Serving in the United States Army comes with inherent risks, and Army Veterans may be more likely to develop specific disabilities related to their unique working conditions and experiences. These disabilities can range from physical injuries and illnesses to mental health conditions, all of which can significantly impact a Veteran’s quality of life. Recognizing the sacrifices made by Army Veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers disability benefits to those who have developed service-connected conditions.
VA disability benefits can provide financial support, access to healthcare, and other resources to help Veterans manage their disabilities and maintain their quality of life. However, navigating the VA disability claims process can be complex and overwhelming, especially for Veterans who are already dealing with the challenges of their conditions. By seeking the right support and guidance, Army Veterans can navigate the claims process more effectively and increase their chances of receiving the benefits they deserve.
Army Veterans may face challenges such as musculoskeletal injuries, hearing loss, traumatic brain injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder, among others. These conditions can arise from various aspects of their service, including combat exposure, training exercises, and environmental hazards.
According to the Army Public Health Center (APHC), musculoskeletal injuries are the most significant health problem for Army Veterans. Nearly half of Army servicemembers experience one or more injuries each year, with the majority affecting the lower extremities, such as the ankle, foot, knee, and leg. These injuries often include strains, sprains, and stress fractures.
Army enlistees in Basic Training face a high risk of developing injuries due to their participation in intense physical activities such as running, strength improvement, agility exercises, road marches, and obstacle courses. These activities can lead to various injuries, including tendonitis, muscle strains, ligament sprains, rotator cuff tendonitis, and degenerative disc disease. Unfortunately, many Basic Trainees are hesitant to report injuries, so their injuries just get worse.
As Army Soldiers prepare for deployment, they participate in rigorous pre-mobilization training while wearing personal protective gear and combat gear, which can weigh over 80 pounds. The heavyweight and non-ventilated protective gear contribute to a high rate of back and knee injuries, as well as dehydration and heat-related injuries.
Army Veterans often suffer from foot-related problems caused by miles of road marches on uneven, rocky terrain while carrying heavy rucksacks and wearing combat boots. Common injuries include foot blisters, stress fractures, foot pain, tingling sensations, knee problems, and back issues.
Army Veterans, especially those who have served in combat zones, are at a higher risk of experiencing traumatic brain injuries due to exposure to explosive devices, falls, and vehicle accidents. TBIs can lead to a range of symptoms, including headaches, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes.
Exposure to loud noises from firearms, explosives, and heavy machinery puts Army Veterans at risk of developing hearing loss and tinnitus. The VA recognizes both conditions as service-connected disabilities, and Veterans may be entitled to compensation and access to hearing aids or other assistive devices.
In addition to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War, Army Veterans may have been exposed to other toxic substances during their service, such as burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan, depleted uranium, and chemical weapons. These exposures can lead to various health problems, including respiratory issues, certain cancers, and neurological disorders. The VA has established presumptive conditions for some toxic exposures, making it easier for affected Veterans to receive disability benefits.
Army Veterans may be at risk of developing respiratory problems due to exposure to various environmental hazards, such as dust, smoke, and pollution in combat zones. Conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer have been linked to military service.
Some Army Veterans may have had pre-existing conditions that were aggravated or worsened by their military service. These conditions, such as asthma or back problems, may be eligible for VA disability benefits if it can be shown that military service caused a permanent worsening of the condition.
The Army’s role in various conflicts has exposed Veterans to unique risks and injuries depending on their time of service:
In addition to physical injuries, Army Veterans may also experience a range of mental health issues related to their service. These conditions can have a profound impact on their daily lives, relationships, and overall well-being.
One of the most well-known mental health concerns among Army Veterans is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can develop after exposure to combat, traumatic events, or other stressful situations during military service. Symptoms may include intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance of triggers, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness.
Depression is another common mental health issue faced by Army Veterans. The challenges of readjusting to civilian life, coping with physical injuries or disabilities, and dealing with the loss of fellow servicemembers can all contribute to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder, are also prevalent among Army Veterans. These conditions can cause excessive worry, restlessness, irritability, and physical symptoms like increased heart rate and sweating.
Another significant mental health concern for Army Veterans is Military Sexual Trauma (MST). MST refers to the experience of sexual assault or harassment during military service, and it can have long-lasting psychological effects on survivors. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 100 men report experiencing MST during their military service.
Army Veterans who have experienced MST may struggle with a range of mental health issues, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. The trauma of sexual assault or harassment can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, anger, and betrayal, which can be further compounded by the unique challenges of the military environment, such as the emphasis on unit cohesion and the fear of retaliation for reporting incidents.
Survivors of MST may experience intrusive memories, nightmares, and flashbacks related to the trauma, as well as difficulty trusting others and maintaining intimate relationships. They may also engage in self-blame, questioning their actions or decisions leading up to the assault or harassment.
When filing a disability claim for benefits, Army Veterans should include a detailed statement describing the conditions and circumstances surrounding the incident that caused their disability. Providing comprehensive information can help strengthen their case and increase the likelihood of receiving the benefits they deserve.
Army Veterans must demonstrate that their disability is connected to their military service. This typically involves gathering evidence such as service medical records, post-service medical records, and lay statements from fellow servicemembers or family members. Veterans may also need to undergo VA medical examinations to assess the severity of their conditions and determine the appropriate disability rating.
When Army Veterans are denied the disability benefits they rightfully deserve, seeking the assistance of experienced VA disability attorneys can be a game-changer. These legal professionals have extensive experience in navigating the complex and often frustrating appeals process. A VA benefits lawyer works to secure the compensation Veterans are entitled to for their service-connected injuries and illnesses.
VA disability attorneys understand the intricate laws, regulations, and procedures surrounding VA disability claims. They can provide invaluable guidance to Army Veterans, helping them gather the necessary evidence, complete paperwork accurately, and meet important deadlines. By having a knowledgeable advocate on their side, Veterans can avoid common pitfalls and mistakes that may otherwise delay or jeopardize their claims.
These lawyers can help Army Veterans build strong, compelling cases by identifying key pieces of evidence and crafting persuasive legal arguments. They can obtain expert medical opinions, locate relevant service records, and gather lay statements from fellow servicemembers or family members to support the Veteran’s claim. With their extensive experience and keen attention to detail, these attorneys can significantly increase the chances of a successful appeal.
Veterans should look for attorneys who have a proven track record of success in handling VA disability appeals, as well as an understanding of the unique challenges faced by Army Veterans. Many Veterans find that working with attorneys who are Veterans themselves can provide an added level of trust, empathy, and shared experience.
Many of the lawyers and legal team at Berry Law are Veterans themselves, giving the firm a unique understanding of the struggles Army Veterans face. They understand that Army Veterans face numerous challenges and risks throughout their service that can result in a wide spectrum of disabilities and health issues.
Our knowledgeable attorneys work tirelessly to gather evidence, build strong cases, and advocate for the rights of Army Veterans throughout the disability claims process. We have a proven track record of success, having helped thousands of fellow Veterans successfully file claims and appeal unfavorable VA rating decisions.
Berry Law is the clear choice for Army Veterans seeking the VA disability benefits they have earned through their service and sacrifice. Call our legal team at 888-883-2483 or fill out our online contact form. We represent Veterans in all 50 states and our legal team is available 24/7.
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