What is the biggest problem for veterans?

Veterans struggle most with mental and physical health issues (PTSD, depression, TBI, chronic pain), transitioning to civilian life (loss of identity/purpose, finding meaningful work, lack of routine), and accessing support (benefits, care, community), often stemming from the traumatic experiences and structured environment of military service, leading to challenges in employment, relationships, and overall well-being.

What is the biggest struggle for veterans?

Issues Veterans face today include physical and mental health struggles, employment and financial struggles, and Veteran homelessness. Some may even face thoughts of suicide. To top it off, stigmas surrounding mental health, suicide, and asking for help can keep Veterans from getting treatment.

What do veterans suffer from the most?

Veterans commonly suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), chronic pain, and hearing issues like tinnitus, stemming from combat exposure, military sexual trauma (MST), and deployment stressors. They also face higher rates of depression, substance abuse (especially alcohol), homelessness, and long-term physical ailments like heart disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and respiratory issues, linked to both physical stressors and lifestyle factors. 

What are veterans' biggest needs?

Veterans need comprehensive support, primarily in mental health (suicide prevention, PTSD), stable housing, meaningful employment, and financial security, alongside help with daily necessities like food and transportation, plus strong community reintegration for purpose and connection. A major gap exists in addressing the transition to civilian life, where veterans often struggle to find new purpose and social belonging after service. 

What is the veteran 70 40 rule?

The VA 70/40 rule is a guideline for veterans to qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which pays at the 100% disability rate even if their combined rating is lower, allowing them to receive full benefits if their service-connected conditions prevent substantial work. To meet this rule, a veteran needs at least one condition rated 40% or higher, and a combined rating of 70% or more, with at least two service-connected disabilities. 

Doctor discusses PTSD, its effects on war veterans

What is the 5 year rule for veterans?

The VA 5-Year Rule protects veterans' disability ratings, stating that if a rating stays the same for five years, the VA cannot lower it without clear evidence of sustained, significant improvement in the condition under normal conditions, not just a single exam. This rule makes ratings "stabilized," providing a crucial safeguard against arbitrary reductions, though the VA can still review the condition and order exams if they suspect material change, requiring strong medical proof to justify lowering benefits.
 

How much disability will I get if I make $60,000 a year?

Someone in their fifties who made $60,000 per year might expect a disability payment of $2,000 per month. You can check your annual Social Security Statement to see your covered earnings history. You'll need to set up an account to see your statement online at my Social Security.

Do veterans get free McDonald's?

McDonald's does not offer a national or blanket discount among all stores. However, they request veterans to inquire about special military discounts at their local McDonald's as franchisees often offer a Veterans Day discount.

What is the most common 100% VA disability?

According to VA's 2024 compensation report, tinnitus is the most common disability, with over 3.2 million approved claims. Tinnitus refers to the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. Most often, tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition, such as hearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder.

What is the number 11 important for veterans?

The number 11 is crucial for veterans because Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (November 11, 1918), a date that became a global moment to honor service members, later expanded to include veterans of all wars.
 

What's the most commonly overlooked disability?

There isn't one single "most" overlooked disability, but invisible disabilities, including mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, PTSD), neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, autism), chronic illnesses (fibromyalgia, diabetes, chronic pain), and learning differences (dyslexia), are often missed because they aren't physically apparent, impacting millions without obvious signs. These conditions, often called non-apparent disabilities, are frequently underdiagnosed or unrecognized, leading to significant challenges in getting support and accommodations. 

What is the hardest VA claim to get?

Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

While tinnitus is one of the most common VA disability claims, hearing loss is notoriously hard to get approved.

What mental illness do veterans struggle with?

Posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a condition that develops in many veterans after experiencing disturbing events. People with PTSD relive traumatic experiences in their minds. This can be triggered by seeing a traffic accident, watching a news report, or even hearing loud noises.

What is the 55 rule for veterans?

The VA 55-Year Rule protects veterans 55 and older from routine reexaminations for disability ratings, preventing reductions because their conditions are less likely to improve with age, offering stability, but exceptions exist for fraud, cancer, or specific circumstances. It stops standard C&P exams, not all contact, meaning if a veteran requests an increase or the VA finds fraud, reevaluations can still occur, ensuring ratings remain protected from arbitrary changes.
 

Do veterans have higher divorce rates?

Some research studies show a higher rate of divorce among military spouses, with about 30% of marriages with at least one spouse in active duty military service experiencing divorce or legal separation within the first five years of the marriage.

Who helps veterans the most?

Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is the nation's leading veterans service organization, dedicated to the total well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans and their families.

Can veterans get 200% disability?

No, you can't get 200 percent VA disability. Generally, the maximum VA disability benefit occurs with a 100 percent VA rating. However, VA SMC benefits can far exceed that depending on the unique circumstances of a veteran.

What is the largest VA back pay ever?

While there's no official "largest ever" record, some of the biggest VA back pays involve hundreds of thousands of dollars for long-denied claims, with Korean War veteran Thomas Nielson receiving over $720,000 (including $663,000 in back pay) after appealing for decades, and other reported cases exceeding $500,000 for extended periods of delayed benefits. These massive sums result from high disability ratings combined with long delays, often spanning decades, before approval, with the effective date being crucial for calculating the large lump sum. 

Do veterans get free iPads with the VA?

The VA program gives qualifying veterans cellular-enabled iPads to access telehealth services; it currently helps more than 50,000 vets across the country virtually connect to VA health care services. It has recently been expanded as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is Chick-fil-A free for the military?

Ask if your nearest Chick-fil-A location offers a military discount. Participating locations usually offer active duty military and veterans a daily 10% discount and one free meal on Military Appreciation Days.

Does Walmart give discounts to veterans?

No, Walmart does not have a standing, nationwide discount for all veterans or military personnel; however, they support veterans through their hiring program, "Careers with a Mission," and offer special programs for employees and spouses, but the standard customer discount isn't available. Veterans can still save at Walmart through other means, like their Walmart+ membership or by taking advantage of regular rollbacks and sales. 

What age is senior discount at McDonald's?

Frequently Asked Questions About McDonald's Senior Discounts

Typically it's 55, but some franchise owners may set the minimum age a little higher, such as 60.

How much do you have to make to get $3,000 a month in Social Security?

To get around $3,000/month in Social Security, you generally need a high earning history, around $100,000-$108,000+ annually over your top 35 years, but waiting to claim until age 70 maximizes this amount, potentially reaching it with lower yearly earnings, say under $70k if you wait long enough, as benefits are based on your highest indexed earnings over 35 years. The exact amount depends heavily on your specific earnings history and the age you start collecting benefits. 

Do I have to pay for Medicare Part B if I am disabled?

Answer: Yes, as long as your disabling condition still meets our rules. Your Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) coverage is premium-free. Your Medicare medical insurance (Part B) coverage will also continue. You or a third party (if applicable) will continue to pay for Part B.

How much super do I need to retire on $60,000?

The Super Consumers Australia guide

It assumes you'll own your home and won't be paying rent or mortgage repayments once you've retired. The guide estimates a 'medium' lifestyle will cost a couple who are already retired about $60,000 per year (with a required super balance at retirement of $371,000).