veteran

Introduction

Individual who has served in the armed forces, i.e. army, navy, air force, coast guard, & was discharged under other than dishonorable discharge.

10% of veterans female (projection for 2010)

14% of active military female, 13% of reserves female (2005)

Unique health risk of veterans

• World War 1 (few still alive 2008)
  • chest pain, concentration problems, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, forgetfulness, headache, nightmares, palpitations, shortness of breath
• World War 2
  • infectious diseases, wounds, frostbite/cold injury, mustard gas testing, exposure to nuclear weapons, nuclear cleanup
• Korean War
  • cold injury (persistent effects)
• Cold War
  • nuclear testing, nuclear cleanup
• Vietnam War
  • length & time of service, exposure to agent orange, infectious diseases, wounds
• Persian Gulf War
  • exposure to smoke, immunizations, chemical or biologic agents, depleted uranium
  • infections
• peacetime duty
  • exposures, experiences. peacekeeping deployment

More specific terms

• female veteran