Milwaukee Valve Company, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, manufactured bronze and iron gate valves, globe valves, angle valves, and check valves for commercial plumbing, industrial process, and naval vessel applications throughout the mid-twentieth century. Milwaukee Valve products were installed in United States Navy vessels as components of fresh water distribution systems, sanitary systems, and general utility piping systems aboard surface combatants, amphibious ships, and auxiliary vessels. Milwaukee Valve products covered the full range of pressure classes required in naval vessel utility systems, from low-pressure bronze-bodied fresh water distribution valves to heavier iron-body valves for larger utility applications. According to asbestos litigation records, Milwaukee Valve assemblies incorporated asbestos-containing stem packing materials at valve stem gland seals and asbestos-containing gasket materials at valve body connections, creating asbestos exposure for Damage Controlmen who maintained Milwaukee Valve installations in naval vessel utility piping systems.

Milwaukee Valve Asbestos

Milwaukee Valve gate valve and globe valve assemblies incorporated asbestos in valve sealing:

  • Valve stem packing — Milwaukee Valve gate valves and globe valves installed in Navy vessel fresh water and utility systems incorporated asbestos-containing stem packing material at the valve stem gland seal. Damage Controlmen performing valve repacking operations on Milwaukee Valve fresh water system valves removed and replaced asbestos-containing packing materials during valve maintenance operations
  • Valve bonnet gaskets — Milwaukee Valve bonnet connections incorporated asbestos-containing compressed gasket or O-ring-type sealing materials at the bonnet-to-body interface depending on the valve design and pressure class. Damage Controlmen accessing Milwaukee Valve internals for maintenance encountered sealing materials at the bonnet connection
  • Flanged and threaded connection gaskets — larger Milwaukee Valve assemblies installed with flanged connections to the piping system incorporated asbestos-containing gasket materials at flange faces. Damage Controlmen removing Milwaukee Valve assemblies from the piping system for replacement or overhaul encountered gasket materials at piping connections

VA Claims for Veterans Exposed to Milwaukee Valve Products

VA presumptive service connection under 38 CFR § 3.309(d) covers asbestos exposure from Navy vessel utility system valve maintenance. Damage Controlmen who maintained Milwaukee Valve installations in naval vessel fresh water and utility systems and have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer may qualify for VA disability benefits.