What are the most common VA disabilities? Before answering that question, it’s important to provide some perspective. The U.S. Census reports that in 2014 nearly 30% of all veterans had “any type” of disability, while 19% of all veterans were reported as having a service-connected disability.

The Census report further breaks these numbers down, but for our purposes here it’s important to note that so many vets must contend with these issues.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has a rating process for service-connected medical issues, disabilities, and diseases. Veterans who submit claims to the VA for these issues must be evaluated by the VA and assigned a disability percentage rating.

All of these steps are fairly common knowledge for those who must navigate the system. What’s not so well-understood? Knowing what the most common VA disabilities are and what it can mean to be evaluated for them.

The most common disabilities are NOT necessarily the most highly rated–in fact, in some cases you can only earn a 10% rating from the VA for certain conditions such as hearing damage or tinnitus (see below). Why do veterans need to know what the most common claims are?

Because you might not consider yourself to be suffering from a physical or mental condition at first–until you have your symptoms, experiences, and other issues put into context.

The most common claims include hearing loss–and you might not even realize you’ve been affected. But for ANY military career field that requires work around active runways, constantly turning motors or jet engines, gunfire, ordnance, or even heating and air conditioning work can bring hearing damage over the long term.

That’s only one example of why it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with this list of the most common issues.

Hearing Damage, Hearing Loss

Tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are two of the most common ear-associated disabilities. You will find that 10% maximum ratings are possible for tinnitus, and the same is true for hearing loss. Being diagnosed by a doctor is not enough to make the claim in this area. The VA will evaluate your hearing loss and/or tinnitus independently of other diagnoses, but will take those into account when determining your claim.

Some veterans may be rated at 0% for hearing loss–don’t be surprised if this happens to you depending on the nature of your claim, circumstances, etc. But do submit your hearing issues to the VA in your claim, regardless.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is one of the most common VA-rated disabilities. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is not a precise diagnosis of a specific mental state or condition. PTSD is like other mental health issues in that it exists on a spectrum.

You may experience severe PTSD, mild PTSD, or something in the middle. PTSD is caused by traumatic experiences. You don’t have to be a combat veteran to experience trauma that leads to PTSD. Any time your life or the life of a loved one is in danger, any time you have witnessed trauma (not necessarily trauma happening to YOU), or any number of other stressors (including sexual assault) can lead to PTSD.

In order to obtain a VA rating for this, you will be required to be evaluated by a VA provider. This evaluation seeks to establish that the trauma was service-connected, the severity of it, and other factors. Some sources report a PTSD rating of 70% is not uncommon.

Scars

Scarring can happen for any number of reasons–traumatic injury, surgery, lesser injuries, multiple injuries or surgeries, etc.

Scarring can be “cosmetic” or it could be more life-threatening depending on a variety of factors. VA criteria for scars is strict and many veterans may get a 0% (zero percent) rating unless there are complications–pain, unstable healing, etc. A VA rating for scars may be more associated with the size of the scarring rather than the actual location.

Scars present unique issues for veterans–you may not receive VA compensation for a post-surgery scar but you may be able to claim temporary VA disability benefits while you are healing from the operation (depending on circumstances).

On the list of VA criteria that may qualify you for such temporary disability? Surgical wounds that are slow to heal or that don’t seem to be healing properly. Other criteria apply, but it is important to know your options when seeking treatment–ask your VA rep if you are heading into surgery soon.

Knee Problems

One of the top five most common VA disabilities, “knee problems” can be a very broad term. But specific issues such as limitation of flexion of the knee, refers to a specific problem and has a specific diagnosis. If your limited motion is due to an injury, you will need to submit documentation of that injury. If your issues are not injury related, but still include “painful motion” or other limitations, you will need to present a current diagnosis with your claim if you have one–and it’s a very good idea to obtain one. What kinds of issues are associated with VA ratings for knee problems?

