VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System

More Information About the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that forms in the lining of the lungs, abdominal cavity and heart. The disease has a poor average survival, which stresses the need for specialized care from trained surgeons and oncologists.

Veterans make up approximately 33% of mesothelioma cases due to the presence of asbestos on military ships, aircraft and more. Veterans with mesothelioma should seek care from a top-ranked mesothelioma center or a VA hospital offering a specialized mesothelioma program.

The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System includes the Elmo Zumwalt Comprehensive Mesothelioma Center, which is a mesothelioma cancer center of excellence. This center uses resources and staff from the Ronald Reagan University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center.

UCLA treats patients with pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lining of the lungs. Treatment options for pleural mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation.

The staff at the Elmo Zumwalt Comprehensive Mesothelioma Center includes an experienced surgeon who led the innovation of the pleurectomy/decortication surgery for mesothelioma. This operation leaves both lungs in the chest. It strips the pleural lining off the lungs and chest wall, hoping to remove mesothelioma cells.

Experienced Mesothelioma Specialists

• Dr. Robert Cameron, thoracic surgeon

Affiliations

• School of Medicine at UCLA
• Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center

Treatment Specialties

• Pleurectomy with decortication surgery

Get Connected to the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System

Our VA‑accredited claims agent, retired LCDR Carl Jewett, helps veterans with mesothelioma get the best care and support possible through VA medical centers. LCDR Jewett has helped many patients and families get the support they need.

Why Choose Los Angeles VA Medical Center?

• Surgery an option for veterans with mesothelioma
• VA health insurance reduces or eliminates medical costs

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Elmo Zumwalt Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program

The Elmo Zumwalt Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program is part of the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and located at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Its goal is to be the top choice for veterans with mesothelioma.

The program is named after Admiral Elmo Zumwalt of the U.S. Navy. He succumbed to mesothelioma in 2000. The Elmo Zumwalt Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program is one of the best options for receiving mesothelioma treatment.

Access to Care at West Los Angeles VA Medical Center

Veterans do not have to be from southern California to get treatment at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. The mesothelioma program accepts veterans from across the country because they recognize most VA hospitals cannot perform surgery.

All veterans must be enrolled in the VA Healthcare System and receive VA health insurance to receive treatment here. Free evaluations are available for all veterans, regardless if they have VA health care.

To get enrolled, veterans need basic information such as:

• Certificate of Discharge from Active Duty
• Employment information
• One year’s financial information
• Personal information for spouse and dependents

Additional VA Benefits Available

Veterans with mesothelioma can get assistance with VA health care at the Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Veterans can also file VA disability claims for monthly payment. If you’re a veteran with mesothelioma, contact retired Navy LCDR Carl Jewett for steps to take. You can also email him directly at cjewett@mesotheliomaguide.com.

Sources & Author

1. West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. Retrieved from: https://www.losangeles.va.gov/locations/directions.asp. Accessed: 09/29/2021.

About the Writer, Retired LCDR Carl Jewett, VA Claims Agent

LCDR Carl Jewett is a retired Naval Officer who serves as the Veterans Department Director and Patient Services Director at Mesothelioma Guide. He is a VA-Accredited Claims Agent with more than 14 years of experience filing asbestos-related VA claims. He has helped over 1400 veterans who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses get approved for VA Disability Compensation, VA Pension, and/or Aid & Attendance benefits. Because veteran’s are also entitled to compensation through the legal system, Carl has communicated with many mesothelioma law firms across the country. He has gained extensive knowledge of asbestos trust funds, mesothelioma lawsuits, settlements, and the claims process. He provides both veterans and civilians with information regarding their legal options.