About Us
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center was created to provide information and assistance to veterans regarding treatment, clinical trials, and VA benefits for veterans suffering from asbestos illnesses. The MVC was founded by retired Navy LCDR Carl Jewett. Commander Jewett is a VA-accredited claims agent and has helped hundreds of veterans get approved for their VA benefits after developing mesothelioma or asbestos related lung cancer from their asbestos exposure in the military.
Our Mission
No one gets left behind. To that end, we strive to provide veterans diagnosed with any asbestos illness the best information, advice and assistance we possibly can. From filing for VA Disability Compensation, to helping veterans find the best medical treatment, we never stop fighting.
Our Vision
Because veterans comprise the single largest group of Americans diagnosed with mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancers each year, they are the most affected, yet their needs are the most underserved. There are many benefits available to veterans, which many overlook. We envision a day when we are able to ensure that every veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer is able to get the best medical treatment available, and that they receive any and all VA benefits for which they are eligible.
Our Values
Honor, Integrity and Precision
Honor: We live our lives by the same code of conduct with which we conducted ourselves as fighting men and women of the Armed Forces. We shall never do anything that would bring dishonor on our organization, the military or ourselves. We belong to one large fraternity made up of our “Brothers in Arms”. As we did in the military, we will look out for each other so that our veterans can always count on us to have their back.
Integrity: We will be truthful always. We will be frank with every veteran or his or her family member. We will provide advice that is founded in VA law and publication. We never speculate. We speak only of what we know to be true. We will never be afraid to say “I don’t know, but I will go look it up for you”.
Precision: Attention to detail is the cornerstone of our approach to each VA claim. Every asbestos related claim is different. Therefore, we will ensure that we provide the veteran with the information and guidance that they need to ensure that their claim is complete, correct, and compelling. If the veteran does not feel that we made the entire process easy to understand, and stress free to file, we haven’t done our job.
Need Help? We can help you file for benefits with the VA or help you get access to trust funds.
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
Founder
LCDR Carl Jewett is a retired Naval Officer, having served just under 24 years in the submarine force. He currently serves as a VA Accredited Claims Agent and as the Executive Director of the Veterans Assistance Network. He specializes in assisting veterans filing VA claims for asbestos related disabilities such as mesothelioma and asbestos related lung cancer.
Commander Jewett enlisted in the US Navy right out of High School, and was chosen to join the Navy’s elite Submarine Force. After studying nuclear power engineering and operations at the Navy’s Nuclear Power School in Orlando, FL, he was assigned to several fast attack submarines serving in Reactor Controls Division as a Reactor Operator. Upon the completion of his shore tour teaching Digital Microprocessor Operations at the Nuclear Field “A” School, he applied for, and was granted a commission through the Navy’s Enlisted Commissioning Program, after which he was commissioned as an Ensign.
He then went on to study advanced nuclear power operations and was assigned to the USS Kentucky (SSBN-737B) where he served as the Reactor Controls Assistant, Main Propulsion Assistant, Damage Control Assistant, and Assistant Engineer. He then served as the Division Officer and Lead Instructor at the Prospective Nuclear Engineering Officer (PNEO) School in Kings Bay, GA. He served his last three years in the Navy as the Executive Officer (XO) at the Navy Operational Support Center in St. Louis, MO.
Commander Jewett has a BS in Mathematics from the University of Maryland and an MBA from the University of Florida.
He is married to his wife Teri of 27 years, and has three adult children. He and his wife currently reside in Winter Springs, FL.
Brian S. Basham
Director of Outreach
Brian Basham is the Director of Outreach at Mesothelioma Veterans. This gives Brian the opportunity to support veterans affected by Mesothelioma. Brian’s passion for helping veterans doesn’t start too far from home. Both of Brian's grandfathers were in the military (Army, Navy). Brian also has two cousins currently serving (one in the marines, the other in special forces), both of whom he is very close with. Brian deeply appreciates all that the servicemen and women have sacrificed for our country, and he believes this is the least he could do to give back.
In his free time Brian enjoys lifting weights and teaching the third-graders at his local church. Brian also enjoys watching football and spending time outdoors.
