Long-Term Career Impact of Injuries for Military Personnel

According to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for veterans who have served since September 2001 is higher than the national average. As of August 2021, the unemployment rate for this group stood at 6.9%, compared to the overall rate of 5.2% (1). Likewise, a study conducted by Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families found that nearly 40% of post-9/11 veterans are underemployed (2). Additionally, discharged military service members face a wage gap compared to their civilian counterparts. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that in 2020, male veterans aged 25 to 34 earned 15% less on average than their non-veteran peers with similar education and experience (3). This demonstrates the challenges faced by veterans in locking down meaningful employment in the civilian job market.

The long-term career impact of injuries for military personnel is a deeply concerning issue that deserves attention and support. Military personnel courageously put their lives on the line to protect our nation, and unfortunately, they often suffer life-altering injuries during their service. These injuries can not only have physical and emotional effects but can also significantly impact their future career prospects. As an Orange County military injury lawyer, we understand the difficulties that military personnel face when transitioning back into civilian life and navigating the challenges that come with their injuries.

The Reality of Military Injuries

To better understand the long-term career impact of injuries for military personnel, here are some key statistics:

According to a report by the Department of Veterans Affairs, roughly 20% of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression. Source: Department of Veterans Affairs
Over 800,000 veterans have been rated for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) since 2000. Source: Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center
Approximately 50,000 veterans have been severely burned during their military service. Source: American Burn Association
The unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans was 3.8% in 2020. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Veterans with a service-connected disability were more likely to be unemployed than those without a disability. Source: U.S. Census Bureau
The number of amputees among veterans has increased by 19% since 2010. Source: Department of Veterans Affairs
Around 30% of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have experienced a service-connected injury. Source: Congressional Research Service
The suicide rate among veterans is 1.5 times higher compared to non-veteran adults. Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness
Around 25% of women veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan reported experiencing sexual trauma in the military. Source: Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans have a significantly higher risk of developing chronic pain compared to the general population. Source: National Institutes of Health

Common Long-Term Military Injuries and Disabilities

Military personnel can sustain various injuries that have long-term effects on their civilian earning potential. Some common long-term military injuries and disabilities include:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A TBI can result from a blow or jolt to the head, often leading to cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leading to intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and anxiety.
Limb Loss and Amputations: Military personnel may lose limbs due to blast injuries or other combat-related incidents, requiring long-term rehabilitation and potentially affecting their ability to perform certain jobs.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or loss of motor function, significantly impacting mobility and job opportunities.
Hearing Loss and Tinnitus: Exposure to loud noises, explosions, and gunfire can lead to hearing loss and tinnitus, affecting communication abilities and increasing the risk of isolation.

The Military’s Responsibilities to Injured Veterans After They Get Discharged

After military personnel are discharged due to injuries, the military has certain responsibilities to support their transition back to civilian life. The military’s responsibilities include:

Disability Benefits: Disabled veterans are eligible for disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to compensate for their service-connected injuries.
Medical Treatment: The VA provides medical treatment and rehabilitation services to veterans for their injuries and disabilities.
Vocational Rehabilitation: The VA offers vocational rehabilitation programs to assist vets in developing new skills and transitioning back into the civilian workforce.
Education and Job Training: The military may provide education benefits to help injured veterans pursue higher education or receive job training.

Get Help with your Injury or Disability from the VA

As an Orange County military injury lawyer, here are the steps we recommend to get help with your injury or disability from the VA:

Request Information: Reach out to your nearest VA medical center or regional office to initiate the process. They can provide guidance on eligibility criteria and the required documentation.
Gather Medical Records: Gather all relevant medical records, including diagnosis reports and treatment summaries, to support your disability claim.
File a Claim: Submit a disability claim through the VA’s eBenefits or by visiting a regional office. Ensure you provide detailed information about your injuries and how they impact your daily life.
Attend Examinations: The VA may schedule additional medical examinations to assess the severity of your injuries and disabilities.
Follow Up: Stay in touch with the VA regarding the progress of your claim. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documents.

The Long-Term Impact of Common Military Injuries

Common military injuries can have a profound and lasting impact on the long-term careers of military personnel. These impacts include:

Limited Job Opportunities: Certain injuries may restrict job options, preventing individuals from pursuing their desired career paths.
Reduced Physical Abilities: Physical impairments resulting from injuries can make it challenging to perform physically demanding jobs.
Mental Health Challenges: Mental health conditions, such as PTSD, can affect a person’s ability to function in the workplace and maintain steady employment.
Financial Strain: Medical expenses, reduced earning potential, and the cost of long-term care can put a significant financial strain on injured veterans and their families.

An Orange County Military Injury Lawyer You Can Trust!

If you’re an injured military service member in Orange County looking to demand justice, the Law Office of William Bruzzo will fight for you. Our dedicated legal team understands the intricacies of military-related injuries and their long-term impact on careers. We are committed to advocating for your rights and advocating for the compensation you deserve. To set up a free legal consultation with an Orange County military injury attorney, contact us now.

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Will Bruzzo did an outstanding job securing a settlement for me following my motorcycle accident. Throughout the process, Will ensured that I received appropriate compensation for everything that was lost in the accident. His expertise in the negotiation process was..."

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I was a passenger on a motorcycle involved in a very serious accident August of 2013. Because of my injuries I was unable to work and medical bills began to add [up]. I was very skeptical about involving a lawyer because of the unscrupulous reputation many seem to have...

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