VETERANS PRESS: Did you serve in the U.S. military?

The Department of Veterans Affairs has determined that certain illnesses and health concerns have been associated with military service.

Some Injuries are common to all wars — examples include amputations, traumatic mental health disorders such as TBI, PTSD (including Military Sexual Trauma), and vision and hearing loss. The VA can make monthly monetary payments, or “service-connected disability compensation” for these and other illnesses and diseases directly related to the unique circumstances of your military service. 

In addition, many veterans suffer from chronic diseases later in life as the result of exposure to toxic chemicals and biologics used during their wartime service.

In Vietnam, veterans (Feb. 28, 1961 - May. 7, 1975) were exposed to Agent Orange and other toxic herbicides and pesticides. Many who now suffer from various cancers and other maladies, such as Type II diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and Parkinson’s Disease, can file for compensation benefits and health care with the VA. Children born with birth defects to a veteran parent exposed to AO may also be eligible for certain VA benefits and healthcare.

The same is true for any Persian Gulf veterans (Aug. 2, 1990, to present) and OIF/OEF vets (Sept. 11, 2001, to present) exposed to depleted uranium munitions, or the toxic fumes and chemical smoke released from oil well fires and “burn pits,” and who now suffer from debilitating illnesses such as Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS), fibromyalgia, and other neurological disorders.

The amount of compensation depends on the severity of a veteran’s service-connected disability and in some cases the number of qualifying family members.

Does this sound like you or someone you know?

To file a claim or learn more contact one of the Veteran Service offices listed in the Resource Directory in this publication.