The Surge Of Iraq And Afghanistan Veteran Disability Claims: Examining The Statistics

Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have filed a large number of disability claims. In fact, over 770,000 veterans have filed, meaning that roughly 45% of all veterans who served in these wars believe they are disabled. This is a significantly higher proportion than for veterans of the Gulf War in the 1990s (21%) or the Vietnam War. The rise in claims has been attributed to various factors, including more deployments, greater awareness of benefits, and a higher proportion of older, more injury-prone troops.

Claims for mental health issues, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia

Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars may have developed long-term mental health issues due to exposure to unique and challenging environments. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes a range of mental health conditions associated with service in these operations, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. These conditions can be triggered by traumatic events, such as exposure to blasts, physical demands of service, loud noises, environmental hazards, and the stresses and experiences of combat.

Veterans with these mental health issues may experience symptoms such as anxiety, alienation, depression, anger, embarrassment, impaired function, and dementia. They may also face challenges in their social lives, including difficulties in initiating and maintaining relationships and engaging in social activities. Seeking treatment for mental health issues can be difficult for veterans due to concerns about stigma, negative perceptions, and mistrust of the medical establishment.

The VA offers specialized programs and benefits to address mental health conditions, recognizing the need for comprehensive support. Treatment options include counseling, therapy, and rehabilitation services. However, there may be barriers to accessing and engaging in treatment, such as gender differences, integration of mental health and pastoral services, and the impact of alcohol misuse.

It is important to note that the process of obtaining service-connected disability status can amplify veterans' perceptions of being stigmatized. The repetitive retelling of traumatic experiences can lead to a worsening of symptoms and create a sense of shame and embarrassment. Despite these challenges, veterans still seek disability compensation as acknowledgment of their sacrifices and validation of their struggles.

Claims related to physical injuries, such as neck, spine, back, hip, and knee problems

Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars could have developed long-term physical health problems, including injuries to the neck, spine, back, hips, and knees. These injuries can be caused by slip-and-fall accidents, carrying heavy packs, acute trauma, or cumulative trauma suffered over weeks, months, or years of military service.

Back, neck, and spine injuries can cause extreme pain and disability, and may require a lifetime of medical care, including multiple surgeries and long-term pain management. Common disc injuries include herniated discs, ruptured discs, and compressed discs, which can result in chronic pain or, in severe cases, paralysis, paraplegia, or quadriplegia. These injuries can also cause secondary injuries, such as pressure sores, respiratory problems, and impaired organ function.

Veterans with back injuries may experience pain when performing everyday activities such as sleeping, walking, or sitting. They may also be at risk of developing other health issues, such as weight gain, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental health conditions, and sleep apnea.

Knee injuries are also common among veterans due to intense training, heavy equipment, and demanding activities. Common knee conditions that may qualify for VA disability benefits include tuberculosis of the knee, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis, and limited range of motion. The VA uses a special system to determine how much compensation a veteran receives based on the impact of the injury on their daily life.

Veterans who have developed physical injuries, such as neck, spine, back, hip, or knee problems, during their service in Afghanistan or Iraq may be eligible for VA disability benefits. They can file a claim and provide medical evidence of their current disability, as well as records of their diagnosis and treatment. It is important to note that the process for filing a disability claim can be complex, and veterans may seek assistance from accredited representatives or lawyers.

Claims for respiratory issues caused by exposure to toxins and burn pit smoke

Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars could have developed long-term respiratory issues due to exposure to toxins and burn pit smoke. Burn pits were used as a means of waste disposal on American bases in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Djibouti after September 11, 2001. Wastes such as plastics, medical waste, rubber, human waste, and more were burned in these pits, releasing toxic fumes and harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.

The smoke from burn pits can have both short- and long-term health effects on those exposed. Specifically, exposure can affect a person's lung health. Some immediate effects of burn pit exposure include coughing, throat discomfort, or difficulty breathing. Smoke can be particularly problematic when it spreads through desert air, which is often already full of allergens and pollutants. The combination of these factors can pose a substantial risk, especially for someone predisposed to asthma or other lung conditions.

Many immediate effects of burn pits subside once the person is able to breathe clean air again. However, harmful toxins may continue to linger in the person's lungs long after exposure to the burn pit has ceased. A 2011 report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) indicated that veterans exposed to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan experienced lasting reduced lung function.

There are over 20 burn pit and other toxic exposure presumptive conditions, including gastrointestinal cancer, head cancer, lymphoma, neck cancer, reproductive cancer, respiratory cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), constrictive bronchiolitis, granulomatous disease, and interstitial lung disease.

Veterans who were closer to burn pit smoke or exposed for longer periods may be at greater risk for more serious effects, including some cancers. Health effects depend on a number of other factors, such as the kind of waste being burned and wind direction.

Claims for hearing loss and tinnitus due to harmful noise from explosives and heavy weapons

Hearing loss and tinnitus are the most common disabilities among veterans. In 2016, more than a million veterans received disability compensation for hearing loss, and about 1.6 million received compensation for tinnitus. Veterans are 30% more likely than non-veterans to suffer severe hearing impairment.

Hearing loss and tinnitus are caused by exposure to loud noises that damage delicate hairs in the inner ear. Explosions, heavy weapons, and gunfire can all cause hearing damage. Even a one-time exposure to high-intensity noise can lead to permanent hearing loss.

The US Department of Defense published a report on noise-induced hearing loss, finding that noise-induced hearing injuries were more prevalent among combat-specific occupations.

Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from blasts associated with IEDs, land mines, mortars, bombs, and grenades. A 2012 VA study reviewed the medical charts of 250 veterans with mild TBI. Eighty-seven per cent of these veterans reported experiencing some type of hearing problem.

Veterans can receive disability compensation for hearing loss and tinnitus. To be eligible, veterans must establish that their hearing loss or tinnitus is connected to their military service. The VA provides disability ratings from 0% to 10% for hearing loss and a rating of 10% for tinnitus. Veterans with hearing loss and tinnitus can receive separate ratings for each disability.

In addition to disability compensation, the VA offers hearing aids and listening devices to veterans. These devices can help improve hearing and communication.

Claims for illnesses caused by infectious diseases, such as malaria, West Nile Virus, and brucellosis

Infectious diseases such as malaria, West Nile Virus, and brucellosis can cause illnesses in veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. These diseases are spread by mosquitoes, ticks, or other insects that are prevalent in the regions where the veterans were deployed.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by a parasite transmitted by certain types of mosquitoes. It is mostly found in tropical countries and can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and West Asia. Most people infected with West Nile Virus do not show any symptoms, but some may experience fever and other flu-like symptoms. In rare cases, it can lead to a serious, potentially fatal illness.

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that causes symptoms such as profuse sweating, joint and muscle pain, and fever. The illness can be chronic and persist for years.

Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and were infected with these diseases may be eligible for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA presumes that these infectious diseases are related to military service in certain regions during specific time frames. To receive disability compensation, veterans must have the disease within the specified time frames and have a current disability as a result.

The number of disability claims from Iraq and Afghanistan veterans has been rising. As of 2015, over 770,000 veterans have filed disability claims, with roughly 45% of all veterans who served in these regions believing they are disabled. The increase in claims can be attributed to factors such as more deployments, greater awareness of benefits, and the use of older National Guard and reserve troops.

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