Health Concerns Exclusively Affecting Ex-Military Personnel
In the United States, there are over 18 million veterans, and each year, approximately 4,500 new cases of AL amyloidosis are diagnosed among them. This rare disease affects the organs, including the kidneys, liver, spleen, heart, and nervous system, and veterans are more likely to experience it compared to the general population.
One of the challenges in diagnosing and treating AL amyloidosis is that it may not be detected until years after a veteran has returned from active service. This delay makes it difficult to establish a link between the disease and military service.
Mesothelioma, another health concern for veterans, can take years to diagnose, making it challenging for many to prove that the condition was caused during their active military service, especially if they were exposed to hazardous chemicals like asbestos, which was commonly used in Vietnam and Korea.
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is another significant issue affecting veterans. Approximately 20% of those who served in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqui Freedom experience PTSD, and those who served in the Gulf War experience it at a rate of 12%. PTSD causes emotional and mental symptoms like unwanted memories, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
Treatment for PTSD often includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which can be provided by social workers. However, concerns about the quality of care provided by the VA healthcare system persist, with some veterans reporting negligent care and other failures, leading some to sue the system.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), an organization advocating for veterans' healthcare reform, is working to improve accessibility and quality of care through the Veterans Health Administration.
Another issue facing veterans is employment. Some start their own businesses due to difficulties in finding employment, while others suffer from disabilities that limit their overall function and activities, with more than 35% of post-9/11 veterans falling into this category.
The average age of veterans before and after 9/11 decreased by 12 years due to younger people entering the war on terrorism. As a result, the average U.S. veteran in 2016 was 64 years old. Women now account for 17% of all veterans.
Stem cell transplants may be an option for some patients with AL amyloidosis if it's caught early and the heart is not yet involved. However, there is no cure for AL amyloidosis, and treatment focuses on minimizing symptoms and limiting the production of the amyloid protein. Chemotherapy drugs are often used to stop the growth of cells that create amyloid.
Treatment for mesothelioma is typically aimed at symptom control when the cancer has progressed beyond a point that it can be cured. Nearly 6% of post-9/11 veterans live without health coverage, compared to only 1% of those who served in Vietnam. This lack of coverage can compound the challenges veterans face in accessing the healthcare they need.
In conclusion, while there are many challenges facing America's veterans, organisations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars are working to improve healthcare accessibility and quality of care. However, more needs to be done to ensure that veterans receive the care they deserve and to address the employment challenges many face upon returning home.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
