Noteboom The Law Firm

Nicotine Dependency: A Growing Problem for American Veterans

A recent study has indicated the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is likely underestimating how many veterans struggle with nicotine addiction, according to an article in Doctor's Lounge. Nicotine addictions are very serious problems, and in the end may lead to many new veterans' disability compensation claims.

The study examined 5,031,381 veterans using VA health care services and compared those veterans dependent on nicotine against those not dependent on nicotine. The study found the likelihood veterans will develop a nicotine dependency can be increased by those veterans who have a history of: 

• substance abuse;
• homelessness; or
• mental illness.

The VA's records showed 15% of their patients were addicted to nicotine. That number, however, could be closer to 26%. The unfortunate conclusion could be the VA is "under-diagnosing nicotine dependence."

In addition to examining the VA medical records, researchers looked at other studies that have also concluded that veterans have levels of nicotine addiction higher than the general public. The problem may be that VA clinicians are not looking at all the potential risk factors when reporting veterans' nicotine dependency, which is necessary as it is those veterans who need to be directed toward smoking cessation programs.

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.