Veterans & Chronic Pain
Understanding Back Pain in the Military Community
Cynthia Gomez
Chronic pain—especially chronic back pain—is one of the most common and life-altering conditions affecting veterans today. Whether caused by combat, training injuries, repeated heavy lifting, airborne operations, or years of wearing gear that weighs 80+ pounds, back pain is one of the top reasons veterans seek VA disability compensation and long-term care.
Back pain is not only a medical condition; for many veterans, it becomes a barrier to employment, sleep, mobility, and overall quality of life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, VA rating system, and evidence needed can help veterans get the treatment and disability compensation they deserve.
Why Chronic Back Pain Is So Common Among Veterans
Military service places unique physical demands on the body. Veterans are far more likely than civilians to develop chronic musculoskeletal problems, and back pain is at the top of the list.
Common service-related causes include:
Heavy loads and ruck marching (often 60–120 lbs)
Airborne and jump landings
Repetitive lifting (ammo, gear, equipment)
Combat injuries or blast exposure
Vehicle and helicopter vibrations
Poor sleeping conditions in the field
Years of physical strain without adequate recovery time
Even if an injury was “minor” at the time, repeated strain can lead to chronic issues that worsen long after leaving service.
Types of Chronic Back Pain in Veterans
Back pain isn’t one condition—it covers a range of disorders:
1. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
The discs that cushion the spine wear down, causing stiffness and pain.
2. Herniated or Bulging Discs
A disc protrudes outward, pressing on nerves and causing sharp pain or numbness.
3. Sciatica / Radiculopathy
Nerve pain traveling from the spine down the leg—often caused by disc issues or spinal compression.
4. Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the nerves.
5. Spondylosis / Arthritis of the Spine
Arthritic deterioration of spinal joints; extremely common in aging veterans.
6. Muscle Strain or Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Constant tension, spasms, or overuse injuries from years of service activities.
Symptoms of Back Pain Affecting Veterans
Veterans with chronic back injuries may experience:
Constant or intermittent pain
Limited mobility or stiffness
Pain radiating down the legs
Numbness or tingling
Muscle spasms
Difficulty standing, bending, or lifting
Sleep disruption due to pain
Reduced ability to work or exercise
These symptoms often worsen over time if untreated.
How the VA Rates Chronic Back Pain
The VA uses the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine under 38 CFR §4.71a.
Ratings depend on:
Range of motion (flexion, extension, rotation)
Muscle spasms
Abnormal spine contour
Pain during movement
Functional loss
Presence of neurological issues (like sciatica)
Typical VA ratings:
10% – Mild pain or slight limitation
20% – Moderate loss of motion or muscle spasms
40% – Severe limitation of movement
50%–100% – Ankylosis (fusion) of the spine
Separate ratings may be added for radiculopathy, often 10–40% per limb
Because back pain often causes secondary conditions, veterans can qualify for additional ratings.
Common Secondary Conditions Linked to Back Pain
Chronic back pain rarely exists alone. Many veterans develop secondary issues, including:
**✔ Sciatica / Radiculopathy
✔ Depression or Anxiety
✔ Insomnia / Sleep Disorder
✔ Hip or Knee Pain (altered gait)
✔ Migraines (from pain or meds)
✔ Chronic Fatigue**
Secondary claims significantly increase overall disability compensation.
How Veterans Can Strengthen Their Back Pain Claim
To win a VA claim, veterans should gather:
1. Current Medical Diagnosis
Must be documented by a provider—VA or private.
2. Evidence of Symptoms Over Time
Treatment notes, imaging (X-rays, MRI), physical therapy records.
3. Service Connection
Examples include:
Medical records from active duty
Deployment injury reports
Airborne training incidents
Buddy statements
Line of Duty determinations
4. Strong C&P Exam
Describe your worst days. Don’t downplay symptoms.
5. Lay Statements
Personal statements explaining daily limitations (lifting, bending, working, walking, etc.)
Why Many Back Pain Claims Get Denied
The most common VA denial reasons:
“No current diagnosis”
“Not enough evidence of chronic condition”
Symptoms not documented consistently
C&P examiner claims condition is due to aging
No proof of service connection
These can be overturned with:
IMOs (Independent Medical Opinions)
Private DBQs
Updated imaging
Strong nexus letters
Treatment Options for Veterans with Chronic Back Pain
The goal is both pain relief and improving mobility. Veterans may benefit from:
Physical therapy
Chiropractic care
Anti-inflammatory medication
Steroid injections
Acupuncture
Pain management programs
TENS units
Surgery (in severe cases)
VA facilities also offer Whole Health pain management, which includes yoga, mindfulness, and movement therapy.
Conclusion: Veterans Deserve Help, Treatment & Compensation
Chronic back pain is a lasting reminder of the physical demands of military service. It affects mobility, mental health, sleep, and quality of life—and veterans should never feel they must “tough it out.”
Whether caused by combat, training, airborne operations, or repetitive use injuries, chronic pain is real, disabling, and deserving of proper treatment and VA compensation.
Veterans are not alone.
Help is available.
And with the right evidence, the VA does approve chronic back pain claims.