The biggest physical problems affecting veterans

Everybody gets hurt sometimes. During training or deployment, many servicemen and women are injured or develop a health condition. After transitioning to civilian life, those physical problems can still persist. New difficulties related to service can also arise.

For Veterans in the United States, some physical issues are more common than others. Here are some of the biggest handled by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Hearing problems

By far, hearing problems are the disabilities most frequently reported by Veterans. Service members are particularly vulnerable because of the loud noises they’re exposed to during service, including gunfire, aircraft, and blasts.

These hearing problems include hearing loss and tinnitus, which is a humming, buzzing or clicking in the ears with no apparent source. Tinnitus alone accounts for almost 3 million VA disability compensations, according to the 2023 Veterans Benefits Administration’s Annual Benefits Report. Nearly 1.5 million Veterans are compensated for hearing loss.

Most cases of tinnitus aren’t serious, and four out of five people with the condition don’t find it to be a major problem. Others can struggle, however, and in addition to sleep and concentration issues, tinnitus can increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Some treatments can help you naturally downplay the sound, while certain devices can drown it out or amplify other sounds.

In terms of hearing loss, the following are common issues:

• Conductive hearing loss involves damage to the ear; it can be reversed sometimes but may require hearing aids or surgery.
• Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent, though hearing aids can help.
• Auditory processing disorder makes it tough to understand when someone is speaking, often in noisy places. Devices or therapy may make it easier to live with.

Back pain

Another major physical issue among Veterans: back pain. It’s most often reported as a strain in either the lumbosacral (lower back) or cervical (neck) region. Many Veterans also develop sciatica, or nerve pain that starts in the lower back and radiates out to the legs.

Like tinnitus and hearing loss, back pain is often connected to time spent serving. Many service members are expected to lift and carry heavy gear or asked to run, jump, and pivot on a regular basis, often while carrying substantial items. This activity can create or contribute to chronic back pain. Injuries sustained may add to it.

Other significant physical issues include:

• Limitations of knee and ankle movement: Together, they account for almost 3 million disabilities reported by Veterans. These injuries may require physical therapy or surgery.
• Scarring: Many scars are cosmetic, but others are painful or can limit movement.
• Migraines: Nearly 1 million Veterans report these severe, recurring headaches to the VA.

Fortunately, there are ways to address many of these physical issues, and special programs in place to assist Veterans, specifically. If you or someone you love is experiencing them, speak to a healthcare provider for guidance, or contact the VA for help with specific injuries or problems.