Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans face many challenges besides readjustment
August 08, 2019
For servicemen and women who have returned from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, certain experiences during deployment have been found to have lasting, and somewhat unique, health consequences. These veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, substance abuse and other emotional issues at a high rate, and their physical health suffers as a result.
A small-scale survey conducted by a VA clinic found that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans experienced the standard ill-effects of traumatic experiences that go along with being in a war zone. Many of the participants had high levels of combat exposure. PTSD is prevalent among both the study group, at 40 percent, and Iraq and Afghanistan veterans at large.
Additionally, veterans were exposed to a reported nine different harmful substances, including depleted uranium, diesel fuel, other petroleum products, and immunizations for malaria and anthrax. The full effects of these exposures may not be known immediately.
Physical injuries were common as well. Nearly half of the study group had experienced physical injuries during deployment.
Often, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have substance abuse problems. Many may abuse drugs and alcohol and overuse tobacco products. One-quarter of study participants smoked, and one quarter had problematic drinking habits.
An interesting finding of the study was that the veterans’ reported levels of mental and emotional health were directly linked to their physical health. PTSD was the strongest indicator; the more severe the PTSD symptoms, the worse the physical health was.
The results of the study show a clear need for targeted care for veterans of recent wars. Legal Help for Veterans is committed to the health of veterans. Contact us if you need help fighting a VA denial.