Common Disabilities for Veterans

If you were disabled due to your military service, it can be hard to receive the compensation you deserve from the Veterans Administration. The U.S. Census reports that in 2014, 19% of all veterans had a service-connected disability. Considering that many veterans are often wrongly denied disability payments by the Veterans Administration (VA), this number is likely to be higher in reality. Here at the Law Office of Robert B. Goss, Veterans’ Attorney, we help veterans build their cases to get the compensation they deserve from the VA.

Most Common Disabilities of Veterans

Some of the most common disabilities that veterans have may go unnoticed if symptoms are mild or if the vet does not make the connection to military service. Mild disabilities may not get very high ratings; however, if you have multiple disabilities, your combined rating will be higher, so it’s worth addressing these issues with your doctor. Some of these common medical conditions include:

Hearing loss, tinnitus
Scarring, if it causes pain, unstable healing, or limitation of movement
Migraines, causing periods of prostration (can’t function)
Sciatic pain
Damage to knees, feet, ankles
Back or neck pain, spinal issues
Arthritis
PTSD (symptoms may be mild, so be evaluated)
Sleep apnea
Depression or anxiety
Asthma, respiratory problems (especially in veterans of Middle East wars)
Diabetes (assumed service-connection if exposed to Agent Orange)
Chemical exposure
Secondary conditions caused by service-connected conditions

Exposures among Veterans of OEF and OIF

Due to the unique hazards that occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) during the War on Terror, veterans of these military actions may have been exposed to particular conditions that caused disabilities, including:

Particulate matter (pollution, dust, sand, airborne particles due to manufacturing and mining in the area)
Depleted uranium
Infectious diseases: Malaria and West Nile Virus, among others
Mishraq State sulfur mine fires (OIF vets)
Hexavalent Chromium

OEF and OIF veterans may experience chronic illness, lung damage, allergies, asthma, skin irritations, and eye irritation from these exposures.

As a disabled veteran myself, with a staff of disabled veterans, I understand the struggle and frustration of working with the VA. We at the Law Office of Robert B. Goss have the experience and the passion to help you win the compensation you deserve. Call us today.