Should Veterans feel bad about being awarded and receiving VA disability compensation for non-combat related injuries?

I have 70% service connected Disability (MST- Military Sexual Trama). So Yes I am for VA disability coverage. Just because someone wasn't in combat doesn't mean that they can't get VA disability coverage.

Nope. They should NOT feel guilty about anything. I work with wounded, ill and injured service members, their military family caregivers, and veterans each and every day. If a young soldier gets literally "poked in the eye with a sharp stick" in training and is medically discharged...he is a disabled veteran. If a paratrooper breaks a leg in training so badly that he cannot continue in service...he is a disabled veteran. If a female Marine contracts a serious disease that makes her continued service impossible...she is a disabled veteran. What do they have in common with those who are combat wounded? They all climbed up onto the altar of Freedom for their country and offered their lives as living sacrifices. The fact that they could not do a PLF (parachute landing fall) off of that altar after 20 years makes no difference.

When I was a veterans service officer for VVA, I got this a lot from many veterans. My response was always bifurcated in that it was (1) a deep well, and (2) you well deserve this. That said, it is still my position. We earned these benefits by our blood, sweat, and tears. The response that a volunteer force "asked for this", I would respond that being wounded or injured in support of your country is above and beyond that service. There it is!

This is the way I look at it I was a a Navy cook for 10 1/2 years I humped thousands of boxes climb in and out of stuff cleaning dipping my hands in freezing water getting burns cuts working 14-16 hour days weeks and months at a time and no days off now I have nerve damage in my hands and shoulders no one can possibly tell me all that didn't add add up I am not whinning nor crying for a handout but I can no longer just ignore my body and the punishment I put myself through to get the job done

Anytime a service member sustains an injury that requires medical treatment it is documented. W

It really shouldn't matter if you serviced during combat or not, you still serviced your country. I don't think any Veteran should feel guilty about getting disability compensation for their injuries.

Absolutely not. Service connection to a disability weather Combat or Non-combat are in place as a part of you benefit package when you enlist. I vaguely remember it being mentioned when I enlisted (but then again I vaguely remember a lot of things, LOL). Having retired they only offset how much my military retirement is and cut me a VA check that is tax free for the amount of my disabilities. Saves me a some on taxes, I have never figured it up but I really don't think it makes that much difference.

i served in the Army from 1992 to 1995.
During my AIT I had an injury to my chest. I was given the option to get medical dis charge or stay in . I choose to stay in . I wasn't going home with as a failure. So I finished my 3years. , I was always afraid to go to the VA hospital. Not sure what to do and when I got out ,I was lost no direction. So Ive let it go for many years. Since Ive been out I have had problems with my Sternum for years. Cant breath chest wont rise , frozen. Ive had many of my friends ,that are vets tell me to go , and encourage me to go to the VA. hospital. .. Just felt guilty going in when I see many of my other service members , needing help do to the injuries from combat related injuries.. .. SoI think Im ready to go. .. getting older things are getting worse... Any help would be greatly appreaciated..
Spc Hale Army
was in 3/15Inf. fort Stewart Ga 31314

Current address
Brent Hale
146 w.Westway ave
Orange Ca.92865

I am service connected 10% for hearing lose and tinnitus. I was a jet engine mechanic and had that trouble diagnosed on my discharge physical. Nothing was told to me at that time about being a service connect. I was discharged in May of 1963 and just lived with it.
3 years ago ran into a DAV guy who said I should apply for a disability claim and should have done that when I was discharged. Didn't have a clue about that as I was never told.
Went though the process and had the test done and was awarded 10% for the tinnitus, the hearing is bad and was given hearing aids.
Lost 52 years from not knowing. That was my fault for not understanding how it works.

No. We don't control world events. But we trained as if we were going to combat and we got injured during that training.
The majority of us served in "peace time". I only deployed twice in my 20 year career to a "real" world deployment. Those were classified as "Peace Keeping" missions.
One does not realize the toll their body takes over a 20 year career. We earned those benefits and I use them.