Asbestos Exposure by MOS
Understanding Asbestos Exposure in Military Occupational Specialties (MOS)
Understanding Asbestos Exposure in Military Occupational Specialties (MOS)
Military veterans across all service branches face significantly elevated risks of asbestos-related diseases due to widespread asbestos use from the 1930s through the 1980s.
Your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) directly impacts your level of asbestos exposure risk, with certain positions showing “highly probable” exposure rates according to Department of Veterans Affairs classifications.
Veterans account for approximately 30% of all mesothelioma diagnoses in the United States, despite representing only 7% of the population.
If you served in a high-risk MOS and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related diseases, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Contact SWMW Law today for a free consultation:
(855) 744-1922 – No fees unless we win.
High-Risk Navy MOS Codes for Asbestos Exposure
The Department of Veterans Affairs has identified specific Navy Military Occupational Specialties with “highly probable” asbestos exposure risk
These 18 high-risk MOS codes include:
Highly Probable Asbestos Exposure (18 MOS Codes):
According to a 2019 study published in the International Journal of Radiation Biology, Navy veterans who served in high-exposure roles such as boiler technicians, firemen, water tenders, machinist’s mates, and pipefitters were found to be 6.47 times more likely to die from mesothelioma than the general U.S. population.
This figure was based on long-term mortality data from over 114,000 veterans tracked for 65 years.
An additional 32 Navy MOS codes are classified as “probable” for asbestos exposure risk according to the official VA Duty‑MOS Exposure Matrix (2015):
Complete List of Probable Risk MOS Codes
Aviation Specialties:
- ABE – Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Launch & Recovery Equipment)
- ABF – Aviation Boatswain’s Mate
- ABH – Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handler)
- ACM – Aviation Chief Metalsmith
- ADJ – Aviation Machinist’s Mate (Jet Engine Mechanic)
- ADR – Aviation Machinist’s Mate
- AE – Aviation Electrician’s Mate
- AM – Aviation Structural Mechanic
- AME – Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment)
- AMH – Aviation Structural Mechanic (Hydraulics)
- AMS – Aviation Structural Mechanic (Structural)
- ARM – Aviation Radioman
- AS – Aviation Support Equipment Technician
- AT – Aviation Electronic Technician
- AW – Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Operator
- AX – Aviation Antisub Warfare Technician
Construction & Engineering:
- BU – Builder
- CD – Construction Driver
- CE – Construction Electrician
- CN – Constructionman
Ship Systems & Machinery:
- EM – Electrician’s Mate
- EN – Engineman
- ET – Electronics Technician
- GSM – Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical)
- IC – Interior Communication Technician
- MM – Machinist Mate
- MOMM – Motor Machinist Mate
- MT – Missile Technician
Specialized Technical Roles:
- MLC – Molder
- PTR – Painter
- SW – Steelworker
- TM – Torpedoman’s Mate
Risk Assessment Summary:
Veterans who served in these 32 probable risk MOS codes have an elevated likelihood of asbestos exposure during their naval service. Combined with the 18 highly probable risk codes, exactly half of all Navy Military Occupational Specialties carry significant asbestos exposure risk.
This comprehensive list represents the complete VA classification system for Navy asbestos exposure risk by MOS, providing critical information for veterans filing disability claims and seeking compensation for asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer
Summary of Navy MOS Statistics:
- Total Navy MOS codes: 110
- Highly Probable risk codes: 18 (16.4%)
- Probable risk codes: 32 (29.1%)
- Total at-risk Navy positions: 50 out of 110 MOS codes (45.5%)
- Minimal risk codes: 60 (54.5%)
Asbestos Exposure Across All Military Branches
Army Veterans at Risk
Army veterans may have faced significant asbestos exposure through:
- Vehicle mechanics working with brake pads, clutches, and gaskets
- Construction engineers using asbestos-containing building materials
- Aircraft mechanics exposed to engine components
- Military base housing and barracks construction
Air Force Veterans at Risk
Air Force personnel encountered asbestos in:
- Aircraft maintenance roles involving brake pads and heat shields
- HVAC technicians working with insulation systems
- Electricians handling asbestos-wrapped wiring
- Radar stations and base infrastructure
Marine Corps Veterans at Risk
Marines were exposed primarily through:
- Service aboard Navy vessels with extensive asbestos use
- Combat engineers and construction roles
- Vehicle and aircraft maintenance
- Amphibious operations equipment
Coast Guard Veterans at Risk
Coast Guard members faced exposure from:
- Ship engine and boiler rooms
- Asbestos-containing ropes and rigging
- Base housing built before 1981
Health Conditions Caused by Military Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Common symptoms include:
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness
- Fluid buildup around lungs (pleural effusion)
Mesothelioma has a 20-50 year latency period, meaning symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure.
