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

You went in whole; you left not whole. That's the purpose of disability compensation. Period. Feel bad that you cannot get that part you lost back again. Then feel better that you're getting something for it - even if not even close to enough.

Absolutely not!
Service-connected disabilities are just that, an injury/illness or exacerbation of a preexisting problem that is made worse by your military service is worthy of service connected disability.
Service members of our military who never served in a “Combat zone” have been in other countries on other bases exposed to cancer causing toxins. Many have worked and lived in older buildings and naval vessels and exposed to asbestos. These can’t be helped. If you have an accident and fall off a tank in training or combat and break your leg, it is a broken leg either way.
No shame, guilt, or reluctance should be held by an injured service member outside of combat and no animosity should be held against a non-combat veteran because of their disability status.

Not all disabilities are visible and until you walk in another person’s shoes you are in no place to pass judgment. We will be judged on our judgment day and not before then!!

I am a combat veteran 100% disabled P&T, everyday I wish I wasn’t, I would rather have my brain and body working the way it was before Desert Shield/Storm/Sabre. But I would still do it again even knowing what I know now!

Disability compensation is not a form of charity or an underserved handout; it is a benefit that veterans have earned through their service. The fact that the injuries are non-combat related does not diminish the value of the service; military service involves inherent risks, even outside of direct combat situations. Moreover, being validated by the VA and meeting the eligibility requirements is a high bar; those of us who have gone through the VA process know this. Ultimately, the decision of how veterans feel about their disability compensation is a personal one. If the compensation helps you lead a normal life after your service, then good to go; the compensation is serving its useful purpose!

I have a slew of non-combat related injuries, does that make me less of a warrior? My body was whole when I entered the Air Force, not so much now. I spent 24 years as a structural maintenance craftsman working on 10 different airframes in numerous locations. I can't straighten my right arm, I've had three knee surgeries and I have to see a chiropractor on my own dime. I have left my blood on multiple aircraft in many countries and I would rather have my health back but since thats not going to happen I think I deserve to be compensated for my continuous pain that I go thru on a daily basis.

No absolutely not! Too many Veterans have ignored Service Related injuries only to feel the effects later in life. Anyone in the Military of senior rank or medical personnel who ignores a Service Members injury or symptoms of not being well should be held accountable and responsible for their lack of care. I’ve seen and known of Service Members who were pushed through the demobilization process who were not given the adequate support, advice, and resources needed prior to their being released to return home only to go through hardship after the fact because of insufficient, inadequate, or improper treatment and or documentation.

No, I was given a Medical Discharge in 1977 because of medical reasons associated with my exposure to Agent Orange while a Combat Engineer in Vietnam in 1966. My disability is like an injury from friendly fire. No Purple Heart just my VA benefits. It caused a close-out to my Marine Corps career.

Just curious about the injuries caused from the chemical exposures. Why should ANYONE feel bad about receiving compensation and health care for the injuries caused by chemicals like Agent Orange, Asbestos, TCE etc?

If a Service Member was injured while serving in the Military, be it Peace Time or in Combat Zone, then that service member is ENTITLED to the same Benefits as well as Compensation, for their injuries, and rightly so

A better way to look at the VA Disability process is to see the VA Disability program as the Workers Compensation Program of the US Military, like any jobs you are covered for on the job injuries, illnesses or diseases, including vehicle accidents to and from work or while on leave. Always maintain a complete copy of your medical records but never the original records. Keeping a complete copy of your medical records will ensure that you will get a comprehensive review of your case. Always have the records reviewed by a National recognized Service representative so that you will get the best possible claim entered at the time of separation or when you file for disability. When you are ready to be seen by a doctor have the list of disability with you and be careful when the doctor asks "how are you doing today" never say you are OK, because why are you seeing this doctor (for a disability) if you do say you are ok, the doctor may use that as you have no complains at time of examination and your claim may be reduced or even dismissed. ALWAYS state that you are in some kind of distress maybe not to bad today, but it was bad the other day or why are you seeing the doctor. Just do not lie.
It is always best to file a complete disability claim rather than a piecemeal effect (doing a claim at a time) upon completion of the examination and when you get the official answer from the Adjudication Branch of the VA, always have your case reviewed by the person who assisted you in the filing process. This will ensure that you received the best possible outcome of the rating decision. The person who reviews the end product may assist you in filing an appeal, in that you got insufficient award, or an item was not reviewed or rated.
BY DOING THE COMPLETE CLAIM AT ONE TIME WILL EASE THE PRESSURE ON YOU AND WILL ALLOW THE VA TO PROCESS YOUR CLAIM AT A TIME AND MAY REDUCE THE LOSS OF ANY RECORDS AND THE GOING BACK AND FORTH OF LETTERS AND PAPERWORK TO THE VA.

May you all have a successful claim filing experience
Semper Fi

When this becomes a guilt problem, is is usually because of self pride in not willing to accept any kind of help. As a blinded veteran, my pride initially got in the way. I would not let my family and friends help me. One day a friend from church told me that when I don't let him help me, I am robbing him from a blessing. So, that hit me like a ton of bricks! Not only does the person receive a blessing in helping me, but I receive a blessing, too!