation is beneficial to immigrant veterans who face significant medical and financial challenges.
Immigrant service members made invaluable contributions to the United States. Unfortunately, they rarely receive timely care and legal support for mesothelioma and other chronic diseases. However, simplifying access to resources and advocating for meaningful policy changes can help immigrant veterans get what they deserve.
