VA Disability for Paratroopers

Reviewed by Jerusha Hancock, Veterans Law Attorney

Paratroopers are among the most physically tested service members in the U.S. military. Years of jumping, carrying heavy gear, and enduring hard landings often leave lasting damage. These injuries can follow Veterans long after service, impacting work, mobility, and quality of life.

If you served in an airborne unit and developed chronic pain or injuries, you may qualify for VA disability benefits. This guide explains the most common paratrooper-related disabilities, how to prove service connection, and how to appeal if your claim was denied.

The Physical Demands of Airborne Service

Airborne operations put extraordinary stress on the body. Every jump — whether during training or combat — exposes paratroopers to sudden impact, torque, and repetitive strain. Over time, these stresses can lead to musculoskeletal and neurological injuries that meet the VA’s criteria for service-connected disability.

Commonly affected areas include the ankles, knees, hips, spine, and shoulders — but injuries may also extend to the nervous system or mental health.

Common Service-Connected Injuries for Paratroopers

These injuries often overlap, leading to a combined disability rating. Even moderate limitations in multiple joints can lead to significant compensation when properly documented.

Establishing a Service Connection for Paratrooper Injuries

To receive VA disability benefits, you must show that your current condition is connected to your service. For airborne Veterans, this often involves:

1. Service Records:
   Documentation showing airborne qualification, jump logs, or training at recognized airborne units (e.g., Fort Benning, Fort Bragg, Fort Liberty).
2. Medical Diagnosis:
   Current diagnosis of a chronic condition such as arthritis, joint instability, or degenerative disc disease.
3. Medical Nexus:
   A written opinion from a doctor or orthopedic specialist stating your condition is “at least as likely as not” caused by or aggravated by parachute duty.
4. Buddy Statements:
   Written accounts from fellow paratroopers confirming your injuries or describing in-service incidents.

🧭 Your Airborne Training and Jump Records (DA Form 1307) can help confirm repeated exposure and impact trauma.

The C&P Exam for Airborne Injuries

The Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is often the most influential step in your claim. During this evaluation, the examiner will:

• Measure range of motion for affected joints under 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a.
• Assess pain, instability, and functional loss.
• Determine whether the injury affects your ability to work or perform daily tasks.

Be honest about all symptoms, even if they vary from day to day. Underreporting pain or mobility limits can lead to a lower disability rating.

When Airborne Injuries Prevent You From Working

If your service-connected conditions prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

TDIU allows Veterans to be paid at the 100% rate, even if their combined rating is less than 100%, when they can prove their injuries prevent them from consistent work.

Appealing a Denied or Low-Rated Claim

If your paratrooper injury claim was denied or underrated, you may have several options:

• Request a Higher-Level Review within one year of your decision.
• File a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with additional medical evidence.
• Consider an appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals if you believe the VA ignored key records or medical findings.

At Berry Law, our team—many of whom are Veterans—has successfully appealed thousands of cases involving airborne and combat-related injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paratrooper VA Disability

What is “Paratrooper’s Ankle”?

It refers to chronic ankle pain, instability, or arthritis caused by repeated parachute landings and impact stress. It is a common service-connected injury among airborne Veterans.

Can I file a claim years after leaving service?

Yes. As long as you have medical evidence and a nexus linking your current condition to your service, you may be able to file a claim or reopen a prior denial.

Does the VA recognize airborne service as a cause for arthritis or back pain?

Yes. The VA acknowledges that repetitive trauma from parachute jumps can lead to degenerative joint and spine conditions.

Can airborne injuries qualify me for TDIU?

Possibly. If your service-connected conditions prevent you from working full time, you can apply for Individual Unemployability benefits.

What kind of evidence helps the most?

Jump logs, medical records, and expert medical opinions connecting your condition to your airborne service provide the strongest foundation for approval.

Contact Berry Law

Berry Law has represented Veterans from every branch of the U.S. military, including paratroopers and airborne units, for more than 50 years. We know what it takes to prove service connection and win appeals.

If you were injured during airborne service and need help with your VA disability claim:
📞 Call 888-883-2483 or visit our website for a free case review.

Your fight is our fight — and we’ll make sure your service and sacrifices are recognized.