Veterans often face complex health conditions resulting from the service environment. What they experience during deployment, and the support they receive afterward and while transitioning to civilian life, can make a significant difference in their health and wellness. Understanding the key issues that veteran patients are likely to encounter ensures that healthcare professionals are prepared to guide these patients and provide them with the best chances of long-term recovery.
Top Health Concerns Among Veterans
There are many conditions that affect the veteran population, some of which are related to trauma in the field, exposure to chemicals, and other health issues. The following are just a few of the most common healthcare challenges that veterans often face.
Mental and Behavioral Health Issues
Seeing war, poverty, and death goes beyond being upsetting for many, and combat exposure and military trauma often lead to mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety. One specific condition that is more likely to be seen in the veteran population is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is a chronic anxiety disorder that can result from witnessing or experiencing trauma. It can lead to hypervigilance, anxiety, flashbacks, night terrors, and sleep disturbances.
Substance Use Disorders
As a way of handling anxiety or depression, many veterans turn to alcohol or opioids. Substance use disorders (SUDs) are often linked to an attempt to self-medicate for stress, pain, or trauma, which is why it’s so important to speak openly about the availability of mental and behavioral health supports and treatments for issues such as chronic pain or stress.
Physical Trauma
Combat, as well as other circumstances, can lead to physical trauma in the military.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Service members may have traumatic brain injuries that lead to long-lasting cognitive and emotional effects.
- Amputations: Combat-related injuries and illnesses can lead to amputations, which require ongoing care. Surgeries, prosthetics, and rehabilitation may all be necessary.
- Chronic Pain: Many issues can lead to chronic pain, from injury-related pain to arthritis. Chronic pain can contribute to other issues, as well, such as depression or substance use disorders.
Hazardous Exposure
Many veterans have been exposed to toxins on the job. Environmental hazards can increase the risk of developing serious health issues such as respiratory diseases (asbestosis, mesothelioma), cancer, or even damage to the organs.
Homelessness
Veterans are disproportionately affected by homelessness, with approximately 32,882 experiencing homelessness on a single night, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s January 2024 Point-in-Time report. Homelessness can be tied to several issues, such as:
- Mental illness
- A lack of social support
- Substance abuse
- A lack of training that transfers to civilian roles
- Trouble accessing medical care
The VA is committed to ending homelessness among the veteran population and has the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 424-3838. Veterans and those supporting them can also learn more at VA.gov/homeless.
What Care Is Available for Veterans?
The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Health Administration provide care to veterans through VA hospitals and other resources.
Direct Care Through the VA
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. There are a total of 1,380 facilities, as of 2025, which include 170 medical centers and 1,193 outpatient sites. These facilities treat 9.1 million veteran patients each year.
Direct care offered through the VA is subsidized, but veterans are expected to pay a copay for nonservice-connected care.
Community Care
When the VA is unable to provide the care needed, veterans may be eligible to receive care through a community provider. In that case, the care is provided on behalf of the VA and paid by the VA, as well.
The types of care offered by the VA via Community Care providers may include:
- General community care
- Urgent care
- Emergency care
- Foreign medical care
- Home health and hospice care
- Indian/tribal health services
- In vitro fertilization
- State veterans homes
- Flu shots
Challenges to Care
Challenges to accessing care can include the location of hospitals or clinics, other health issues, such as mental health issues, that make it harder to know when to seek care, the stigma of seeking care for a condition that is, in some circles, still “taboo,” such as post-traumatic stress or depression, and a lack of insurance coverage.
What Healthcare Professionals Can Do to Help
Healthcare professionals in community programs or within the VA healthcare system itself can play a critical role in helping veterans stay healthy. Some of the things they can do to improve patient outcomes include:
- Using routine screenings for common health concerns, such as substance use disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder
- Assisting with referrals to VA programs or community resources when needed
- Encouraging preventative care, such as therapy and mental health care, cancer screenings, and vaccinations
Healthcare professionals should offer a welcoming environment for veterans. It is important to ask about military history during intake and to recognize the signs of issues such as PTSD or SUDs. Providers should place a focus on educating veterans on the programs and benefits available to them, tailoring their approach to be considerate and respectful of a veteran’s background.
Quick Link Resources for Veterans
Veterans, support teams, and healthcare providers can learn more about the VA and all its services through these resources:
- VA.gov: About VA Health Benefits
- VA.gov: How to Apply
- VA.gov: Eligibility
- VA.gov: Whole Health
For a full listing of all VA resources, visit: VA.gov: Health Challenges
Supplemental Health Care Supports Veterans
Veterans have served the United States, helping to keep civilians safe. As a result of their service, many veterans have lasting health issues and concerns that must be addressed to help them live more comfortably when they return to civilian life.
SHC supports veterans as employees, healthcare providers, and patients. Our team understands the importance of providing specialized care for veteran patients and our employee resources group, Next Mission, helps to bring veteran employees and military family members together, educate colleagues about veteran-related issues, and give back to the community.
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