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There is no question that paratrooper units not only play an important part in the history of our military, but they also factor into many of the most notable novels and war films of our time. Despite their renown, there is ample evidence that the rigorous training and continued practice of airborne parachute jumps can lead to serious long-term health consequences for veterans.
If you are living with joint or back pain after a career as a paratrooper, you may be entitled to VA benefits. Claims based on chronic pain alone can be challenging, but there are other options for identifying the injuries that lead to this pain. Let a VA compensation lawyer review your records and assist you with your claim.
The Potential for Catastrophic Injuries and Microtrauma
There are numerous ways that parachuting from an airplane can lead to serious health consequences. Of course, the injuries can be life-altering or even fatal when something goes wrong. A bad landing can lead to compound fractures, traumatic brain injuries, or death. While there is no doubt that these catastrophic injuries can make for a viable VA disability claim, even successful landings can lead to serious health complications over time.
The repetitive trauma on the lower body and back can add up after numerous successful parachute jumps. For some people, the consequences of this wear and tear might not be obvious until after their service has ended. The damage caused by repeated, low-intensity impacts is known as microtrauma.
Microtraumas are injuries that result from physical stress being repeatedly applied to joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, or cartilage used in cushioning the impact from a jump.
Over time, the chances of multiple microtraumas increase. Every airborne parachute jump can cause further damage to accumulate as the persistent stress overwhelms the body’s ability to heal. Soreness in the back or the knees that goes away after a few days may eventually become chronic. This can lead to long-term physical and mental health consequences.
Pain Can Impact the Rest of Your Life: Our VA Disability Lawyer Explains
The unfortunate reality is that knee and back pain can impact your post-military life. There are numerous circumstances where chronic pain can make it difficult to enjoy life or earn a living. Some of the most common examples include the following:
Reduced Employment Options
Back and joint pain can directly limit the physical activities you are able to perform. This can in turn reduce the number of job openings available to you. If your pain makes it difficult to walk or carry items, you may be limited to a role where you are seated at a desk. Unfortunately, sedentary jobs can lead to bad posture that increases your back pain.
Physical Limitations
Back and joint pain can limit your options outside of the workplace as well, including reducing your ability to enjoy your leisure time. Playing sports and exercising can become difficult, as well as even standing for long periods at social gatherings. As is the case with most conditions, the emotional toll these limitations cause can be as bad as the physical symptoms.
Depression
There are also emotional consequences to living with chronic pain. It is not uncommon for veterans to deal with depression when their physical disabilities limit their daily activities. The emotional toll can be severe not only for the veteran but also their immediate family. As time passes, chronic pain can result in significant emotional challenges.
Strained Relationships
Living with chronic pain and physical limitations can cause lasting problems with your loved ones. Some people will be unable to understand how significant the impact on your life that chronic back or joint pain can have. The inability to perform certain tasks or join in on social events can also drive a wedge between you and your partner.
The Challenge of Getting VA Benefits for “Pain Only” Claims
For many years, securing VA disability benefits has been difficult for claims based purely on back or joint pain. While parachuting leads to microtrauma that is ultimately responsible for this pain, diagnosing those injuries is not always possible.
For years, the VA routinely denied claims that were based entirely on existing pain. This was due in part to the inability to prove the condition was real or link it to a specific in-service event.
The process changed in 2018, when the VA ruled that pain alone could be treated as a disability. This was a major change in the way these claims were handled, and provided veterans with much-needed support while living with back and joint pain.
You have the opportunity to file a claim with the VA for your joint or back pain as a primary disability. However, you also may treat your pain as a secondary condition related to another service-connected injury or illness. For example, you could be entitled to a higher disability rating if you pursue a secondary claim for your back pain along with a primary claim for a knee injury. Together, your rating for this combination will be higher than either of your injuries on their own. This can give you the best chance to secure the benefits you need.
Let Gang & Associates Help With Your Knee and Back Pain Claims
There is no question that spending years as a paratrooper can come at a serious physical and emotional cost. The good news is that the VA may be able to provide you with financial compensation as you deal with this chronic pain.
At Gang & Associates, our VA disability lawyer can assist you following the denial of a VA disability claim. The appeals process can help you get the outcome you deserve, even after your claim was originally denied. Reach out right away to learn how a VA compensation lawyer with Gang & Associates can help.