When members of the US military complete their service, they are ideally supposed to return to civilian life, where they can begin advancing their personal and professional lives. However, those who have service-related disabilities can often find this process difficult, and many find themselves struggling long after they return home. But how exactly are veterans affected by service-related disabilities, and what can they do to address these issues?
What Are Service-Related Disabilities?
Service-related disabilities are essentially what they sound like: they are any sort of chronic medical problem that someone developed during their military service. This includes both physical and psychological conditions, as well as problems that did not develop until after the veteran returned home. It also includes any condition a veteran had before they joined the military, but which was worsened due to their service.
What Sorts of Disabilities Are Considered “Service-Related?”
Just about any medical issue might be considered “service-related,” depending on when, where, and how the veteran became disabled. This includes everything from hearing and vision loss, to chronic pain, to PTSD and depression, and much more. It can also include issues such as developing cancer later in life, which may be the result of burn pit exposure.
How Do These Disabilities Affect Veterans?
Veterans with service-related disabilities often struggle to return to their everyday lives once they finish their time in the military. They may find it harder to hold down a normal job, or they may need reasonable accommodations to do work they used to be able to handle unassisted. In addition, they may need to deal with medical costs, rehabilitation, therapy, and other tools to help manage their conditions.
What Can You Do?
If you are a disabled veteran, you may be entitled to disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. They can help you get the care you need, as well as ensure you have money to cover certain necessary expenses. However, to have the best chance at getting these benefits, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling veterans disability claims.
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.