Lung Cancer
Asbestos exposure significantly increases lung cancer risk, especially when combined with smoking. Veterans face a multiplicative risk when both factors are present.
Asbestosis
A progressive scarring of lung tissue that causes:
- Breathing difficulties
- Chronic cough
- Chest tightness
- Reduced lung capacity
Pleural Plaques
Non-cancerous thickening of lung lining tissue that:
- Develops 20-30 years after exposure
- Affects up to 89% of asbestos-exposed individuals
- May indicate increased risk for more serious conditions
VA Disability Benefits for Asbestos Exposure
Disability Compensation Rates (2025)
Veterans with mesothelioma typically receive a 100% disability rating:
- Single veterans: $3,831.30 per month
- Married veterans: $4,044.91 per month
- Veterans with dependents: Additional compensation available
Qualifying Asbestos-Related Conditions
The VA recognizes these service-connected conditions:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis
- Pleural plaques and effusions
- Laryngeal cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancers
Proving Service Connection
To establish VA disability benefits, veterans must demonstrate:
- Asbestos exposure during military service
- Current diagnosis of asbestos-related condition
- Medical nexus linking condition to service
- Detailed exposure summary including MOS information
Legal Compensation Options Beyond VA Benefits
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Veterans can pursue legal action against asbestos manufacturers while maintaining VA benefits. Average settlements include:
- $1-2 million typical settlement range
- $40+ million in largest verdicts
- Cases filed against product manufacturers, not the military
Asbestos Trust Funds
Over $30 billion remains available in asbestos trust funds:
- $300,000-$400,000 average total payout per claimant
- Claims can be filed from home without court appearance
- Multiple trust claims possible based on exposure history
- Payouts typically received within 90 days
Recent Veteran Asbestos Settlements
SWMW Law and other firms have secured significant compensation:
- $11.5 million U.S. Navy Machinist Mate, Virginia
- $8.2 million U.S. Army, Missouri
- $7.3 million U.S. Navy, Missouri
- $4.5 million U.S. Navy, Louisiana
- $4.4 million U.S. Navy, Missouri
- $3.9 million U.S. Army, Missouri
- $3.3 million U.S. Army, Oklahoma
- $2.9 million U.S. Navy, California
- $2.8 million U.S. Air Force, Pennsylvania
- $2.6 million U.S. Navy, Iowa
- $2.5 million U.S. Navy, Missouri
Why Choose SWMW Law for Your Asbestos Case
Proven Results
- $750+ million recovered for families nationwide
- 100+ years combined legal experience
- Specialized focus on mesothelioma and asbestos cases
Veteran-Focused Approach
- Understanding of military service and MOS classifications
- Experience with both VA benefits and legal compensation
- Personal attention from managing partners on every case
No Risk to You
- Free consultation for all veterans and families
- No fees unless we win your case
- All case evaluations completely confidential
Take Action Today
Immediate Steps if You’re a Veteran with Asbestos Exposure:
- Seek medical evaluation if experiencing symptoms
- Gather military service records including MOS documentation
- Contact SWMW Law for free legal consultation
- File VA claim for disability benefits
- Document exposure history in detail
Time Limits Apply
- Statute of limitations varies by state (typically 1-3 years from diagnosis)
- VA claims can be filed anytime but earlier filing ensures faster benefits
- Trust fund claims have varying deadlines by specific trust
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file both VA claims and lawsuits?
Yes, veterans can pursue VA disability benefits and legal compensation simultaneously without affecting each other.
What if I don't remember my exact MOS?
Military service records can be obtained through the National Archives, and SWMW Law can assist with this process.
Do family members have legal rights?
Yes, spouses and children can file wrongful death claims and may be eligible for secondary exposure compensation.
SWMW Law never charges upfront. Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we secure compensation.
Contact SWMW Law Today
Don’t wait – your health and your family’s financial security depend on taking action now.
- Phone: (855) 744-1922
- Online: Complete our free case evaluation form
- Office Locations: Serving veterans nationwide
Free consultation – No fees unless we win – Confidential case review
You served your country with honor, now let us serve you with the legal representation you deserve.
This page was last updated on 09/18/2025. SWMW Law provides legal information and representation for veterans and families affected by asbestos exposure. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Consult qualified professionals for personalized guidance.
Sources: Information compiled from Department of Veterans Affairs official publications, medical research studies, legal case records, and veterans’ advocacy organizations. All statistics and compensation figures represent historical data and do not guarantee future results.
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