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Guidance

Help for veterans diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma

How we can help you if you have been diagnosed with the asbestos related disease, diffuse mesothelioma, due to military service.

From:
Ministry of Defence and Veterans UK
Published
18 February 2020
Last updated
26 May 2026 — See all updates

Overview

If you are diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma you may be eligible to claim a War Pension and if accepted, you have 2 options to consider under the War Pension Scheme:

  • receive a one off lump sum payment of up to £185,000
  • choose to receive weekly or monthly War Pension payments. Veterans Services provide free professional help, guidance and support to veterans and their dependants.

How to claim

You must contact Veterans Services as possible.

You can Contact Veterans Services either by phone or email stating this is an urgent referral for diffuse Mesothelioma..

Veterans Services can be contacted in the following ways:

By Phone on one of the following numbers for:

  • England, Scotland and Wales: 0808 1914 218 (select option 6 for Veterans Services)
  • Northern Ireland: 07387 050564
  • Overseas: +44 1253 866 043 (select option 6 for Veterans Services)

By Email using one of the following:

A Case Manager from Veterans Services will call you back and arrange a home visit so that the options can be fully explained to you.

Your Case Manager will help you complete the forms and fully support you as your point of contact throughout the claims process.

Important information when choosing the lump sum payment

If you choose to receive the one off lump sum payment option:

  • your Case Manager will explain the process and the need to complete and sign the lump sum payment election form
  • your Case Manager will explain about possible deductions from the diffuse mesothelioma lump sum payment
  • you and your dependants will no longer be entitled to receive benefits under the War Pension Scheme such as supplementary allowances, treatment and War Widow(er)’s Pension
  • your dependants can still make a claim for funeral expenses.

Help and support

You can phone or email:

Veterans UK
Ministry of Defence
Norcross
Thornton Cleveleys
FY5 3WP

Freephone (UK only):0808 1914 2 18
Telephone (overseas): +44 1253 866 043
Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
Normal Service 8.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday

Updates to this page

Published 18 February 2020
Last updated 26 May 2026 show all updates

  1. Veterans Services contact numbers have been updated.

  2. One off lump sum payment has changed.

  3. First published.

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