A VA service-connected disability refers to an injury or disease that was happened during active military service. Both Physical and mental health conditions are defined under the umbrella of Service-connected disabilities.
The Most Common VA Claimed Service Connected Disabilities
As per the VA’s 2018 Annual Benefits Report, there are approximately 5.2 million disabled Veterans in the United States. And Unfortunately, most of the Veterans completely unaware that their ailments make them eligible for VA benefits.
Enlist down there are most common disabilities among the veterans:
- Tinnitus: it involves hearing sounds in the ears, such as ringing in the ears. Tinnitus is the most frequently claimed disability that affects approximately 1,971,201 Veterans.
- Hearing loss: it include loss of hearing which affecting 1,228,936 Veterans.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Veterans suffering from this condition involverecalling memories of trauma, that lead them to negative emotional and physical reactions. PTSD affecting around 1,039,794 Veterans in the US. PTSD can result from experiencing or witnessing traumatic events during military service, leading to significant psychological distress and disruptions in daily life.
- Scars: affected 1,036,677 Veterans that are entitled to receive compensation during military service.
- Limited flexion of the knee: limited flexion of the knee do not let the veteran to bend the knee fully. and there are 1,021,281 affected Veterans.
- Cervical strain: Reffers to neck pain and comes under physical injury. there are 989,835 affected Veterans.
- Sciatic nerve paralysis: causes difficulty when bending the knee or flexing the foot. its affectees are 781,178.
- Limited ankle motion: This injury cause prevent a Veteran from reaching the normal range of ankle joint motion. it affects 636,853 Veterans in the united states.
- Migraine: refers to the headache that is caused by stress, sensory overload, and environmental changes. 548,999 Veterans affected by this disease.
- Degenerative arthritis: In this condition, veterans feel the chronic breakdown of joint cartilage, which lead to painful inflammation. the affected veterans are 505,553.
- musculoskeletal Injuries: Veterans may suffer from chronic musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain, joint injuries, and other orthopedic issues, due to the physical demands of military service.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBIs, caused by concussions or head injuries, are common in combat situations and can result in various cognitive and neurological impairments.
- Mental Health Conditions: Beyond PTSD, veterans may also experience other mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders as a result of their service experiences.
- Respiratory Disorders: Exposure to environmental hazards and airborne pollutants during deployment can lead to respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis, or respiratory tract diseases.
- Skin Disorders: Skin conditions, such as dermatitis, eczema, and other allergic reactions, can arise due to exposure to environmental agents and chemicals.
- Gulf War Syndrome: A cluster of symptoms experienced by Gulf War veterans, including chronic fatigue, muscle pain, and cognitive difficulties, with the exact cause remaining unclear.
- Amputations and Limb Loss: Combat injuries or accidents can result in amputations or severe limb loss, necessitating ongoing care and rehabilitation.
- Diabetes and Cardiovascular Conditions: Some veterans may develop diabetes or cardiovascular diseases due to factors like Agent Orange exposure or other service-related stressors.
It is essential to note that service-connected disabilities can differ based on the country’s military forces, the nature of their missions, and other regional factors. The prevalence of certain disabilities may also change over time as new medical research and understanding emerge.