• Problems with joints and muscles with pain or limited motion
• Arthritis
• Weakness
• A loss of power
• Easily fatigued
• Lack of coordination
• Decreased movement or decreased control of movement

Not all knee issues are “standalone,” meaning you may have knee problems in association with other diseases, injuries, etc.

Back and Neck Pain, Spinal Issues

There are a wide variety of back and neck issues you could get a VA disability rating for; the VA is interested in how your issues affect range of motion, flexibility, and other aspects related to your ability to bend, sit, stand, work, etc.

VA claims involve a determination process to establish whether or not your back and/or neck pain issues are service related.

When making a claim in this area, be sure to list all military experience related to carrying heavy objects, working in non-ergonomically sound positions (aircraft maintainers who strain to reach engine parts or make repairs may identify well with that issue), prolonged hiking, running, or walking with fully loaded rucksacks, backpacks, etc.

When it comes to spinal issues, the concerns are similar. Cervical strain is one of the most common VA disability claims for veterans regardless of age or sex. VA ratings in this area aren’t as high as some might expect–some sources report that more than 90% of vets who make claims in this area get ratings from zero to 20%. In some cases the rating may be higher, depending on the nature and severity of the issue.

What do you need to know about these claims?

• Musculoskeletal system conditions are evaluated on range of motion, the amount of pain in the motion, etc.
• Cervical strain is described as an injury, stretching, or tearing in neck tendons or muscles; it is also linked to repetitive use and trauma
• If you have civilian diagnoses of these issues, you will want to include them in your claim and it pays to see a doctor the moment you feel any of these issues affecting you whether currently serving or not
• Many of these issues may be associated with other injuries or trauma; don’t rule out any condition that may be associated with your injury, accident, incident, or development of chronic pain or loss of motion

Migraines

A high number of veterans file claims for migraines. They are in the top ten most common VA disability claims. This is considered a “high value VA claim” as 30% ratings are not uncommon.

Getting headaches and experiencing migraines are two different things–migraine sufferers are said to experience a neurological problem that can dramatically affect the ability to work and enjoy life. What kinds of symptoms does the VA look for?

• Frequent attacks that result in complete “prostrating” (lying down) to cope with the attack
• Less frequent attacks (once per month or less) that result in complete prostrating
• Attacks that average one in two months or less resulting in complete prostrating
• Attacks less frequent than those mentioned above

The VA wants to know how these issues directly affect the veteran’s quality of life and how they can manage employment, self care, etc. Migraines may be associated with another condition which is why the VA may want you to submit any information related to other injuries, conditions, or diseases which may aggravate the condition.

Other Common Disabilities

Currently, veterans receive compensation from the VA for many different types of disabilities, injuries, and service-connected conditions. Other common conditions that lead to VA disability claims include:

• Paralysis of the sciatic nerve: sciatica can develop when pressure on a spinal nerve leads to pain that can extend from the lower back down through the buttocks and legs; severe cases may lead to paralysis.
• Sleep apnea: nearly 20 percent of veterans suffer from sleep apnea; veterans are four times more likely than other Americans to have this condition. It is possible to receive up to 100 percent disability for sleep apnea, but veterans must first undergo a sleep study to be diagnosed.
• Chemical exposures: veterans may experience a number of different chemical exposures during their military service, which can lead to health issues such as cancer. These chemicals can include: Agent Orange, asbestos, mustard gas, radiation exposure, or specific environmental hazards from serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti, or Atsugi, Japan.
• Major depressive disorder: depression is a serious mental health condition, and can affect the way individuals feel, think, and behave. The VA estimates that nearly one third of all veterans have some symptoms of depression. These symptoms may include lack of motivation, appetite changes, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, irritability, and feeling sad or hopeless. Veterans experience depression at twice the rate of civilians, and it is possible to get up to a 100 percent disability rating for the condition.
• Anxiety: in 2018, nearly 2 million veterans had received mental health treatment from the VA. Approximately ten percent of veterans report elevated anxiety, which can cause difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, feeling restless, or worrying excessively. Veterans can receive up to a 100 percent disability rating for anxiety that is connected to their military service.
• Asthma and other respiratory conditions: these conditions have become more prevalent in veterans, especially those who served in Iraq or Afghanistan. This is thought to be due to exposure to burn pits; approximately three percent of all Iraq or Afghanistan veterans have been diagnosed with asthma.
• Diabetes: nearly a quarter of all veterans seen by the VA suffer from diabetes, a chronic disease that impacts the body’s ability to produce or properly utilize insulin. It can lead to organ damage, fatigue, weight loss, or blurry vision. For veterans who served in Vietnam and were exposed to Agent Orange, a service-connection for diabetes will be presumed.
• Secondary conditions: these include any condition that develops as a result of another, service-connected condition. These could include medication side effects or mental health issues. Secondary conditions may help a veteran reach 100 percent disability when combined with another condition with a lower rating.

Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter for Air Force Television News

The majority of military members like to receive a care package from family members back home. In order to be certain what is sent arrives securely to its intended individual here are some tips for sending and preparing a military care package.

Check International and Country Specific Shipping Limitations

There are restrictions on what can be shipped and even more limitations by country.  The United States Postal Service offers a list of what these limitations are by country. Examples of items that cannot be shipped include illegal substances, alcohol, explosives, fireworks, and obscene material that may offend other service members.

Seal Everything

Individually seal everything in plastic bags with zip locks if possible to protect items from the elements such as rain or sand or even items within the package that may leak or melt.  As a bonus service members have many uses for these bags such as keeping personal photos or other items to keep them protected.  Be sure to keep like items together and other items separate, especially items that have strong odors. Service members have stated that the food inside the care package might taste soapy, for example, as the two products were sent with each other and not separately packaged. If there’s a probability of a product opening or spilling in transit, make certain it’s enclosed securely within a different bag.

Secure the Contents

Place stickers around the package prior to taping it to allow the service member to easily identify if the box was tampered with or opened while in transit. If you’re sending pricey products, check with your Post Office concerning the possibility of the pack being insured.

Pack it tight but Don’t Over Stuff the Boxes

You don’t want the contents to move or rattle but over stuffing the box might cause it to open while in transit.

Select Sturdy Packaging

The best packaging to use are the free USPS military care kits.  These kits include flat rate boxes, shipping labels, tape and the appropriate customs forms.

Secure The Package

Too much tape never hurts especially if you’re shipping to Afghanistan or Iraq.  Every seam of the package ought to be taped up well. Utilize the local paper as packing material as this might serve dual purposes. As you shake the pack, the contents shouldn’t move about.

Provide Accurate Shipping Information

Include the recipient’s unit, last and first name, title, DPO/FPO/APO, and full zip code.  The Post Office no longer delivers packages that are addressed ‘Any Service Member.’

Provide 2 Shipping Labels

Include a second shipping label inside the box just in case the exterior label becomes damaged and unreadable.

Complete the Customs Forms

Complete the computerized customs forms for any shipping overseas or outside the United States. The required form depends upon the value of products you are shipping as well as the service you are utilizing. Customs forms may be found at the U.S. Post Office website.

Note: Beginning Aug. 13, 2020, the United States Postal Service wno longer accepts handwritten customs declaration forms, 2976, 2976-A or 2976-B. Packages found with handwritten customs declaration forms after Aug. 13, will be returned to the sender.

Include a List

A list confirms with the soldier that everything you sent did indeed arrive.

Missed the Shipping Deadline?

Sometimes the overseas shipping deadline passes and creativity is needed. Send your solider a video eCard from JibJab. With JibJab you can insert pictures of your favorite solider, the kids and anyone else into funny and creative videos featuring them. Cost is $12 per year and there are videos for every holiday, birthday and much more so this gift can keep on giving. It’s very easy to use.

