Veterans and Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy affects thousands of veterans, causing pain, numbness, and mobility challenges. It is significantly more common among veterans than in the general population, often due to factors specific to military service, such as exposure to Agent Orange or physical injuries sustained during combat.
Prevalence among Veterans
A study published in the Journal of Military and Veterans’ Health found that 12.3% of war-service veterans were diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, compared to just 3.3% in the non-veteran control group.
Read the study.
Agent Orange and other causes
Agent Orange, a herbicide used during the Vietnam War, is a known risk factor for developing peripheral neuropathy. Other contributing factors include physical injuries, repetitive strain, and chronic conditions such as diabetes.
Due to the high prevalence and potential service-related causes, many veterans file claims with the VA for peripheral neuropathy and related nerve damage conditions.
Supporting Veterans
At the Foundation, we are committed to ensuring that veterans and others affected by peripheral neuropathy receive the support they need. We do this by:
- Sharing veterans’ stories
- Providing educational resources for patients and families
- Advocating for peripheral neuropathy to be included as a research priority in Department of Defense-funded programs
Read Eugene Richardson’s story.
VA Benefits for Veterans with neuropathy
Veterans diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, especially those exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides, may be eligible for a range of benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
These may include:
- Disability compensation
- VA health care
- Agent Orange registry health exams
- Home modifications and mobility aids
- Caregiver support programs
- Vocational rehabilitation
Learn more about possible VA benefits.
Get involved
Are you or someone you know a veteran living with peripheral neuropathy? We’d love to hear your story. You can also consider applying to serve on our board and help shape the future of our advocacy and support efforts.
