Smoking, a common habit among veterans and active duty service members, can have significant implications for their health and eligibility for VA disability benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers comprehensive tobacco-cessation programs and policies aimed at supporting veterans, as the number of veterans utilizing tobacco continues to rise. Despite widespread awareness of the dangers of smoking, many veterans continue to struggle with tobacco use, often linked to stress and mental health conditions exacerbated by their military service.
Leah Bucholz will explore how smoking affects veterans’ health and their VA benefits, examining the link between tobacco use and service-related conditions. She will also recommend the pathways through which veterans might qualify for disability compensation while highlighting the resources available to support smoking cessation.
Prevalence of Smoking Among Veterans
VMilitary service members have higher smoking rates compared to their civilian counterparts, with about 3 out of 10 veterans using tobacco, which is significantly higher than non-veterans across all age groups. Historically, smoking was a prevalent habit among military veterans, often included in rations and perceived as a stress reliever during deployment. Although awareness of the health risks associated with smoking has grown, many veterans continue to smoke due to the lasting impact of their military experiences.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in five veterans reported current cigarette smoking between 2010 and 2015. By 2018, 14% of veterans enrolled in VA care were current smokers. These figures highlight the significant tobacco use among veterans and underscore the need for targeted interventions and support.
Research by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health examining socioeconomic factors linked to cigarette smoking indicates that tobacco use was higher in veterans living in poverty (53.7%), experiencing psychological distress (48.2%), aged 18-25 years (56.8%), and Hispanics (34.0%).
Health Implications of Smoking
Smoking has well-documented adverse health effects, increasing the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, and other serious conditions. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), smoking leads to increased cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity. For veterans, these health issues can be compounded by the physical and mental stresses associated with military service. Tobacco use in the military has been associated with poor training performance, early discharge, and bad health. Additionally, smokeless tobacco users among veterans require targeted support to address tobacco addiction effectively, considering their unique health considerations.
Case Studies and Literature
Extensive medical literature supports the connection between mental health conditions and tobacco use among veterans. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2020 in “Addictive Behaviors” found a significant comorbidity between PTSD and tobacco use. The study revealed that 24% of individuals with PTSD were current tobacco users, and 20% of tobacco users had PTSD.
Another research shows that veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have a 45% higher smoking rate than the general population, suggesting that combat exposure increases the likelihood of smoking. These findings illustrate the complex interplay between mental health and smoking, underscoring the need for comprehensive care and support.
Financial Impact of Smoking
Beyond health implications, smoking also has a significant financial impact on veterans and the healthcare system. Cigarettes are expensive, and the costs associated with treating smoking-related illnesses are substantial. The high prevalence of tobacco use among veterans contributes to increased healthcare costs for the VA, affecting resource allocation and availability of services for other health needs.
In 2010, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) estimated spending $2.7 billion on smoking-related services, including ambulatory care, prescription medications, hospitalizations, and home health care.
Similarly, in 2014, the Defense Department incurred nearly $1.8 billion in expenses due to both medical and non-medical costs associated with tobacco use.
Smoking and VA Disability Benefits
Under current legislation, conditions related to smoking cannot be directly claimed as a VA disability if the claim was filed after June 9, 1989. However, veterans affairs encompass various healthcare services, programs, and policies implemented by the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist veterans, particularly those facing challenges such as tobacco addiction. Veterans who started smoking to cope with a service-connected illness, like PTSD, and later developed a related disease may still qualify for benefits. Moreover, lung cancer is rated at 100%, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is rated at 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%. Understanding these regulations is essential for veterans seeking VA disability benefits for smoking-related conditions.
VA Resources for Quitting Smoking
The VA offers several resources to help veterans quit smoking, addressing both the physical addiction and the underlying mental health issues. Programs include:
- Medications and Counseling: These are standard approaches to help manage withdrawal symptoms and provide support during the quitting process.
- Text Messaging Programs: Services like SmokefreeVET provide daily advice and support through text messaging, helping veterans stay committed to quitting tobacco. This program is a collaboration between the VA and the National Cancer Institute’s Smokefree.gov. Visit their official website or text VET to 47848.
- Tobacco Cessation Quitlines: Call 1‑855‑QUIT‑VET (1‑855‑784‑8838) to get individual counseling and start your journey toward a healthier, tobacco-free life.
- Mobile Apps: Tools like Stay Quit Coach provide tailored support and resources to help veterans quit smoking.
Benefits of Quitting Cigarette Smoking
Quitting smoking quickly benefits your health, starting with a decrease in heart rate within 20 minutes. It reduces cancer risks, enhances cardiovascular and respiratory health, and accelerates wound healing. Quitting also improves vision, reduces pain, and supports women’s health. Moreover, it boosts mental and emotional well-being, lowering depression and anxiety levels.
