Members of the U.S. military put their lives and well-being on the line to protect and defend this country. In the worst-case scenario, they do not return from service. However, those who do return still face considerable challenges in terms of their mental and physical health long after their service has ended.
Veterans often experience extreme conditions during their time in the military including combat, harsh environments and a lack of adequate medical resources. As a result, many conditions have been determined to be unfortunately common among veterans. These can range in severity and often prevent people from living the kind of life they want.
According to statements made by the director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Post Deployment Integrative Care Initiative in this Live Science article, the following 10 health concerns plague veterans and can made it difficult to adjust to life after serving in the military.
- General problems with chronic pain, fatigue and difficulty concentrating
- Neck, back, joint or shoulder pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Depression
- Alcohol abuse
- Heart damage due to chemical exposure
- Infectious diseases
- Impaired or loss of hearing
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Injuries to the bladder, genitalia or kidneys
Each of these conditions has the potential to dramatically upset a person’s well-being and could lead to even more serious health problems.
It is important for veterans and their families to be aware of these concerns and seek treatment as soon as possible in an effort to heal them or prevent them from getting worse. Speaking with an attorney to discuss the financial resources available to help people cover the cost of treating these types of conditions can also be crucial.