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Veterans and Military Health
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Population Groups

Veterans and Military Health

Military service members and veterans face unique health challenges, including specific physical injuries, environmental exposures, and mental health risks related to their service.

Overview

Military service members and veterans have made sacrifices to our country, and they may face lots of different health issues. Some of the most common health problems they may have include chronic pain, sleep disorders, and mental health disorders.

They may also face different health risks than civilians due to the nature of their service, including specific injuries and health problems resulting from exposures.

What types of injuries do service members face?

During their service, members are at risk for various injuries during training or while in combat. These may be life-threatening, cause disability, or result in chronic pain that affects daily life. Specific injuries include:

  • Sprains and strains, especially in the ankles and knees, often caused by exercise and running.
  • Back and shoulder injuries, often from lifting and carrying.
  • Tinnitus and hearing loss, typically from exposure to noise.
  • Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
  • Shrapnel and gunshot wounds.
  • Lost limbs.

What other special health problems do service members face?

There may be a risk of health problems from exposure to environmental hazards, such as contaminated water, chemicals, infections, and burn pits. Sometimes the health problems caused by exposures do not develop until years later.

Some service members experience military sexual trauma (MST), which includes sexual assault and sexual harassment.

What mental health issues do service members and veterans face?

Combat, separation from family, and the process of readjusting to civilian life can be stressful, putting service members and veterans at risk for:

  • Depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety
  • Alcohol and drug use disorders

There is also a risk of suicide. Veterans in crisis can get help from the Veteran's Crisis line by:

  • Calling 988 and then pressing 1
  • Texting to 838255
  • Chatting with them online

What health care services are available to service members and veterans?

Health care services specifically for service members and veterans include:

  • TRICARE: The Department of Defense's health care program, which provides insurance plans and other services for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families around the world.
  • The Veterans Health Administration: Part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), providing medical and social support services to eligible veterans.
  • VA expanded health care: Benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.

To better understand and treat the health needs of veterans in the future, the VA created the Million Veteran Program (MVP). This research program examines how genes, lifestyle, military experiences, and exposures affect health and wellness in veterans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many service-related health issues, especially those from environmental exposures like burn pits or contaminated water, may not appear until years or even decades after service. It's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about your full service history, including deployment locations and any specific exposures you recall. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has specific programs and presumptive conditions for certain exposures, which can help link your current health issues to your service for benefits and care. Documenting your service history and symptoms thoroughly is key.
Managing chronic pain and sleep disorders often requires a multi-faceted approach. For pain, this can include physical therapy, medication management, complementary therapies like acupuncture or massage, and pain psychology. For sleep disorders, strategies include establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a restful sleep environment, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), and addressing underlying conditions like PTSD or sleep apnea. The VA offers specialized programs for both chronic pain and sleep issues, often integrating mental health support.
Veterans experiencing mental health challenges have several dedicated resources. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides comprehensive mental health services, including therapy, medication management, and support groups for conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety related to combat or readjustment. The Veterans Crisis Line (988, then press 1) offers immediate support. Additionally, many non-profit organizations specialize in veteran mental health, offering peer support, counseling, and community reintegration programs.
If you suspect you experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST), it's important to know that help is available, and you do not need to have reported the incident at the time it occurred to receive care. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers free, confidential counseling and treatment for physical and mental health conditions related to MST, regardless of whether you are eligible for other VA services or have a service-connected disability. You can contact the MST Coordinator at any VA medical center or clinic, or reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line for immediate support.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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