⚓ U.S. Navy — 1965–1975
Vietnam War (1965–1975) — Navy Asbestos Exposure
Last updated July 11, 2026
Vietnam-era naval operations involved a mix of WWII and Korean War-built ships still in service alongside newer 1950s and 1960s construction — all of which used asbestos insulation as the standard. River patrol craft, destroyers on shore bombardment missions, carriers flying attack sorties, and submarines on Cold War patrol all contained asbestos throughout their engineering spaces.
Asbestos Use During the Vietnam War Era
Many Vietnam-era sailors served aboard ships built 15–25 years earlier, with aging asbestos insulation that had become friable. The Navy did not begin phasing out asbestos in new construction until after 1975, meaning ships commissioned during the Vietnam War were still built with asbestos. Engineering ratings aboard these vessels faced the same exposure profile as their WWII and Korean War predecessors.
Ships of the Vietnam War Era
Vietnam-era naval forces included WWII-era Essex-class carriers (some converted to attack carriers), Forrest Sherman-class destroyers, Knox-class destroyer escorts, and Sturgeon-class submarines. Many older Fletcher and Gearing-class destroyers were still operational through the late 1960s.
At-Risk Ratings — Vietnam War
The same at-risk ratings apply — MMs, BTs, HTs, ENs, EMs, DCs — with the additional inclusion of Gas Turbine Systems Technicians as newer frigates and destroyers entered service in the late 1960s. Enginemen aboard river patrol craft faced diesel propulsion systems with asbestos exhaust insulation in extremely confined spaces.
Claims & VA Benefits for Vietnam War Veterans
Vietnam-era veterans are primarily in their 60s–80s — within the typical latency window for mesothelioma. If you served in the Navy during 1965–1975 and have received a mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis diagnosis, VA disability compensation and trust fund claims are both open paths. The latency is not a barrier — it is an expected feature of asbestos-related disease.
Two Paths: VA Disability & Trust Fund Claims
- VA disability compensation — Monthly benefit for service-connected asbestos-related disease. Open to all eligible veterans regardless of era. No product identification required.
- Asbestos trust fund claims — Lump-sum payments from manufacturers' bankruptcy trusts. Requires product identification specific to your ship class. Not mutually exclusive with VA disability.
- Surviving family — VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and trust fund wrongful-death claims are available to surviving spouses and dependents of veterans who died of asbestos-related disease.
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Asbestos.cam is an informational resource, not a law firm. The above is general information, not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were Navy ships during the Vietnam War era built with asbestos?
Yes. U.S. Navy ships built before approximately 1980 — spanning the entire Vietnam War period — used asbestos as the standard insulation material throughout their engineering plants. This includes pipe lagging, boiler block insulation, turbine casing insulation, gaskets, and valve packing.
Can Vietnam War Navy veterans file VA disability claims for asbestos exposure?
Yes. The VA recognizes asbestos exposure as a service-connected risk for veterans who served aboard ships built during the asbestos era. There is no conflict or era requirement — service aboard any asbestos-era ship in an at-risk rating is sufficient to support an exposure finding. A VA claim requires a diagnosis, evidence of shipboard service, and a nexus statement from a physician.
Are asbestos trust fund claims available for Vietnam War veterans?
Yes. Asbestos trust funds from bankrupt manufacturers — Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, Pittsburgh Corning, Flexitallic, and others — pay claims for veterans whose ships used those products. Trust fund claims are separate from VA disability and are often pursued simultaneously. An attorney who specializes in Navy asbestos claims can identify which trusts apply to your ship class.