In 2012, the United States House of Representatives approved legislation to increase funding for the record number of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans who became disabled serving our country. While many veterans of these wars have returned home, they may be suffering significant health problems as a result of their active service.
What Disabilities Are They Suffering?
The latest information from the United States Office of Veterans’ Affairs Office of Research and Development indicates that, according to various studies:
- Non-suicidal self-injury is “relatively common” for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Approximately, 14% of the veterans studied report self-injury without the intent to commit suicide.
- A significant percentage of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- A significant percentage of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from depression.
- A significant percentage of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have sexual functioning difficulties. This information comes from a study completed at the post-deployment health clinic at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston.
- Some Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have an alcohol use disorder.
- Veterans who were near bomb explosions experienced faster brain aging than those who were not near such explosions.
However, these are not the only health concerns for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Presumptive illnesses, respiratory illnesses, sinusitis, and other conditions are also significant health concerns for veterans of these specific wars.
Service to Our Country Should Not Result in a Lifetime of Financial Hardship
Instead, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have the right to seek disability benefits if they have suffered a service-related injury or illness. If you have suffered such an injury or illness after serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, you are not alone and you do not need to fight for disability benefits on your own. Instead, we are here to help you during this difficult time. Simply start a live chat with us or call us directly at 800-800-6353 to learn more about your rights and potential benefits.
by Paul B. Burkhalter Managing Partner of Morgan Weisbrod , Board Certified in Social Security Disability Law.