VETERANS PRESS: Top 5 most common disabilities for women veterans
Women have served in the military from the American Revolution to the present.
Unfortunately, women have been historically underrepresented in utilizing the benefits that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides.
Women now make up 20% of active duty and Guard/Reserves service members, as well as 11% of the total veteran population.
Based on the upward trend of women in all branches of service, the number of women veterans and the number of women using VA services is expected to double again in the next decade.
Here’s a detailed overview of the top five most common disabilities for women veterans:
1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a prevalent condition among veterans, affecting both men and women. However, women veterans often face unique challenges that can exacerbate PTSD symptoms, such as military sexual trauma (MST), which includes sexual harassment or assault during military service. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance and avoidance of triggers.
2. Musculoskeletal Injuries: Musculoskeletal injuries, such as back pain, joint pain, and musculoskeletal strains, are common among veterans, particularly those who have experienced combat or participated in physically demanding roles. Women veterans may be at increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries due to the physical demands of military service and potentially inadequate equipment designed primarily for male soldiers.
3. Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Depression and anxiety disorders are prevalent among veterans, including women. Deployment, combat exposure, separation from family, and other stressors associated with military service can contribute to the development of mood and anxiety disorders. Additionally, women veterans may face additional stressors related to gender discrimination, sexual harassment and challenges accessing health care services.
4. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Traumatic brain injury is a significant concern for veterans, particularly those who have been exposed to blasts or other combat-related incidents. TBI can result from exposure to explosions, falls, or other head injuries during military service. Symptoms of TBI can vary widely but may include headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory problems and mood changes. Women veterans may also face challenges in receiving timely and appropriate diagnosis and treatment for TBI.
5. Military Sexual Trauma (MST): MST is a pervasive issue affecting both men and women in the military, but women veterans are disproportionately affected. MST refers to experiences of sexual harassment, assault or rape during military service. Survivors of MST may experience a range of physical and mental health issues, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Many women veterans who have experienced MST face barriers to seeking support and accessing VA health care services.
In addition to these common disabilities, women veterans may also experience other service-connected conditions such as hearing loss, respiratory disorders and gastrointestinal conditions. It’s essential for health care providers and policymakers to address the unique needs and challenges faced by women veterans and ensure that they have access to comprehensive health care services and support programs tailored to their specific needs.
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Fact sheet and “how to get started:” https://www.va.gov/files/2023-01/women-veterans-qsg.pdf
For more information: https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/womens-health-needs/
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Veterans Press editor’s note: Part of this information was obtained using the ChatGbt AI application.