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

No!!! You, We Served, You are A Veteran. That is your Right!!! Thank You for your Service Sir!!!!

I received NSC disability for over 20 years. When I was discharged from the Navy they told the guys to sign up for disability if they had received one in service. I was told it wasn't necessary because I had a husband who would take care of me. I now have to fight to get my service connected disability because they said that the records in GA were burned in a fire. I now have a smart DAV rep who is going the extra mile to get me my SC pension. I'm 69 and I hope it does not come through before the LORD calls me home. My husband is only 20% SC for his eyes, his shoulder and his hearing. Trying to get a increase at 69 but wondering if he will get it before he is called home by the LORD.

Not at all. If you get injured while a civilian, you still get compensated for said injury. Why should the military be any different, especially when most of the time we suck it up and not go to sick call because of the stigma attached to it.

I am one of those non-combat veterans. I served honorably and faithfully for 20 years and 18 days and there are times when I feel guilty for receiving disability. At the same time, I realize that I earned the benefits from the Army, just like any other veteran who has served honorably, whether in peacetime or war. The short answer here is : No! Veterans should not feel bad about receiving the benefits that they earned.

I do not think so as well. There have been many circumstances where a veteran was put in a dangerous activity that would cause stress, anxiety, injury ect. One example is a sexual attack on a woman in service. That can leave lasting effects both physical and mentally. Seeing someone killed or almost being killed yourself. Many things have happened out of non-combat related instances. The Cold War was full of happenings. The Iran Hostage Crisis, there wasnt any combat when the helo's crashed in the rescue attempt, vets were injured or died, The Beruit barracks bombing, almost getting shot during live fire exercises, I could go on for awhile. Broken bones, head injuries, PTSD. they are all injuries that could and have happened and did while in service to our country combat or not. I agree with Col Christensen the awards are for "service" related not just "combat related". I am not afraid to say I am one of those. Thats almost on line with the "what is considered a Vet " question, or are you still a Sailor if you never went to sea I have heard that one alot and even teased others jokingly.
God Bless all of our service members

I served 4 years in the USMC. 5 ton operator/ OJT trained as a mechanic. 1988-1992. Worked around the clock for 10th Marines and 2nd Tank Bn for Desert Shied and Desert Storm. Was currently with 24th MEU at the time. Spent over 2 years with an artillery unit and worked in 2nd and 3rd shop. Mounting tires, one blew during mounting. I couldn’t pass a hearing test after that and could not qualify for my ammo license anymore. Also had over 15 ear infections in my 4 years that led to a disease called Cholesteatoma , that required 10 surgery’s after I got out.
I only receive 10% disability. I am told I should rate more. I am ok with this because I feel the young men who came after me who served in Iraq and Afghanistan need a hell of a lot more support from our nation than me. But in closing, I do not feel bad for getting compensation. All I wanted to do was be the best soldier/ marine I could and I sacrificed my hearing along the way. God bless our soldiers and our nation!

Absolutely not. By definition the VA award is for service-connected, not combat-related. to me, its as simple as that.

Absolutely not! All medical should be paid for! At whatever hospital or doctor they choose or need.

No vet with a service connected injury should feel “bad” about it. That is the reason we have a Veterans Administration, whose is there to take care of all Vets.

The VA is responsible for what ever is wrong with you when you leave service that wasn't wrong with you when you joined. Why should any veteran feel bad about taking advantage of a benefit that you are entitled to.