Statistics show that certain health conditions appear amongst the veteran population. The following conditions are some of the most common ailments. If you are experiencing any of the listed symptoms, or if you have any other health concerns, please contact your local VA to make an appointment. We are here to help you.

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Gastritis
• Alcoholism (or other substance abuse)
• Depression

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A mental disorder that may affect those who have experienced a traumatic event such as war, rape, sexual assault, car accident, natural disaster, or the sudden loss of a loved one. Symptoms may include:

• Flashbacks
• Trouble sleeping
• Headaches
• Feeling numb or empty

For more information, please visit Mayo Clinic. *

Gastritis

A group of conditions characterized by the swelling of the stomach lining.
Symptoms may include:

• Vomiting or nausea
• Appetite loss
• Belching or bloating
• A burning pain in your stomach

For more information, please visit Mayo Clinic. *

Alcoholism (or other substance abuse)

An addictive disease in which a person becomes dependent on alcohol (or other substances) and is affected physically, psychologically, and behaviorally.
Symptoms may include:

• Losing interest in activities and hobbies that used to be enjoyable
• Feeling the need to drink or use a substance
• Irritable
• Physical withdrawal symptoms (nausea, sweating, shaking, etc)

For more information, please visit Mayo Clinic. *

Depression

A mental disorder in which a person feels sad or blue for a period lasting longer than two weeks. Symptoms may include:

• Feeling sad, helpless, or hopeless
• Losing interest in hobbies or sex
• Constantly feeling tired
• Experiencing stomachaches or headaches

For more information, please visit Mayo Clinic. *

As I’m sure you’ve noticed, returning home from military service is neither simple nor straightforward. Whether it’s finding a job, making ends meet, or reconnecting with your family and friends, there’s a lot on your plate. Your health just doesn’t take priority. But War is an unusual situation, which can put profound stress on your body, both physically and mentally. Although you may believe yourself to be healthy, as a doctor and a veteran myself, I cannot tell you how important it is to see a doctor as soon as possible. Headaches, sleep problems, joint pain: they may seem trivial, but you never know. Get a check-up, preferably at the VA, where for two years after your discharge, you will receive free health care for service-related conditions. This is not the time to ignore you health.  

Dr. Bill Marshall, Veteran

Attention all Female Veterans

The VA understands that military service can, and will, effect men and women differently. As such, the VA offers specialized services for our women veterans which include counseling, gynecologists, etc. Contact the Women’s Health Clinic at (310) 268-3487 for more information, and see national VA's Center for Women Veterans.