Veterans’ High Rates of Sleep Apnea Linked to PTSD

Studies of young U.S. veterans show that the probability of having obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) grew with the increasing severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. OSA is often seen in older Veterans whose long-term PTSD or other service-connected disabilities caused increased weight gain, a common cause and/or aggravating factor of OSA. Continue reading “Veterans’ High Rates of Sleep Apnea Linked to PTSD”

Veterans of Iraq/Afghan Conflicts Get Benefits for Burn Pit and Toxic Air Exposure

Many Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have suffered unexplained symptoms of shortness of breath.  Until recently, those symptoms were denied by the VA, as oftentimes Pulmonary Function Testing (“PFTs”) for those Veterans returned “normal” results.  Recently, however, lung biopsies taken from Veterans have linked constrictive bronchiolitis directly to exposure to burn pits, toxic air and debris, and repeated exposure to sandstorms. (504) 235-4075

Please click the link below to access the full video…

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/exposed-to-airborne-hazards-countless-veterans-struggle-to-breathe-and-get-care

 

Federal Circuit Rules That Pain Alone Can Constitute a Disability

In Saunders v. Wilkie, 886 F.3d 1356 (Fed. Cir. 2018), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit overturned prior precedent holding that pain alone (without an identifiable condition) does not constitute a disability upon which service connection may be granted.  Continue reading “Federal Circuit Rules That Pain Alone Can Constitute a Disability”

VA “Whole Health” Program To Offer Drug-Free PTSD Healing

The Veterans Yoga Project works in concert with the VA, coordinating yoga and meditation classes across the country. Yoga and mindful resilience training is moving into mainstream mental health treatment programs at the VA, which is rolling out a national “whole health” program for veterans, offering tai chi, yoga and other alternative mental health therapies….Please click the link below to access the full article.  

http://www.ktvu.com/news/alameda-nonprofit-provides-yoga-for-veterans-with-ptsd

(504) 235-4075

Shoulder-Fired Weapons Linked to Traumatic Brain Injuries

Military personnel may be endangering their brains when they operate certain shoulder-fired weapons, according to an Army-commissioned report released recently.  These bazooka-like weapons pose a hazard because they are powered by an explosion just inches from the operator’s head… Please click the link below to access the full article.

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/04/30/606142634/report-to-army-cites-concussion-risk-of-weapons-blast-to-the-shooter

(504) 235-4075

Asbestos Exposure in Iraq

Recently discharged Veterans have many health concerns, including PTSD, burn pit exposure, traumatic brain injury, and limb loss, among others.  One health issue for those who served in Iraq is the potential exposure to asbestos when older buildings were damaged and the contaminant released into the air.   As mesothelioma and other asbestos health issues often take decades to appear, Iraq Veterans need to advise all future medical providers that they may have been exposed to asbestos during service, so that all proper testing and diagnosis are provided.

(504) 235-4075