Sample list of Items that Cannot be Shipped (not a complete list)

• Aerosol Can Products (may explode during transit)
• Alcohol
• Animals
• Carbonated Beverages
• Firearms and Ammunition
• Flammable Items
• Fruits or vegetables
• Live Plants
• Obscene or offensive material
• Pork Products
• Pornography
• Tobacco
• Be aware of any cultural prohibitions e.g. pork products, cigarettes, etc.

Suggested List of Items to Send Service Members:

• AA-cell alkaline batteries
• Aspirin
• Baby powder
• Baby wipes
• Baseball caps
• Batteries (all sizes)
• Beef jerky/Slim Jims
• Books
• Breath mints
• CDs
• Condiments
• Dental floss
• Deodorant
• Dry soup
• DVDs
• Electrolyte replacement drink mix
• Eye drops/wash
• Foot powder
• Gameboy/PS2/DS games
• Gum
• Handheld games
• Holiday or seasonal decorations
• Hot Chocolate packets
• International phone card
• Kleenex
• Laundry detergent
• Lip balm
• Lotion
• Magazines
• Mouthwash
• MP3 players
• Newspapers
• Pen, paper, envelopes
• Phone cards
• Pillow
• Playing cards
• Popcorn
• Portable CD players w/ headphones
• Pre-paid Phone Card
• Protein powders / protein bars
• Q-tips
• Seasoning Salt
• Sheets / blankets
• Socks
• Sunflower seeds
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Toilet paper
• Toiletries
• Toothpaste/toothbrush
• T-Shirts

If you want to know how to buy a military surplus vehicle, the first thing you will need to do is to find the reputable sellers who are actually doing business in this area and avoid sources that may charge hidden fees, use “gotcha” tactics to up the final cost of the purchase, etc.

If you are new to buying a government surplus or military surplus vehicle, that’s a challenge that can seem quite daunting–at first. With a little information (see below) you can bid and buy military surplus trucks, cars, and other vehicles with confidence.

Buying A Military Surplus Vehicle: Buyer Beware

The first thing to know when buying surplus of ANY kind is that these are as-is transactions. You may not be able to return these purchases in many cases. In others there may be a very small window of opportunity to do so.

For best results, take a long, careful look at the terms of sales and service when buying surplus. You want to know exactly what the terms and conditions are.

Not all surplus sellers or resellers offer any form of guarantee, but a small number do. These guarantees are not standardized, nor are they necessarily even legally binding depending on the language of the purchase agreement. But if you can get a guarantee of any kind, you’re ahead of the game when it comes to buying surplus.

If you are specifically looking for military surplus, don’t forget that there are plenty of other vendors and government agencies selling vehicles–felony arrests can result in impounded vehicles and equipment.

You have options that include asset forfeiture sales initiated by state or federal law enforcement. But if you are strictly interested in military sources, it will be important to differentiate between asset forfeiture auctions and surplus auctions.

Know Who The Vendors Are

If you’re reading this article, chances are good you don’t know who sells and who has a reputation for being reliable. The good news is that you can find some crucial information with some basic research. The key is knowing where to start looking.

The Department of Defense has an entire office dedicated to surplus property of all kinds (not just vehicles, but definitely including them).

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is the home of a branch called “Disposition Services” which basically oversees the transfer of gear, cars, computers, office equipment, and more from the end-user at U.S. military bases all over the world to either a surplus sale, salvage, or other final destination.

DLA isn’t the only agency to do so; another government operation called GovSales is administered by the U.S. General Services Administration. GovSales is the clearinghouse for all “approved federal government sales centers.”

This website operated for some time at its own destination, but as of September 2020, it now functions as a part of the federal website USA.gov which is described by the government as “the front door to government information and services for the public.” Those visiting USA.gov to buy surplus can locate and purchase surplus via online sales centers there.

If you know these two websites, you can definitely get started finding and purchasing a government surplus vehicle.

Two Names You Will See Frequently

If you simply start Googling “how to buy a military surplus vehicle,” there are two results you will notice on the first page. One is a website called IronPlanet, and another called GovPlanet.

