![]() Generally speaking, if a veteran served at least some time on active duty, and has a DD-214 showing honorable service, this element will have been met. But what do these injuries mean to a veteran seeking disability benefits for a current injury? The VA requires four separate elements to be met before the VA will grant ‘service-connection’ for a veteran’s claimed condition: The claimant must be a veteran. While the VA does not recognize weight gain or obesity as a condition subject to service connection, it may be used as a ‘stepping stone’ from one service-connected condition to a claimed condition. If the claimed musculoskeletal injuries have interfered with your ability to exercise, leading to the development of obesity, the secondary effects of obesity, such as the development of type 2 diabetes, or obstructive sleep apnea. ![]() If these feelings rise to the level of DSM-V diagnosis from a mental health professional, then that condition may be service-connected on a ‘secondary’ basis. In some cases, persons suffering from constant pain and functional loss due to these degenerative conditions can begin to suffer from feelings of anxiety and depression. These secondary conditions are not necessarily limited to the nerves. Likewise, when there is degenerative arthritis in the cervical spine, nerves running into your arms may become involved, potentially leading to several of the same symptoms. In the lumbar spine, the femoral and sciatic nerves can become involved, leading to symptoms such as constant or intermittent pain, numbness in parts of the legs, decreased sensation, and decreased reflexes. Īdditionally, degenerative arthritis can cause certain nerves in the body to become pinched or otherwise damaged, leading to a condition known as radiculopathy. One study has found that injuries do increase the risk of later development of arthritis in previously injured joints, which may go undiscovered or unreported until the degeneration of the joint has progressed to the point where the arthritis is ‘symptomatic’ and that this process may take anywhere from a few months up to 10-20 years after the injury occurred. ![]() Often, we see many of our veterans have documented injuries during their service, that appear to have resolved by the time of their separation physical. These injuries may only appear to cause issues in the short term, resolving after treatment. These injuries are not necessarily the end of the story. These injuries include “strains, sprains, and compression fractures that are attributed to the landing force transmitted through the coccyx up through the spine.” This same study also found that “ead and neck injuries have been attributed to backward falls on landing or a jarring impact when the head whips back during the forward tuck.” The shoulders and arms can also be injured if the elbows are not in the proper position upon landing.Ĭlearly, the stresses and demands placed upon the bodies of paratroopers and paratrooper candidates place them at risk for the development of injuries throughout the body, not limited to any specific limb. Further, the study found that “most of the injuries occurred on landing, and about 70 percent were mainly caused by improper landing fall technique.” Ī further study states that the spine is another common area for injury, including the head, neck, and back. One study found that the ankle was the most commonly affected joint and that 80% of injuries involved the paratrooper’s legs, including the knee and hip joints. Medical journal studies have been conducted to determine what the most common injuries were to military paratroopers. But even in a training environment, missteps can and do occur, and of course, jumps in a combat environment certainly increase the potential for injuries. The physical forces involved in a parachute jump make proper landing techniques key in minimizing the risk of injury. However, the rigorous training to earn one’s parachute badge, as well the continued practice and physical training to maintain that qualification subject paratroopers to an increased risk for several common injuries.įrom the initial days of training, future paratroopers begin learning how to properly land from their jump. Appeals Paratrooper units are some of the most storied units in our Nation’s military.
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