SERVING
Those That
SERVED
PTSD
Post traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, is among only a few mental disorders that are triggered by a disturbing outside event, unlike other psychiatric disorders such as depression.
Type II Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, once known as adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), your body's main source of fuel.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus, is a ringing, swishing, buzzing, or other type of noise that seems to originate in the ear or head. The sound may seem to come from one ear or both, from inside the head, or from a distance.
Presumptive Disabilities
1. Tinnitus
2. Hearing Loss
3. Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
4. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
5. Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
6. Scars, General
7. Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve (Sciatica)
8. Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle
9. Migraines (Headaches)
10. Limitation of Motion of the Arm
11. Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
12. Sleep Apnea
13. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
14. Major Depressive Disorder
15. Asthma
16. Diabetes Type 2
17. Cancer
18. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
19. Pes Planus (Flat Feet)
20. Radiculopathy
21. Adjustment Disorder
22. Somatic Symptom Disorder (Chronic Pain Syndrome)
23. Gastroesophageal Reflex Disease (GERD)
24. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
25. Erectile Dysfunction
2023 Top 50 Veteran Disabilities
26. Plantar Fasciitis
27. Arthritis
28. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
29. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
30. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
31. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
32. Fibromyalgia
33. Eczema
34. Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
35. Sinusitis
36. Meniere’s Syndrome
37. Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)
38. Chronic Conjunctivitis
39. Limited Motion of the Jaw (Temporomandibular Disorder)
40. Hiatal Hernia
41. Hemorrhoids
42. Varicose Veins
43. Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)
44. Hypothyroidism
45. Anemia
46. Peripheral Neuropathy
47. Prostate Gland Injuries
48. Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD)
49. Vertigo
50. Urinary Incontinence
Medical Alert!
Service-Related Condition Veterans Develop Later In Life
Interstitial Lung Disease
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a broad group of disorders that cause inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) of the interstitium, the thin tissue that supports the air sacs in the lungs. When this tissue becomes damaged or thickened, the lungs lose elasticity and cannot transfer oxygen into the bloodstream efficiently. Symptoms typically develop gradually and may include shortness of breath, a persistent dry cough, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance. Over time, scarring can become permanent, making breathing increasingly difficult.
Veterans can develop ILD through a variety of exposures and conditions encountered during military service. Many military jobs involve inhaling airborne hazards such as dust, smoke, chemicals, fuels, and fine particulate matter generated by burn pits, vehicle exhaust, explosives, or industrial tasks. Long-term exposure to these irritants can trigger chronic inflammation in the lungs, which over time may lead to scarring of the interstitium. Some veterans also encounter specific toxic agents such as asbestos, silica dust, metal particles, or chemical fumes that are known risk factors for ILD. In addition, certain deployments, especially in Southwest Asia, exposed service members to extreme levels of environmental dust and pollution. Military personnel with repeated respiratory infections, autoimmune reactions, or lung injuries may also be more vulnerable to developing ILD later.
Top Conditions That Commonly Receive the Highest VA Ratings
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Common ratings: 50%, 70%, & 100%
Why they rate high:
Mental health conditions such as PTSD are rated based on functional impairment, not the diagnosis, so symptoms like inability to work, social isolation, panic attacks, or severe cognitive issues can reach 50%, 70% or 100%.
Other High-rating conditions:
- Major depressive disorder
- Anxiety disorder
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Bipolar disorder
Note: All mental health conditions fall under one rating schedule, making high ratings more achievable.