5 common respiratory conditions veterans face

Between physical demands of military service and health-impacting occurrences such as toxic exposures, proximity to burn pits, and other stressors – respiratory conditions are common among veterans. These conditions can be claimed for service-connection in order to earn VA disability benefits. Some are more common than others, and it's important that you get the right diagnosis before building your claim to submit to the VA.

Why are veterans at a higher risk for developing respiratory conditions?

As we mentioned above briefly, there are a few different contributing factors that can lead to veterans being at a higher risk for respiratory conditions. Let's review them:

• Lifestyle stressors: Military service can be taxing both mentally and physically. When we experience stress, our bodies are less equipped to fight off illness and disease.

• Toxic risk exposure activities: Abbreviated to TERA for short, toxic exposure risk activities include pollutants, chemicals, contaminants, and radiation that can lead to respiratory illness and disease. These exposures can be part of a service event.

• Exposure to burn pits: Burn pits are open-air areas used by the military to dispose of waste by burning. Many veterans (especially those with Gulf War presumptives) have suffered health consequences as a result of proximity to burn pits.

• Environmental extremes: Extreme environments can put veterans at a risk for illness and disease, whether a respiratory condition or another cold-related injury.

Here are 5 common respiratory conditions that veterans face:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD for short) is a lung condition caused by long-term exposure to irritants. The most common cause is cigarette smoke, but for veterans, it can be caused by the irritants that we mentioned above. This damage over a long period of time can result in swelling and irritation, trouble breathing, mucus, and wheezing. Chronic bronchitis is also a form of COPD.

Asthma

When Asthma occurs, the airways narrow and swell which leads to breathing difficulties. Some veterans may have had asthma already, and it was worsened by conditions during service such as from burn pit exposure or other harsh environmental conditions during deployment.

Sleep apnea

Getting quality sleep is crucial for our health, but conditions like sleep apnea can severely interfere with that. Sleep apnea is a common service-connected condition that many veterans face. There are two types: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the more common form, which occurs when the upper airway repeatedly gets blocked during sleep. Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain fails to send the necessary signals for breathing. Veterans who suspect they may have sleep apnea can get a sleep study to confirm their diagnosis.

Although we are all waiting for the VA to release new changes regarding sleep apnea ratings, you can read about the last set of proposed changes here.

Sinusitis & rhinitis

(Chronic Upper Airway Inflammation)

Sinusitis refers to chronic inflammation of the sinuses, which prevents drainage from occurring and causes congestion. Rhinitis can be either allergic or non-allergic – involving chronic sneezing and a runny nose. Both of these are types of chronic upper airway inflammation that veterans can develop as a result of the aforementioned factors.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer begins as a growth of cells in the lungs, and can lead to symptoms such as coughing that doesn't go away, chest pain, coughing up blood, hoarseness, wheezing, and more. When lung cancer begins to spread to other parts of the body, it can lead to bone pain, appetite loss, weight loss, and swelling in the face or neck. It's important for veterans to get lung cancer screenings (it's possible for high risk veterans to get screenings for free through the VA).

Prove your condition to the VA with our expert medical documentation

Your story, our support. We help veterans prove their conditions to the VA through Nexus Letters, DBQs, and other additional services to boost your claim.

Get started by signing up for a Medical Evidence Assessment (every veteran starts here).

You can also view other services here. Rather than struggling alone, work with one of our professional medical experts to get exactly what you need without all of the confusion.