Five Health Conditions That Can Be Common in Veterans

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It’s an honorable decision to serve one’s country, one that can come at great cost. Returning veterans can have serious injuries or

health complications as a result of their time in the military. Unfortunately, many of these health issues can become chronic conditions, while others might emerge later in life.

Here are five of the most common health conditions in veterans and how they’re treated.

It’s an honorable decision to serve one’s country, one that can come at great cost. Returning veterans can have serious injuries or

health complications as a result of their time in the military. Unfortunately, many of these health issues can become chronic conditions, while others might emerge later in life.

Here are five of the most common health conditions in veterans and how they’re treated.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Military service can put men and women into traumatic and life-threatening circumstances that can have a long-term effect on mental health, including contributing to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is estimated that seven out of 100 veterans will experience PTSD at some point, and that increases to approximately 13% of female veterans who will experience PTSD in their lifetime. A 2020 survey of veterans in the Wounded Warriors project estimated that as many as 83% of United States veterans have experienced PTSD since September 11th, 2001.

People with PTSD often have symptoms that fall into four different categories:

Intrusive memories: This can include reliving the trauma, or experiencing recurring nightmares or flashbacks.
Avoidance: People will avoid thinking or talking about the trauma and could also avoid people and places that remind them of the specific event or events.
Increased reactivity: This can include feeling tense, startling easily or being constantly vigilant of one’s surroundings.
Negative changes in memory and mood: This can include difficulty remembering the trauma in detail, feeling more pessimistic and losing interest in hobbies.

Learn more about the signs of PTSD as well as common treatment options and veteran resources.

Parkinson’s Disease

Some studies have indicated a link between veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and other herbicides and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder and can cause tremors, shaking, difficulty with walking and balance, as well as hallucinations, cognitive decline and depression. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodegenerative diseases in the U.S.

Despite how common Parkinson’s disease is, there are myths and misconceptions about how the disease presents, how it is diagnosed and how it is managed. Read more about Parkinson’s risk factors.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur from any trauma to the head, such as a fall or car accident. However, because of the potential exposure to explosions during combat or training exercises, service members and veterans may be at higher risk for TBIs. More than 185,000 veterans (who rely on the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide health care) have been diagnosed with at least one TBI. Additional complications can occur with more than one TBI or more severe brain injuries.

TBIs generally may contribute to symptoms including headaches, sleep disorders and depression and may have long-term effects on memory and focus. All of these effects can potentially contribute to other challenges that veterans may face after their service. TBIs can often be managed with different types of therapy, such as physical and occupational therapy and medications to control headaches or anxiety.

Depression

While depression can affect anyone at any age, the unique challenges that military members face, both during their service and after they are discharged, can increase the risk of depression. This can be due to experiencing trauma, being separated from family for long periods of time and more. It is estimated that 20% of veterans experience depression and that suicidal ideation and attempts may occur in an estimated 11% of veterans.

Depression is also becoming more prevalent among seniors, who may struggle with loss of purpose in retirement, declining physical abilities and loneliness. Learn more about dealing with depression in our recent webcast.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus, or hearing a ringing or buzzing in the ears or head, is actually the number one reported disability among veterans and is twice as likely to be observed in veterans compared to nonveterans.

Tinnitus is so prevalent among veterans that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) developed the Progressive Tinnitus Management program to help veterans learn to use sound to help manage the condition. Part of why it can be common among veterans is due to exposure to loud noises and head injuries. Hearing aids, whether over the counter or prescribed by a doctor, can be helpful in managing tinnitus, as some people notice their tinnitus symptoms less when wearing hearing aids. Veterans may want to consider speaking with a VA doctor about managing tinnitus and hearing loss symptoms, as it can negatively impact quality of life.

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