There are other results, too–some civilian, some government. But how do you know which of these to trust? Here’s a hint–both IronPlanet and GovPlanet are listed on the DLA official site (see above) as business partners.

These two companies work with the government, but are not government agencies. They are private companies doing business with the federal government, which means having to meet certain federal guidelines and follow specific standards.

How To Buy A Military Surplus Vehicle

Buying military surplus cars, trucks, earth movers, and heavy equipment is all made possible thanks to a combination of in-person sales and online sales. Selling online involves both direct sales and auctions.

You may find more auctions than direct “buy it now” purchases, but you can definitely do both when searching for military surplus. When buying directly, you should ask about the availability of “titling documents” for the purchase. Different vendors may have different policies concerning this. GovPlanet policies include supplying a title document on demand as long as certain conditions apply:

• The vehicle must have been sold in a “useable” property sale
• Information needed to produce the document must be available
• A processing fee of $50 applies
• Customers requiring a state certificate of title or duplicate state certificate of title will be charged $150 (at press time, this amount is subject to change)
• The option to select a titling document is offered during the checkout process

Some sites like GovPlanet allow you to browse Buy It Now vehicles and let you purchase at the suggested price OR make an offer. If you make an offer, it may be considered legally binding and not subject to cancellation or reduction by the buyer.

Auctions are very common online, and similar rules apply. Once you enter a bid, you cannot delete it, retract it, or reduce the amount. All bids and all sales are final. This is true unless otherwise expressly indicated in writing.

How you render payment may depend on the website or agency you buy from. GovPlanet, for example, has a wire transfer policy AND a check policy, but paying by check is more time consuming and requires a waiting period to transfer funds successfully.

“Once full payment from the buyer has posted into the secure bank account assigned to the transaction,” the GovPlanet official site says, the agency will let the buyer know the funds have cleared and “the buyer will be provided with the location of the equipment and the seller must release the equipment for shipment.”

You will also encounter specific, time-restricted payment options–for example, you may be required to render payment within three business days of a successful bid or purchase. You will be responsible for any taxes that apply and other expenses including a transaction fee where applicable.

What Kind Of Military Surplus Vehicles Can You Buy?

Don’t think that military surplus is limited to passenger vehicles; the list below reveals several surprises including fire trucks, forestry gear, and more.

• Aircraft
• Aircraft Parts, Tires and Ground Handling Equipment
• Boats, Ships and Marine Equipment
• Agriculture and Forestry Construction Equipment and Supplies
• “Wheeled Goods”
• Cars and SUVs
• Fire Trucks and Fire Fighting Equipment
• Motorcycles
• Motor Scooters
• Bicycles

Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter for Air Force Television News

In World War One, incoming enemy bombs were referred to as “G.I. cans.” Since the time of World War Two, the term G.I. has been used to refer to military members. There is no real definitive origin of the phrase and different sources have different opinions on what the term means, where it came from, and why.

Does G.I. stand for “ground infantry” or “government issue”? Or does it mean something else? It all depends on who you ask. Most everyone agrees that the origins of this particular term are a bit fuzzy. It also depends on where you ask. In the U.K. a G.I. is a Gunnery Instructor, but in America a G.I. is basically the “everyman” in uniform.

Dictionary Definitions

Merriam-Webster defines G.I. as follows:

• Something provided by an official U.S. military supply department
• Of, relating to, or characteristic of U.S. military personnel
• Conforming to military regulations or customs
• Something done in a strictly regulation manner

The dictionary definition includes the use of G.I. as a verb–as in, to “G.I. the barracks” or give it a complete cleaning. A “G.I. party” is related to this–a cleaning session or similar group labor effort. This term is used in many branches of service, not just the Army; in Air Force basic training, for example, the G.I. party refers to a group effort to maintain a common area such as a barracks bay.

