The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays disability compensation to eligible veterans and their families. The VA determines the monthly amount using a disability rating. Mesothelioma is rated at 100%. So veterans with service-related mesothelioma receive the greatest possible compensation.
These set monthly payments change year-to-year. Keep reading to learn about the 2025 compensation amounts.
Monthly Benefits for Veterans With Mesothelioma
The VA compensates disabled veterans based on how many and what kind of dependents they have. A veteran with mesothelioma and no dependents receives $3,831.30 each month. Additional compensation comes with each dependent. Compensation for a spouse dependent varies slightly depending on whether the veteran also has a child.
| Dependents | Amount per month |
|---|---|
| None (veteran alone) | $3,831.30 |
| Child (valid for first child only) | $142.85 |
| Spouse | $213.61/$227.20 |
| Parent | $171.44 |
You can add up the values for the veteran and each dependent to get the total monthly compensation. For example, a veteran with 1 child, 1 spouse and 1 parent dependent would get:
$3831.30 (veteran alone) + $142.85 (child) + $227.20 (spouse) + $171.44 (parent) = $4,372.79
For those with additional dependent children:
- Veterans receive another $106.14 each month for each additional child under 18 years old.
- Veterans receive another $342.85 each month for each additional child over 18 years old in a qualifying school program.
Veterans receive another $195.92 each month for a spouse receiving Aid and Attendance.
Monthly DIC Benefits for Spouses of Deceased Veterans
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) supports the surviving families of veterans. If a veteran died in or as a result of their service, families may be eligible. This includes veterans who contracted mesothelioma from service-related asbestos exposure. Through DIC, the VA provides monthly, tax-free payments to family members.
For 2025, surviving spouses can receive monthly payments starting at $1,653.07. They may be eligible for added payments, depending on factors like:
- How long the veteran had the 100% disability rating
- If the spouse has a disability, too
- If the spouse has one or more children under 18 years old
- If the spouse is housebound due to their disability
DIC Benefits and VA Survivors Pension
Some spouses and children of deceased veterans may be eligible for a VA Survivors Pension. These monthly payments are available pending certain criteria. For example, the veteran must have served active duty during wartime. And families must meet income limits set by Congress. Spouses cannot receive both a Survivors Pension and DIC. The VA pays whichever benefit gives a family the most money.
Navigating VA benefits may feel intimidating. Experienced asbestos lawyers can help you file a VA claim. They can also help veterans and their families explore other avenues for compensation.
