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Iraq Veterans Suffering Rare Respiratory Disease

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will undoubtedly have long-term negative effects on many soldiers. Some of those problems have already started appearing given the number of veterans suffering from mental health conditions. A new problem is presenting itself, however.

Many young soldiers have been found to have constrictive bronchiolitis, a very rare respiratory disorder and has been found in Iraq veterans.

Researchers studied 38 soldiers diagnosed with the respiratory disease. Of those, 28 were exposed to a fire in a sulfur-mine in 2003 near Mosul, Iraq. It is possible the residue from the mine fire could be playing a contributing role in the disease. Apparently the smoke from the fire contained the toxin sulfur dioxide at levels of 125 parts per million. At levels such as those, the chances of developing respiratory diseases increase in those exposed.

Respiratory disease has been discovered in veterans deployed to other parts of Iraq as well. These specific soldiers, however, share a toxic exposure similar to what was experienced by the majority of soldiers who have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Those 38 soldiers with constrictive bronchiolitiis share different fates. At least 19 are no longer in the military, and were granted disability upon their separation. Some continue to serve but cannot perform all the physical requirements of the job, such as the two-mile run.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.