Chronic Illness and Health Issues Faced by U.S. Veterans

• AL Amyloidosis: AL Amyloidosis occurs in veterans who were exposed to herbicides. The condition affects a variety of organs, including the heart and the kidneys, and can result in fatigue, tingling limbs, and swelling.
• Hodgkin’s Disease: Hodgkin’s Disease is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The common symptoms are swollen lymph nodes, fever, and fatigue.
• Parkinson’s Disease: Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative nervous system disorder that affects movement. It causes tremors and stiffness.
• Traumatic brain injury: Being near explosions can cause traumatic brain injury. Symptoms include headaches, balance problems, slow thinking, speaking, and reading. Traumatic brain injury increases the risk of developing PTSD or other mental health issues.

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Military service has been shown to increase the risk of developing ALS. ALS results in trouble breathing, speaking, and eating, as well as dementia. There is currently no cure for this fatal disease.
• Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers. There may be no symptoms at first, but early-state signs include blood in the urine or semen and frequent or painful urination.
• Respiratory cancer: Lung or respiratory cancer is the third most common in the United States. Symptoms include chest pain, wheezing, fatigue, and swelling.
• Diabetes: Diabetes affects nearly 25% of United States veterans. It is the leading cause of blindness, end-stage renal disease, and amputation in the veteran population.

AL Amyloidosis, Hodgkin’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, prostate cancer, and respiratory cancers can be caused by exposure to herbicides, which includes Agent Orange.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers healthcare to veterans. Those who served in active military, naval, or air service and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge may be eligible to sign up for VA healthcare. Some current or former Reserves or National Guards members may also be eligible if they have been called to active duty. VA healthcare covers the Affordable Care Act’s 10 essential health benefits, which include doctor’s visits, preventative care, rehabilitation services, and mental health support.

There are also many nonprofit organizations that support veterans and help connect them to benefits and social groups.

America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP) helps veterans and their families find organizations in their local area. By helping veterans connect with their communities, the AWP helps prevent veteran suicide. In 2023, the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) found that 59.1% of military and veteran families reported experiencing loneliness. Research shows that loneliness and feeling of suicidality are related, making the AWP’s work an important part of veteran’s health post-employment.

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) offers veterans and their families a variety of free programs, events, and assistance to help veterans return to civilian life. Their mental health program, Warrior Care Network, offers treatment for PTSD and other mental health disorders. They also provide the Warriors to Work program, which connects veterans to employers. Project Odyssey is a free 12-week mental health program for veterans and their families that teaches methods of dealing with mental health disorders. The Independence Program provides veterans with social workers and therapists to help overcome severe physical or neurological conditions that make day-to-day living difficult. The WWP helps veterans in every aspect of their lives, from mental health to peer support.

Hiring Our Heroes is a not-for-profit organization focused on helping veterans transition into the civilian workforce. They also provide resources for military spouses and active service members. Through virtual and in-person hiring events, workshops, and seminars, HOH serves an important role for the military community.