Common service-connected conditions that women veterans face

According to data from the VA, women veterans only made up 4% of the military back in the year 2000 – but by 2040, they're projected to make up 40% of the military, making up the fastest growing group in service. The physical demands of the military are difficult compared to many civilian jobs, no matter who you are, but women veterans can face specific service-connected conditions as a result of their time in service. 

These are some of the most common service-connected conditions that women veterans face:

Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

Recent reports revealed that military sexual assault numbers are likely 2 to 4 times higher than what has previously been reported – such as the 75,569 cases reported back in 2021. According to the data, 24% of women and 1.95 of men in the military have experienced sexual trauma. Military sexual trauma (MST) includes any type of sexual harassment, abuse, or rape – and can result in PTSD along with other physical and mental health conditions.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is one of the more common service-connected mental health conditions that both men and women veterans face. The Mayo Clinic defines PTSD as a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event, which can be either experienced or witnessed. This creates symptoms such as flashbacks, severe anxiety, nightmares, and frequent debilitating thoughts about the traumatic event. Research from the VA found that upwards of 20% of women veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have experienced PTSD, and 27% for those who served in Vietnam.

PTSD can also worsen physical health symptoms, so it's important that veterans get the right diagnosis to maximize available benefits as they prepare their VA disability benefits claim.

Hysterectomy due to gynecological issues

Hysterectomy is a procedure that removes the uterus and ovaries, and it can be necessary as a result of various gynecological issues that women face. This procedure may be necessary in cases of chronic pain, cancers, or infections. Not every gynecological condition requires a hysterectomy, however.

The following other conditions are also common in women veterans:

• Endometriosis

• Ovarian cysts

• PCOS

Migraines

Migraines aren't the same as regular tension headaches. Migraines can include symptoms such as vomiting, vision distortions, and light and sound sensitivity. One study found that women veterans are more likely to experience migraines compared to male veterans, and sometimes this can be a result of other service-connected conditions.

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)

FSAD is a sexual health condition where the body no longer responds to sexual stimulation. It can result in painful or unsatisfying sex, often as a result of sexual trauma or another gynecological health problem. So, the causes can be psychological, physical, or hormonal – making it difficult to analyze the underlying cause. The hardest part of getting a rating for FSAD is getting seen and receiving a diagnosis – most veterans don't seek care for their symptoms. Even with 0% rating, however, FSAD still qualifies for special monthly compensation due to loss of a creative organ just like erectile dysfunction in males.

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