Most Common Disabilities for Women Veterans
According to recent estimates, it’s been determined that there are more than two million women veterans in the United States. It is also believed that about 15% of those serving our country are women, with a significant rise in female military personnel in recent years.
Additionally, recent data has revealed that about 580,000 women veterans have a service-connected VA disability rating, so it’s a serious concern that needs more recognition. Unfortunately, many of these brave women will develop disabilities during their service, which requires understanding and support.
At SRQ Vets, we know that the women who have served our country have made tremendous sacrifices. That’s why our team does everything it can to help veterans as they transition back to civilian life. Part of helping includes educating others and encouraging them to help. So in this article, we’ll discuss the most common disabilities for women veterans.
What Are 3 Of The Most Common Disabilities For Women Veterans?
Veterans often experience many disabilities during their time of service. There are far more than three common disabilities seen by women veterans. Still, we’ve decided to write about the three below because so many women suffer from them.
If, after reading about these disabilities, you feel the need to help make a difference, you can speak with us at SRQ Vets, and we’ll tell you more about how you can help. Or we can help you.
- Back Pain Due To Injuries
Due to the physical demands of military service is no secret that chronic back pain is a widespread VA disability among female veterans. Various spinal conditions are given different ratings based on how much a veteran suffers from the limitation of motion.
Unfortunately, chronic back pain can severely impact the lives of women after service as they could struggle with everyday tasks, future employment, and other obligations. Some of the common spine conditions (classified as disabilities) that can cause chronic pain include arthritis, sciatica nerve damage, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and intervertebral disc syndrome.
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
According to data, about 7 out of every 100 veterans will experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during their lifetime. PTSD impacts both female and male veterans and can be a debilitating disability.
However, women face unique challenges that can increase their likelihood of suffering from PTSD. For example, women could be exposed to gender discrimination, sexual harassment, combat, and gender violence. Each of these factors has been linked to higher rates of PTSD among female veterans.
Unfortunately, many women aren’t receiving the treatment they deserve to better manage their disability and live healthier lives which is why organizations like SRQ Vets exist.
- Gynecological Problems
Every year almost 10,000 female veterans are given a VA disability rating for gynecological conditions. Many gynecological conditions are deemed disabilities because they can be caused by service-connected sexual assault, military life, or toxic exposure and other stressors linked to being employed in the US military.
Some of the most common gynecological problems women veterans suffer include ovarian cysts, PCOS, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, and hysterectomies. Hysterectomies alone account for 15% of all gynecological VA disabilities. Women suffering from these conditions have little support from healthcare providers and other organizations.
If you’re a disabled veteran who is suffering from any of the disabilities we spoke of or others, you should consider reaching out to SRQ Vets. We are a locally based non-profit organization founded by vets and led by vets.
Our non-profit offers veterans a broad range of assistance, including helping women vets with the treatment of PTSD and home modifications for physical disabilities. If you’re not a vet but want to help our cause, you can donate by contacting us here.
