The Wounds of Wars Need the Healing Compassion of the Country

The VA benefits extend to combat-related injuries, but now they also include non-visual physiological and psychological damage.

Vietnam was the first war (the government called it a “police action”) that recognized injuries were occurring beyond conventional combat wounded. The herbicide used to destroy dense foliage had adverse health affects on soldiers, as well as civilians. Agent orange opened the gateway of understanding to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) through the efforts of the American Legion.

The evolution of benefits developed out of the contamination of military personnel by Agent Orange first by direct contact, then by being in the spray zone and finally to those on ships where loading and unloading occurred. Even today, there are claims from Vietnam aviators of respiratory damage where the military used jet exhaust to pressurize the cabin.

It’s often difficult to quantify the level of physical injury beyond the loss of a limb, eyesight or hearing. It can be hurtful for a veteran to have to measure the level of their disability with other injuries that are not so readily recognizable as such. It’s this area of dispute; delays in benefits are generally caused by the “definitions” and “levels” of injury with those who ultimately make the decision on the claim at the VA administration. This can acerbate the patience of many veterans, especially those who can’t work because of their combat-related injuries.

Veterans who were prisoners of war could claim disability benefits as an additional form of compensation based on length and injuries that occurred in their captivity.

Medal of Honor receptions also have additional benefits for their heroic acts in extraordinary combat situations. Keep in mind many of these benefits convert to surviving spouses or dependents of active or inactive military.

It seems combat veterans have to go to war with the VA for their rightful benefits and then turn to the legal system to secure coverage for themselves and their families. The recent problems with the VA have underscored the disconnect between a grateful nation and government’s inability to serve the service men and women of our country.

Richard Schulz contributed content to this press release.