Noteboom The Law Firm

More Concerns Raised Over Respiratory Illness in Iraq War Veterans

With the growing number of Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans returning home, there has been a surge in cases of disabling respiratory diseases among these service members.

Burn pits and desert dust present, near many U.S. military bases in the Middle East, are primarily to blame for many disabled veterans returning to the states with respiratory illnesses. The toxic particles are inhaled, causing disabling conditions like shortness of breath, chronic bronchitis, and even cases of lung and esophageal cancers.

A rare condition, constrictive bronchiolitis, has been diagnosed in several disabled veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. There’s no known cure and detecting the disease involves an invasive lung biopsy, which can cost veterans thousands of dollars in medical expenses.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals attempt to treat disabled veterans suffering from respiratory diseases but there’s still controversy over particular conditions and who or who may not be eligible for benefits.

Respiratory diseases and conditions are just one of the many disabling conditions that can afflict a service member who’s exposed to toxic materials during their military service. If you’re a veteran experiencing unexplained health issues and believe it may have been caused by experiences while serving in the military you may qualify for veterans disability benefits.

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 veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.