Huge surge in veterans’ disability claims for minor ailments | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJosh Marcus in San FranciscoTuesday 07 October 2025 14:34 BSTThere has been a decrease in the overall veteran population over the past two-and-a-half years (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is facing a significant increase in disability claims for easily treatable ailments.Claims for conditions such as eczema, hemorrhoids, and sleep apnea have sharply risen over the past two-and-a-half decades, despite a decrease in the overall veteran population.Payments for these common conditions now frequently surpass those for severe combat-related injuries, such as brain injuries or limb loss from conflicts.The VA is projected to spend $193 billion this year on disability claims, exceeding the entire US Army budget.Despite the rising costs and concerns, attempts to reduce these benefits are politically challenging, and the VA maintains that veterans have earned their entitlements.In fullHair loss, jock itch and toenail fungus: The millions taxpayers spend in VA ‘disability’ benefits each yearThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in