VA Benefits for Lung Cancer

Exposure to toxins like asbestos during military service caused many U.S. military veterans to develop serious health conditions, including lung cancer. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wide range of benefits to veterans with lung cancer. This includes compensation often worth over $4,000 a month and free or low-cost health care. Get help pursuing lung cancer VA benefits right now.

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Written and Fact-Checked by: Lung Cancer Group

Last updated: March 14, 2025

Top Topics:

Types of VA Benefits
Survivors Benefits
How to Apply
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What Are VA Benefits for Lung Cancer?

Veterans with lung cancer may qualify for VA benefits if they were exposed to a substance called asbestos while serving. Asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer 10-50 years later, and many veterans were exposed while serving on military bases and ships before the risks were fully understood.

VA benefits allow affected veterans to get compensation, medical care, and other resources to cope with a diagnosis.

VA benefits available to veterans include:

Aid and Attendance (A&A)
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Disability compensation
Funeral benefits
Health care
Housebound benefits
Pensions
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Survivor benefits

The VA typically awards married veterans with active lung cancer $4,044.91 every month as of 2025. Additionally, there are very few — if any — copays if veterans with lung cancer seek treatment through the VA health care system.

Get a free case review now to learn if we can help you or a U.S. veteran you love secure VA benefits for lung cancer. We may also be able to help maximize your benefits if you already have them but were recently diagnosed.

Types of VA Benefits for Lung Cancer

Veterans may qualify for a wide range of VA benefits for lung cancer. Learn about key VA benefits for lung cancer below and how you can access them.

Disability Compensation

Disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment made to veterans with a serious injury or illness related to military service. The VA assigns a percentage rating to a veteran’s specific disability, paying out a fixed amount based on it.

What’s the VA disability rating for lung cancer? The VA typically grants veterans with active lung cancer a 100% disability rating, allowing them to receive the highest payouts possible. For 2025, veterans with lung cancer can receive $3,831.30 a month alone or $4,044.91 a month with a dependent spouse.

Veterans can use the compensation provided by VA disability for lung cancer in any way they see fit.

Call (877) 446-5767 now to find out if you can pursue or maximize your VA lung cancer disability benefits after a diagnosis. It costs nothing to speak with our team.

VA Health Care Benefits

The VA health care system offers veterans world-class treatment for lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related diseases. The VA is well-equipped to help veterans with lung cancer. In fact, its doctors treat nearly 8,000 cases of lung cancer in veterans a year.

VA health care can cover a range of lung cancer treatments, including:

Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Surgery
Radiation therapy
And more

Veterans with active lung cancer often have the lowest health care copays thanks to their 100% VA disability rating. As a result, getting treatment is often free or only has a minimal cost.

VA Pensions

The VA awards pensions to veterans who are below a certain income threshold. As of 2025, a veteran’s net worth must be under $159,240 to qualify. How much you could receive from a VA pension depends on your level of disability, how many dependents you have, and more.

Aid & Attendance Benefits (A&A)

Aid and Attendance (A&A) is extra compensation as part of a pension plan. Veterans with lung cancer may qualify if they’re bedridden, receiving at-home or nursing home care, or need help with daily living.

Housebound Benefits

Housebound benefits are similar to A&A. They’re awarded to veterans as part of their pension when their disabilities mean they can’t leave their home. A veteran who qualifies may choose housebound benefits or A&A, but not both.

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is a tax-free payment given to veterans with severe disabilities, such as the loss of a limb, blindness, or deafness. It’s added to standard VA disability payouts.

Get a free case review now to find out if you can pursue or increase VA benefits for lung cancer after a diagnosis.

Lung Cancer VA Survivor Benefits

Lung cancer is the most fatal cancer affecting veterans, according to the VA. If a veteran you love died from service-related lung cancer, you and your family may qualify for a range of survivor benefits offered by the VA.

Survivors Pension

VA survivors pension or death pension is a tax-free benefit paid to surviving family members under a certain financial threshold. Like a standard pension, the net worth to qualify is $159,240. Factors such as number of dependents, income, and more all affect how much you may receive.

Lung Cancer VA Burial Benefits

The VA offers financial support for burial services, offering up to $2,000 in reimbursement, free headstones, and funeral honors. Family members are eligible if they haven’t received financial support from another government body that exceeds these amounts.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a monthly, tax-free financial payout offered to survivors of veterans who died due to service-related reasons. If a veteran was exposed to asbestos and later passed away from lung cancer as a result, their family may qualify for DIC.

VA Health Care Benefits for Family Members

Spouses and dependent children of veterans with lung cancer may qualify for VA health care benefits through two main programs.

For families of veterans who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected illness like lung cancer, TRICARE offers continued coverage.

If families don’t qualify for TRICARE, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) may be an option. This offers coverage for dependents if the veteran is permanently disabled due to a service-connected condition.

Who Is Eligible for VA Benefits for Lung Cancer?

To qualify for VA benefits for lung cancer, veterans must meet specific criteria.

