Master-At-Arms and Asbestos Exposure

In the US, asbestos mineral fibers were widely used by most industries for decades until the 1980s, when information about their toxicity started to surface. The military sector was no exception; it applied large quantities of asbestos-containing material to various activities.

Out of all military branches, the Navy became one of the largest consumers of asbestos, applying the versatile material on most of its vessels built before the 1980s. Asbestos dust was common on naval vessels, as wear and tear of products, ship maintenance, and repairs were constantly generating it. As a result, Navy personnel were at an exceptionally high exposure risk. It's why, compared to former service members of other armed forces branches, Navy veterans developed the most asbestos-related diseases, including the master-at-arms (MA).

One of the most horrific aspects of asbestos exposure is the decades-long latency period of diseases stemming from it. The microscopic asbestos dust particles are easy to inhale and ingest. Once inside the body, the sharp-edged threads damage the lungs over time through a long process that begins with them getting caught into the lining and irritating it with every inhale and exhale, causing chronic inflammation, permanent scarring, and cell mutations over time, leading to asbestos cancers such as:

• pharyngeal cancer
• colorectal cancer
• mesothelioma
• laryngeal cancer
• esophageal cancer
• urogenital cancer
• bronchial cancer
• lung cancer
• gastrointestinal cancer

Veterans diagnosed with these malignant conditions may qualify to file claims and receive benefits if their medical records state any of the cancers listed above and they have proof of asbestos exposure.

Exposed to Asbestos on Navy Ships and in Shipyards

Even if asbestos dust was a threat preponderantly in the below-deck areas on a ship, everyone onboard came into contact with asbestos products at some point in their service and was at exposure risk. Specific jobs required fulfilling duty throughout the vessel, such as master at arms (MA).

In the Navy, MA was and is, to this day, essentially the military police, primarily responsible for force protection, personnel's physical security, asset protection, and law enforcement duties across naval bases, ships, and installations. MAs are security specialists on land and at sea, conducting investigations, preventing threats, and ensuring security at all levels through:

• providing waterborne and land security
• aircraft and flight line security
• conducting security patrols
• weapons and cargo security
• corrections operations
• protective service operations
• customs operations
• maritime security
• organizing and training personnel
• weapons proficiency

In the WWII merchant marine, the defense of the ship was the responsibility of the Armed Guard officer and his Navy gunners. They were the equivalent of MAs. Moreover, the Armed Guard officer was a commanding officer, as arming over 6,000 ships in World War II required assigning prime responsibility for operating guns.

The MA rating is an enlisted rating, officially started with the Naval Act in 1797, which called for every ship to have a master-at-arms. It is recognized as one of the "oldest" ratings and still exists in today's modern US Navy. It was disestablished in 1921 and only re-established in 1973.

A Timely Diagnosis Can Save Veterans' Lives

Asbestos exposure may lead to illnesses only after decades - it's this long latency period that makes asbestos diseases highly hazardous. Mild symptoms may occur sooner, but it can take up to 50 years until the first severe signs appear. It's also the reason why asbestos-related diseases are diagnosed only in advanced stages, considerably reducing veterans' chances of receiving specialized medical attention and timely care. Furthermore, with a timely diagnosis being of the essence, Navy vets should undergo periodic check-ups and request chest X-rays or CT scans along with pulmonary function tests immediately when they experience:

• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• chest tightness
• wheezing
• dizziness
• fatigue
• unintentional weight loss
• persistent dry cough
• pain with inspiration
• respiratory system complications

Misdiagnosis of asbestos-related diseases is common because the development of these illnesses is complex, involving multistep biologic mechanisms intertwined with immunologic and genetic reactions that are challenging to pinpoint. Most doctors will likely misread the signs, as accurate assessment requires specialization and experience to evaluate asbestos cases correctly. Pulmonary specialists experienced in treating lung diseases caused by prolonged asbestos exposure can evaluate veterans' health spot-on and issue an exact diagnosis.

Veterans can take extra measures by requesting a second or a third doctor's opinion outside the VA because asbestos illnesses usually manifest symptoms that resemble common respiratory conditions. Letting your doctor know about your service and possible asbestos exposure during military years is another essential aspect that helps the diagnostic process and could uncover non-cancerous diseases such as:

• pulmonary fibrosis
• asbestosis
• recurrent pneumonia
• emphysema
• rounded atelectasis
• chronic bronchitis
• pleural effusion
• pleural plaques
• pleural thickening
• COPD
• lung nodules and spots
• asthma

Although these illnesses don't qualify veterans for compensation, they should be monitored, as they tend to develop into cancer. Only frequent check-ups and comprehensive tests can discover malignancies in their early stages, and a cancer diagnosis will make veterans eligible for claims.

Assisting Navy Veterans in Receiving the Rightful Compensation

With more than 300 asbestos products used in building ships for the Navy, the health of personnel was at risk throughout the service years. Veterans who fulfilled duty between World War II and the late 1970s should schedule regular visits to the doctor immediately when experiencing any of the symptoms listed above.

Those diagnosed with cancer�related to their in-service asbestos exposure may qualify for disability compensation if they have proof of asbestos exposure. We can help by connecting you with experienced asbestos attorneys ready to handle your case.