Veterans with painful scars from wounds connected to military service may have a harder time obtaining disability compensation under a rule change proposed by the VA. An estimated one million veterans have painful scars that qualify them for disability benefits, according to the VA. Scars can become sore from nerve damage, wound infections, and inflammation during healing. Painful scars are among the most common disability ratings sought by veterans. The proposed rule would require an in-person medical exam to confirm the pain.

Legislation to increase compensation for severely injured veterans and their survivors received unanimous support from lawmakers at a hearing of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. However, committee members voiced disagreement over how to pay for the expansion, which is projected to cost $10 billion over the next decade. The Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act would award an additional $10,000 each year to veterans with traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, and other serious disabilities connected to their military service, as well as increase benefits by 1% a year for the next five years for the spouses of service members who were killed in the line of duty or who died from their injuries.

Agent Orange exposure is linked to various long-term health problems for veterans, including type 2 diabetes. The VA recognizes the relationship between Agent Orange and diabetes, so veterans don’t have to provide additional proof that they’re service-connected for benefit consideration. Understanding the connection between military service and this chronic condition can help veterans navigate VA benefits to get the support they need and deserve.

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