The USS Hamner (DD-718), a distinguished Gearing-class destroyer, served the United States Navy in numerous deployments, including the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War. As was true of other naval vessels constructed during this era, the ship contained substantial quantities of asbestos materials throughout her structure, risking serious and deadly health issues including mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer,
The Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) represents a significant improvement in how healthcare is delivered to America’s veterans. Established as a successor to the Veterans Choice Program (VCP), the VCCP streamlined and expanded access to community-based care for eligible veterans, particularly those suffering from serious conditions like mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. What is the Veterans Community
Grand Central Terminal, commonly known as Grand Central Station, is one of New York City’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Despite its majestic façade and popularity as a tourist site and transit hub, the station has a troubling history of asbestos use. The use of the carcinogenic material during its construction and subsequent renovations exposed many workers to
The USS William M. Wood (DD-715) was one of 98 Gearing-class destroyers built for the U.S. Navy during World War II. Though known for its speed, long range, and versatility in combat operations, the ship contained asbestos that continues to affect people today. Many former crew members have been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, while others remain
The USS William R. Rush (DD-714) was a Gearing-class destroyer built for the United States Navy. Like many Navy ships built between the 1930s and 1980, the USS William R. Rush was constructed using asbestos and asbestos-containing materials. As a result, many veterans who served aboard the ship, along with shipyard workers involved in its construction, were later diagnosed
The shock of being diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease is made worse by the overwhelming medical expenses that quickly follow. Most exposure occurred on the job, so some victims of asbestos exposure who have a related illness can be compensated through a workers’ compensation insurance plan. What Is Workers’ Compensation? Workers’ compensation is an
Malignant mesothelioma is an incurable and aggressive form of cancer. Though the disease’s overall prognosis is poor, researchers continue to explore treatment options to extend survival. Maintenance therapy is an additional or continuous treatment meant to maintain remission or prevent or delay the cancer’s return once it is in remission. Clinical trials of different approaches have offered mixed results. What is
Known first as the Charlestown Navy Yard and then as the Boston Naval Shipyard, the site in Boston’s Inner Harbor that was ultimately called the Boston Naval Yard opened in 1800 and was one of the first yards opened by the U.S. Navy. The yard operated as an integral American resource for 174 years, but
The USS Eugene A. Greene (DD-71) was the second Gearing-class destroyer built. Like many Navy ships built during that era, the USS Eugene A. Greene was constructed with a substantial amount of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials. As a result, many veterans who served aboard the ship, along with shipyard workers involved in its construction, were later
The Norfolk Naval Shipyard is the center of Navy activity in the Hampton Roads, Virginia, area, and is today the largest naval base in the world. It is also the Navy’s oldest shipyard, predating the U.S. Navy Department by 31 years. Despite its many accolades and achievements, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard is also known for having