VA Boston Health Care System

Dr. Abraham 'Avi' Lebenthal

Unlike most VA healthcare systems, the Boston VA has a fully equipped mesothelioma program lead by a respected specialist, Dr. Avi Lebenthal. He has worked at several of the best mesothelioma treatment centers in the country, finally settling in at BWH and the Boston VA.

For veterans using the VA healthcare system, finding a mesothelioma specialist can be difficult. Many veterans don’t realize that general oncologists within the VA aren’t experienced in treating mesothelioma. The Boston VA is rare in this regard because of the treatment experience Dr. Lebenthal brings to the table.

Aside from being one of the only mesothelioma specialists in the VA, patients often choose Dr. Lebenthal to treat them because he is:

• Experienced in performing the lung-sparing pleurectomy
• Capable of offering a multimodal treatment approach
• A retired battalion physician

When Dr. Lebenthal isn’t treating patients at the Boston VA, he serves patients at the acclaimed mesothelioma program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. His experience at BWH has gone a long way to cement his position as one of the best specialists in the country. Get connected with Dr. Lebethal today using our free Doctor Match program.

Getting Treatment Through the Boston VA

The primary benefit of receiving treatment through the Boston VA, other than their stellar mesothelioma program, is that veterans with mesothelioma may get free treatment.

The VA has a long-standing policy of providing free treatment to veterans with a disability rating of 50 percent or higher and for conditions that are labeled “service-related.”

Veterans with mesothelioma often developed the disease as a result of service-related asbestos exposure, which fills the criteria for health care compensation. Even if a veteran can’t link their exposure to military service, mesothelioma usually generates a 100 percent disability rating.

Before mesothelioma patients can get treatment in the VA health care system, they have to enroll, which requires information such as:

• Certificate of Discharge from Active Duty
• Employment information
• Personal financial information
• Basic info regarding their spouse and dependents

Finding and getting care from a specialist in the VA can be frustrating and difficult, but there are people who can help simplify the enrollment process, getting you the treatment you deserve. Our patient advocates can get you started through our free Doctor Match program.

VA Benefits in Addition to Health Care

In addition to VA health care, veterans with mesothelioma are also entitled to benefits to compensate them for a service-related condition. These benefits, along with health care from the Boston VA, ensure veterans can remain financially secure. Veterans with mesothelioma are often eligible for:

• Full disability compensation
• Survivor benefits for spouses and dependents
• Housing and pension benefits

With the help of our VA-accredited claims agent, veterans with mesothelioma can get all the assistance they need to successfully file for these benefits. If you’re a veteran with mesothelioma, start your claims process today by getting connected with retired Navy LCDR Carl Jewett.