There are a number of physical and psychological conditions that veterans may suffer from once they leave the military, which affect them long after their service is done. These medical conditions may lead to long-term disabilities, causing them to seek disability benefits through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Here are five of the most common medical conditions seen in veterans that apply for VA disability benefits:
- Hearing impairment
- It should probably not be surprising to know that a profession that involves a lot of time around guns and explosives can also result in hearing problems. Most often this results in tinnitus, a persistent ringing in the ears that is often the result of hearing damage. In more extreme cases, an injury can result in hearing loss in one or both ears, rendering someone partially or completely deaf.
- PTSD and other psychological disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common psychological diagnoses that veterans suffer from, often the result of exposure to combat or other life-threatening situations. However, veterans also disproportionately suffer from depression and anxiety disorders, which can severely impact a person’s life. Often, these disorders become lifelong problems, which must be monitored and controlled via a combination of therapy and medication.
- Back and neck injuries
- Back and neck injuries are also especially common medical conditions among military veterans, which can impact their mobility or even result in paralysis. Most often, this is seen as damage to the lumbar region of the spine, which is located in the lower back, or damage to the cervical vertebrae at the “tail” of the spine. It may also include sciatica, which is pain caused by damage to the sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back down the hip and the outside of the leg.
- Leg and ankle injuries
- Another set of medical conditions often seen among veterans include damage to the leg and ankle. These are typically caused by injuries experienced during training or exercise, with veterans who use parachutes experiencing these problems more often. While a single injury may not cause significant long-term trouble, many veterans experience multiple strains, sprains, or breaks, which can become aggravated and turn into long-term disabilities.
- Migraines
- Veterans also often struggle with migraines, which are intense headaches that recur over a prolonged period of time. Some migraines occur as a result of other medical conditions, such as neck strain. However, migraines are also a common symptom of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which are the result of severe head wounds which may cause a number of different medical problems.
The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe place a special focus on assisting disabled veterans. Our veterans’ disability lawyers are still available for remote consultation on your legal issues. Call our office at (800) 395-7830 to schedule a consultation in our New York City, Garden City, Kings Park, Riverhead, or White Plains office, or visit our contact page.