Here are eligibility requirements to file VA claims for lung cancer:

Service connection: You must have been exposed to asbestos or other toxins during active duty, including while serving in the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army, or Marines.
Honorable discharge: Veterans must have been honorably discharged or released under qualifying conditions.
Lung cancer diagnosis: A medical professional must confirm your lung cancer diagnosis, linking it to service-related risk factors such as asbestos exposure, burn pits, or radiation.

Determining your eligibility for VA benefits for lung cancer can be complex. Seeking help from an experienced law firm or VA-accredited attorney can ensure you receive the maximum compensation available.

How to Apply for VA Lung Cancer Benefits

When applying for VA benefits, there are key steps you can follow to make the process easier and flow smoothly.

Steps to apply for VA benefits include:

Check if you’re eligible: You must have a condition that can be connected to military service and a non-dishonorable discharge.
Gather medical and service records: You’ll need records proving active duty service, assignments and roles that may have exposed you to carcinogens like asbestos.
File your VA claim: Submit your application online, by mail, or in person at a VA office.
Attend a VA medical exam: You may need a medical exam with the VA to verify your condition. However, your medical records may be enough proof for your claim.
Wait for a decision: The VA will review your claim and determine your eligibility for benefits.

Get a free case review now to find out if you can pursue VA benefits for lung cancer after a diagnosis.

Other Compensation Options for Veterans With Lung Cancer

Outside of asbestos VA benefits, veterans facing a lung cancer diagnosis may be eligible for additional sources of compensation.

Veterans with lung cancer can get compensation from:

Lung cancer lawsuits: These lawsuits are filed against the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products, which hid the health risks for decades. It’s possible to receive $1 million or more through these lawsuits in some cases.
Asbestos trust funds: These trusts were established by bankrupt asbestos companies and contain over $30 billion today. With help from an attorney, you may qualify for trust fund compensation without going to court.

Top lung cancer lawyers in our network can help determine if you qualify for legal compensation in addition to your VA benefits, and can work to file claims on your behalf if you do.

Lung cancer claims do not involve suing the military or government, and your VA benefits won’t be impacted.

Call (877) 446-5767 now to see if we may be able to help you pursue VA benefits for lung cancer and legal compensation at the same time.

Get Help Exploring Your VA Lung Cancer Benefits

Benefits offered by the VA can be incredibly helpful for veterans with lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.

Veterans can potentially receive maximum benefits offered by the VA if their lung cancer diagnosis is linked to their military service, allowing them to receive the highest payouts and free or inexpensive health care coverage.

Lung Cancer Group stands ready to help veterans with lung cancer access the benefits and compensation they deserve.

Get a free case review now to see all the ways we can assist you or a loved one.

VA Claims for Lung Cancer FAQs

Does lung cancer qualify for VA disability?

You may potentially qualify for lung cancer VA benefits if you can show how you were exposed to asbestos or other cancer-causing substances while serving.

Asbestos exposure was unavoidable for many veterans between the 1930s and early 1980s.

Asbestos was used in military:

Bases
Navy ships
Vehicles
Other assets

VA benefits for lung cancer are available even if you were a smoker. Asbestos exposure makes it more likely to develop lung cancer from smoking. The lungs suffer worse damage from combined cigarette smoke and asbestos exposure.

Other toxins like Agent Orange used in Vietnam, nerve agents, and burn pits used in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Gulf War can all cause cancers, too. As a result, you can potentially pursue VA benefits if you were exposed to these other toxins.

What benefits can I get if I have lung cancer?

If you have lung cancer, you can get a wide range of VA benefits, including disability compensation typically worth over $4,000 a month, free or inexpensive health care, and more.

VA benefits for lung cancer can go a long way toward helping you get the treatments needed after a diagnosis and afford expenses you may face.

What is the VA rating schedule for lung cancer?

The VA assigns a 100% disability rating for active lung cancer — the highest available. With this rating, veterans can maximize their monthly VA disability payouts.

Veterans with lung cancer who receive a 100% disability rating can receive $3,831.30 a month if single or $4,044.91 a month if they’re married.

Does lung cancer automatically qualify for disability?

Lung cancer does not automatically qualify for VA disability. You’ll need to show that your cancer is linked to military service in some way.

For example, you could provide documents showing you worked with asbestos-containing products, and a doctor’s statement linking this exposure to your lung cancer diagnosis.

Our team can help you qualify for VA lung cancer disability compensation if eligible. Call (877) 446-5767 now.

How can I check the status of a VA benefits claim?

It can take up to several months from the time you file for VA benefits to actually start receiving them. The timeline depends on factors such as the complexity of your case and the evidence provided.
Here’s how you can check the status of your claim:

Visit the VA website: Log in to your account at VA.gov to check your claim status online.
Call the VA: You can contact the VA benefits hotline at 1-800-827-1000 to speak with a representative.
Visit a regional VA office: If you prefer in-person assistance, visit your nearest VA office to get an update on your claim.
Check your mail: The VA will send letters updating you on your claim’s progress and any additional documents required.
Work with an accredited lawyer: A VA-accredited attorney or law firm specializing in disability claims can help track your claim, address delays, and ensure all necessary documents are submitted correctly.

If your claim is delayed or denied, an attorney can help you file an appeal to push for the VA disability benefits you deserve.