Extreme temperatures are nothing to take lightly. Cold weather can make us feel under the weather, and it can also cause more serious conditions when we've been exposed to the elements for too long. Some cold-related injuries are more common than others, especially for veterans who have served in harsh conditions during their time in the military.
In this blog, we'll go over why veterans are at a higher risk for cold-related injuries and illness, and also cover the most common types.
Why veterans are at a higher risk for cold-related injuries and illnesses
Unlike many civilian jobs, the career of a veteran places more physical demands on the body. There are several factors that can make veterans more sensitive and susceptible to cold-related injuries and illness. Here's a brief overview:
Time spent in harsh climates and environments
Pre-existing medical conditions that may have been worsened during service
Mental health conditions that reduce awareness of environmental risks
Poor circulation from reduced activity as a result of a service-connected condition
Certain medications commonly prescribed to veterans can increase vulnerability to cold
Example: Beta blockers for hypertension can increase cold sensitivity.
According to the VA, the following events are among the most common causes of cold injuries in veterans:
World War 2
Korean War
Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan
Various training missions in harsh environments
These are the most common cold-related injuries that veterans experience as a result of the above events and reasons:
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat. When someone is exposed to the cold for too long, the body's stored energy gets used up – which can lead to a serious and potentially life threatening case of hypothermia. Early symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, fatigue, lost coordination, confusion and disorientation.
Frostbite
Frostbite is a cold-related injury to the skin that happens when body tissue becomes damaged as a result of cold temperature exposure. A loss of feeling and color begins in the affected area, commonly occurring in areas such as hands, feet, nose, ears, cheeks, chin (anywhere that is typically the most exposed). If severe and untreated, some frostbite cases require amputation.
Chillblains
When the skin is repeatedly exposed to cold temperatures, chillblains can occur. This common condition causes broken capillaries in the skin (groups of blood vessels), leading to redness, itching, and irritation that reappears whenever exposed to the cold again. In severe cases, blistering and ulceration can appear.
Trench foot
Trench foot (also known as immersion foot) is a foot injury that results from overexposure to moisture and cold temperatures. It can occur in temperatures as warm as 60 degrees fahrenheit, and the moisture causes feet to lose heat 25 times faster than if they were kept dry. Symptoms of trench foot include: redness, numbness, tingling, cramps, swelling, blisters and ulcers, and gangrene (the discoloring of tissue). Trench foot was a common problem during World Wars 1 and 2, and other combat areas where it's hard to keep dry.
Do you have an injury or illness that you need VA disability benefits for?
At MRPY Professional Services, we provide veterans with proper documentation to build a compelling VA disability benefits claim. Contact us today for a Nexus Letter, DBQ, chart review, or general consultation on what you should do first. Sign up for a chart review, and view other services here. We're ready to assist you to make a smooth and efficient claims process.
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