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

How would you feel about to pay out of your pockets for the medical treatment for injuries you received in service?

Absolutely NOT! No matter where you served, we are all a part of the team. When I would pack up entire units for the sand, the Soldiers always told me that I should never under estimate my part in combatting the enemy. Without my caring skills, they would be without their gear and incapable of completing the mission.

It's not Worker's Compensation, it is disability.

Absolutely, "NOT!" Benefits are what we as veterans earned. I think the reason many veterans or former service-members feel this way is because they have spent an entire career in the "SERVICE" of their country and/or others. So it is difficult "I" know speaking for myself to focus on "MYSELF" for a change.

Understand that VA compensation actually comes out of our retirement pension as non-taxed income for those of us who are retired. The monies are not above or beyond our pension, just tax free--a way of thanking us for our sacrifices. Looking at it this way, a non-retired service member is actually receiving these monies as a way of being recognized and not forgotten for your sacrifices. Take it, you've earned it.

It took me a long time to accept that I needed help, because of the shame some doctors ar the Va put you through, but I found a wonderful one that diagnosed me for the first time in 15 years, and told me there is nothing to be ashamed of .

I originally did feel guilty until my step dad slapped me upside the head and said that if the US Coast Guard had better doctors that could have and should have taken care of my service oriented medical problems, I would not be as messed up as I am. So, i accept the VA compensation as payment for my pain, suffering and complications of my service. Thanx Dad.

So here is my take on this. As Security Forces in the AF we are required, even at home station, to wear plates when on duty as well carrying our stand load of ammunition for dual arming as well as other required equipment on our person. When deployed that gear gets even heavier and can easily weigh another 20 pounds or more for 12 hr shifts. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not whining about this as it protects my butt, but that extra weight can take a toll on the body. I have back and joint issues that may not be entirely from carrying the gear but it certaintly hasn't done anything to make them any better either. Is this something I should be forced to suffer from the rest of life because I chose to serve my country for 20 years? I don't think so but we will see what the VA has to say when I get out in a another couple of years.

NO, all of us military are in a dangerous environment and always on the edge of disaster. Every one deserve a little respect. I spend 14 years in sea duty, spend all those years on 3 combat ships a (floating time bomb).

Nope. I served from 78-88 - all non combat. I served, I was there. Wasn't my fault we didn't go to war.

I was rated 20% for arthritis in my knees in 1989. In 2015 I had both replaced.