By Mick Walsh
Columbus Ohio, Ledger-Inquirer
July 4, 2006

http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/news/local/14961351.htm

Don't be fooled by its title: "Asbestos -- the Silent Killer of Navy Veterans" -- isn't only for those who have contracted asbestosis or who have served in the Navy.

In fact, Columbus native Bill Burton's almost 600-page, self-published book is almost as much about his never-ending battles with the Department of Veterans Affairs as it is with the disease he's battled for the past decade.

Burton, 80, completed his original manuscript a few months before the terror of Sept. 11, 2001.

It was not until 10 years ago that Burton, who served with the Navy's Armed Guard, learned of the extent asbestos was used on the ships he was assigned to: troop transports, tankers and supply ships from enemy submarines and aircraft during World War II.

Used as fire retardant and insulation, asbestos was widespread. "We breathed the stuff every day. It was in the air and in our food, but we had no idea at the time it could kill us," Burton said.

His primary concern was for those men who had suffered from exposure to asbestos to receive fair compensation and medical treatment from the VA.

What bothers the 80-year-old great-grandfather the most is that it is too late for thousands of former sailors to file VA claims.

"Sadly, many of those who inhaled asbestos fibers during World War II, as I did, are gone. So many have died... and they really never knew what they had. But the Navy didn't eliminate asbestos on its ships until 1985. So thousands more have probably been exposed."

When Burton learned that the World Trade Center had been fireproofed with asbestos, and witnessed hundreds of rescue crew members and others near the fallen towers covered with dust, he immediately worried. "Nobody knows exactly how much they inhaled."

Fight for fairness

Burton's book is an atlas for soldiers and sailors who've tried to travel through the VA maze, in search of what they feel is just compensation for injuries or illnesses they've suffered while on active duty.

It takes you over some of the back roads a less experienced traveler would not know about, cutting through the paperwork and delays, taking you to the people you need to see.

Burton had hoped the VA would adjudicate his claim for disability compensation before the publication of the book.

"I wanted it to run as the final chapter," he said, an uplifting finish to a mighty struggle for justice.

But he didn't receive word that his effort to receive compensation for service-connected asbestosis had been approved before the book was printed.

That's why he had to add a special concluding chapter complete with letters from the VA and the state Department of Veterans Services.

"I'll be getting $824 a month from the government for as long as I live," he laughed. "I just hope I get back enough to make up for the money I spent on the book."

Burton spent more than $6,000 to get the book published by Quill, a Columbus printing company, knowing full well that sales will never make up for his investment.

Worth it

So why did it take so long for Burton to get his due?

"When George W. Bush came into office and announced a new director of the VA, I felt I might have a chance," said Burton, a retired Coca-Cola executive.

Burton wrote to Anthony Principi, then secretary of Veterans Affairs, outlining his case and requesting his immediate assistance.

Three months later, compensation was approved.

"It was worth every second of the two years I invested in writing the book," he said from his home in Lilburn.

While winning against the VA, he's not doing as well against the disease.

His irreversible lung disease is taking its toll on his body.

"I can't work outdoors anymore, can't do any heavy lifting. I still try to exercise, but there really isn't any treatment for my disease."

** POSTED JULY 17, 2006 **