How Veterans Can Successfully Quit Smoking
For veterans, the combination of counseling and medication has proven to be the most effective approach for quitting tobacco. Here’s how you can leverage VA resources to quit tobacco successfully:
1. Engage in Counseling
Tobacco cessation counseling helps veterans understand their smoking triggers and develop strategies to quit. The VA offers support through individual and group sessions in person, by phone, or via video calls to help manage as cravings and prevent relapse. By discussing their tobacco use with a healthcare provider or counselor during these sessions, veterans can break free from tobacco.
2. Utilize Medications
Medications play a crucial role in managing nicotine withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and cravings. The VA offers several options:
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): This includes options like the nicotine patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler, and nasal spray. NRT provides medicinal nicotine to ease withdrawal symptoms. Combining a long-acting option like the patch with a short-acting form, such as gum or lozenges, can enhance your chances of success.
- Bupropion: A non-nicotine medication that reduces the urge to smoke and is typically started one to two weeks before quitting.
- Varenicline: A pill that blocks nicotine’s effects on your brain, making smoking less enjoyable and reducing cravings.
3. Build a Support Network
Support is essential on this journey. Engage with family, friends, or fellow veterans who understand what you’re going through. VA support groups, both in-person and online, can provide motivation and accountability.
4. Stay Focused on the Benefits
Quitting tobacco improves your health almost immediately. The benefits of quitting are profound, from better lung function to a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.eterans and active duty service members have higher rates of smoking compared to their civilian counterparts. Historically, smoking was a prevalent habit in the military, often included in rations and perceived as a stress reliever during deployment. Although awareness of the health risks associated with smoking has grown, many veterans continue to smoke due to the lasting impact of their military experiences.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in five veterans reported current cigarette smoking between 2010 and 2015. By 2018, 14% of veterans enrolled in VA care were current smokers. These figures highlight the significant tobacco use among veterans and underscore the need for targeted interventions and support.
Health Implications of Smoking
Smoking has well-documented adverse health effects, increasing the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, and other serious conditions. For veterans, these health issues can be compounded by the physical and mental stresses associated with military service. The Department of Defense reported spending nearly $1.8 billion on medical and non-medical costs related to tobacco use in 2014 alone, and the Veterans Health Administration spent an estimated $2.7 billion on smoking-related care in 2010.
Case Studies and Literature
Extensive medical literature supports the connection between mental health conditions and tobacco use among veterans. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2020 in “Addictive Behaviors” found a significant comorbidity between PTSD and tobacco use. The study revealed that 24% of individuals with PTSD were current tobacco users, and 20% of tobacco users had PTSD. These findings illustrate the complex interplay between mental health and smoking, underscoring the need for comprehensive care and support.
Financial Impact of Smoking
Beyond health implications, smoking also has a significant financial impact on veterans and the healthcare system. Cigarettes are expensive, and the costs associated with treating smoking-related illnesses are substantial. The high prevalence of tobacco use among veterans contributes to increased healthcare costs for the VA, affecting resource allocation and availability of services for other health needs.
VA Resources for Quitting Smoking
The VA offers several resources to help veterans quit smoking, addressing both the physical addiction and the underlying mental health issues. Programs include:
- Medications and Counseling: These are standard approaches to help manage withdrawal symptoms and provide support during the quitting process.
- Quit Lines and Text Messaging Programs: Services like SmokefreeVET offer daily advice and support through text messaging, encouraging veterans to stay committed to quitting.
- Mobile Apps: Tools like Stay Quit Coach provide personalized support and resources to help veterans quit smoking.
Conclusion
Smoking has a profound impact on veterans’ health and eligibility for VA disability benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implements various healthcare services, programs, and policies through veterans affairs to assist veterans, particularly those facing challenges such as tobacco addiction. While the habit is prevalent among veterans due to the stresses of military service, the adverse health effects and financial costs are significant. Establishing a service connection for smoking-related disabilities can be complex, but understanding the pathways and seeking appropriate legal and medical advice is crucial. The VA’s resources for quitting smoking offer valuable support for veterans looking to improve their health and quality of life.
Veterans who smoke are encouraged to seek help and utilize available resources to quit. By addressing the root causes of tobacco use, particularly mental health conditions, and providing comprehensive support, we can improve health outcomes and reduce the burden of smoking-related illnesses on veterans and the healthcare system.
Also read: How Combat Medics Can Leverage Their MOS for VA Disability Claims
At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.
Our purpose is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.
Understanding the unique challenges veterans face, our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.
Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.
Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.