Two Cents From Wikipedia

According to Wikipedia, the term G.I. stands for all of the above, but it can also represent equipment, personnel, and according to Wikipedia, G.I. is also an acronym. The specific meaning according to this source could be:

• Government Issue
• General Issue
• Ground Infantry
• Galvanized iron

Some may be confused by the galvanized iron reference; the History Channel (see below) reminds us why galvanized iron might also be a likely suspect in the origins of the term G.I.

The Origins of the Term G.I. According To The History Channel

The History Channel recounts much of what we’ve covered from other sources, but also adds some insight into the origins of the term. Some may think that the source code for the term “G.I.” comes from the popular character G.I. Joe, but the History Channel points out that The GI Joe action figure didn’t debut until the 1960s, long after the term was already in vogue.

But the same report also drops a tantalizing hint–”Cartoonist Dave Breger, who was drafted into the Army in 1941, is credited with coining the name with his comic strip titled G.I. Joe,”  published in a weekly military-themed publication called Yank, circa 1942.

Yank was a magazine concept proposed to the U.S. Army in 1942 and had a run that lasted until 1945. The magazine’s run was short compared to long-lasting publications like Rolling Stone, and its three-year run may or may not have helped push the term G.I. into a wider usage among the troops, but that is speculation.

What is more likely is that the term became used by troops after being exposed to it in basic training from an unlikely source. According to History.com, “A popular theory links the term to the early 20th century, when ‘G.I.’ was stamped on military trash cans and buckets.”

That particular G.I. does indeed stand for “galvanized iron” as discussed above. One book discussing evolution of certain parts of the English language, Origins of the Specious: Myths and Misconceptions of the English Language, notes that later the term was reinterpreted to mean “government issue.”

The term wasn’t always used as a positive; some troops used it to refer to the fact that they felt like part of a mass production line, with soldiers being the product. And top military brass hasn’t always been fond of the term, either–American Heritage magazine reports an incident where Col. Roger O. Egeberg earned the displeasure of General Douglas MacArthur by casually referring to troops as GIs.

MacArthur is reported to have snapped, rebuking Egeberg. “Don’t ever do that in my presence… . G.I. means ‘general issue.’ Call them soldiers.”

Why G.I. Is A Murky Term

Many different types of military jargon have origins that aren’t exactly clear. G.I. is just one of those terms–the term “doughboy” a different label used prior to G.I., and has an origin story full of more questions than answers–at first glance.

After the American Civil War in the 1860s, a writer in a publication called Beadle’s Monthly used the word “doughboy” to describe Civil War soldiers. But word expert Charles Funk says that early writer could not explain where the name started.

The Voice Of America official site notes that during the American Civil War, the term “doughboy” was used to refer to soldiers at the time. Nobody quite knew where or why doughboy started being used, but two decades after the war, the wife of the infamous General George Custer explained that “doughboy” was a kind of food served to those in America’s Navy. Like G.I., it’s not immediately clear how or when the term made the jump to refer to all servicemembers (or at least all troops at the time).

G.I. as a slang term comes after doughboy, but it follows in an informal “tradition” of having mysterious origins.

Uses Of G.I. In Popular Culture

There are many instances of the term G.I. show up in pop culture. In Hollywood alone, a list of films includes:

• The G.I.
• G.I. Blues
• G.I. Jane
• G.I. Joe: The Movie
• G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
• G.I. Joe: Retaliation
• G.I. War Brides
• G.I. Jesus
• Strictly G.I.

Books include:

• There’ll Come a Day: Letters from A G.I. Paperback by Jane Hagedorn
• A G.I. in The Ardennes: The Battle of the Bulge by Denis Hambucken
• The Rise of the G.I. Army, 1940-1941: The Forgotten Story of How America Forged a Powerful Army Before Pearl Harbor by Paul Dickson
• G.I. Hollywood by Lila McLaughlin and George Mannix
• G.I. Dogs: Sergeant Stubby, Hero Pup of World War I by Laurie Calkhoven

Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter for Air Force Television News