5 Health Problems Veterans Struggle With

Across the country, there are more than 18 million veterans. These heroic individuals have often sacrificed so much to serve our country and are often left with physical and mental scars when they return to civilian life.

If you are a veteran, some of the most common health issues you may struggle with include:

1. Traumatic brain injury (TBI): According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), TBI is a result of a significant blow to the head or body. Some of the symptoms include headaches, fatigue or drowsiness, memory problems, and mood changes, and mood swings. Between 2000 and 2017, more than 375,000 military memberswere diagnosed with TBI.
2. Tinnitus and hearing loss: Veterans have often been exposed to gunfire, loud aircraft and tanks, and bombs. As a result, these veterans can often struggle with major hearing problems. According to MyHealtheVet, there are currently more than 1.7 million veterans who receive compensation for ringing in the ears — called tinnitus — and 1.1 million veterans who receive compensation for hearing loss.
3. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event. It often manifests as trouble sleeping, anger, nightmares, flashbacks, and alcohol and drug abuse. For soldiers, sources of PTSD while in service include the experience of combat and assault, as well as images and memories associated with combat. According to NAMI, the rate of PTSD is 15 times higher in veterans than in civilians.
4. Depression: According to the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, 1 in 3 Veterans visiting primary care clinics has some symptoms of depression. This mood disorder can cause persistent feelings of sadness and can interfere with your daily functioning.
5. Mesothelioma: Veterans account for 30% of the estimated 3,000 mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed annually. Service members who were on active duty during occupations between 1930 and 1980 have the highest risk of developing this deadly cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. If you are a veteran and were exposed to asbestos and could potentially develop mesothelioma, a mesothelioma attorney can help you pursue the compensation that will help to take care of your medical needs and family needs, according to the Mesothelioma Veterans Center.

If you are a veteran dealing with these or any other health condition, you deserve help and dedicated resources so that you can live a happy and healthy and civilian life.