Silent Health Risks for Veterans

When considering the health risks of serving overseas, many focus on the immediate and apparent dangers of combat. There are a number of additional and silent threats to the health of veterans that are not nearly as obvious, however. While these lesser known threats may not be publicized nearly as well, they are just as real, and should be treated if they are discovered or become apparent.

Many of the largest silent health threats to veterans arise from material, building and environmental standards that differ abroad. Certain substances and practices whose use is restricted in the United States due to health reasons are not so thoroughly managed overseas. The risks, while not as obvious, are still worthy of concern.

For instance, asbestos is no longer used in domestic buildings, but was prevalent in most foreign conflicts ranging from World War II to the Persian Gulf. The result is a marked increase of rare aggressive diseases like mesothelioma, more commonly known as lung cancer. In fact, not only is the incidence of lung cancer higher among veterans, but the survival rate is also lower.

Another health risk involves exposure to the chemicals and substances commonly used in weapons. Chemical, radiological and biological agents are often constituent components in modern weapon systems, and even the best protective measures are usually not sufficient to shield veterans from their effects. In some instances, contact to depleted uranium can even introduce health risks passed on to veterans' offspring, thus placing another generation at risk of health issues.

Of course, the mental health toll of military service cannot be overlooked. Recent studies have determined that nearly a third of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan between 2001 and 2005 were treated for mental illnesses. The most common of these is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a condition that can occur after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. PTSD often leads to substance abuse, cognition and memory issues, and other physical or mental health issues. Depression, anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder and substance abuse disorder are other common mental health risks.

While the real and obvious dangers of foreign service are often dramatized, the silent threats are just as real. If you or someone you love suffers from one of these, it is important to seek treatment from your local Veteran's Administration or another qualified health provider. Fortunately, support systems and treatment options are available for these and other health risks associated with serving our country, and their use is one of the many ways of expressing gratitude and appreciation for such valuable service.

Douglas Karr, USN Veteran
Operations Desert Storm & Desert Shield

[Edit: I received an email from an Outreach Coordinator at The Mesothelioma Lawyer Center, who after coming across this page asked if I could put a link to their site. If interested check it out here: https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org]