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

No, honorable service is where you are assigned, besides injuries occur when in service and military post are subject to contaminations

I struggled with this question for 32 years before finally filing for VA healthcare. I am now 100 percent service connected due to injuries sustained during the Cold War Era. A good friend who has seen combat in four different ears encouraged me to seek care from the VA. I didn't believe I merited the care because of my non combat related service connected injuries. My friend's view was you served get the care.

As long as you are not commiting fraud there is not a reason in the world to feel guilty. I am retired U.S. Army, but I am also rated 10% disabled by the V.A. for tinnitis and hearing loss. During my time in Vietnam I suffered an ear infection, AND was right next to a 8 inch howitzer unit which was attached to my division. Outgoing noise was louder than incoming explosions. I suffered hearing problems and for that get a small check every month from the V.A. Of course, an equal amount is then deducted from my military pension because "double dipping" of this type is not allowed. But the V.A. amount is tax free so it is about a $30 a month benefit to me, a benefit for which I have not the slightest amount of guilt. This was not a combat related loss, but it certainly was service connected.

Not at all. I got into the VA because I was unemployed, had no medical insurance and had a gall bladder attack. My brother couldn't get in because they said he made too much money until recently. My brother was in supply in Vietnam and handled Agent Orange drums. One leaked and soaked his leg. Since then, he had cancer at an early age, one child was born with cerebral palsy and other problems and he also developed parkinsons. He is now in the system at 70% disability and they are still working to see if it should be more.

In my day, women weren't allowed in combat rolls. We were not even taught to shoot a gun. We didn't do anything combat related in Basic Training. No obstacle courses, or anything like that. I have a disability rating and do not feel guilty about it at all. I was disabled due to my service.

Absolutely not. Anyone who has honorably served our country deserves this. Many years ago, my first husband was on active duty in the Army National Guard. Before that, he had served as a Marine for 7 years. During this Army stint, he had an aneurysm rupture. After all the surgery and testing it became clear he was terminal. He had multiple aneurysms throughout his body, and the cause was never determined, but I think it may have been the water at Camp LeJeune. Long story short, we had to fight the VA to give him disability, because the rupture happened when he was on active-duty training. I actually had to ask our senator, John Warner, for help, and he came through. At first Jim felt like he didn't deserve this disability, but many folks told him to get over that. He has since died, but I'm grateful for that disability. Because of that, my kids were able to go to college as well.

Haven’t we done this topic before?
I am a 100% Permanent and Total Disabled Vet. I spent 4 years in the Navy and just a few days shy of 26 years in the Coast Guard. My military medical record for those 30 years is 2+” thick. I served in a Sub Tender, two aircraft carriers in the Navy and 3 cutters in the Coast Guard although on assignment was cut short because of cardiac issues. During the tour of duty on the Sub Tender I was assigned to Deck force and cleaning, scraping rust, applying primer (red lead or Zinc Chromate - both toxic); there was a lot of asbestos on all the vessels; at one shore station (1977-79) I discovered a 1/2 gallon glass jug of DDT, half empty and the cap was loose. Along the way I developed Obstructive sleep apnea, both knees have been replaced; numerous injuries, in the line of duty not due to misconduct, including at Command sponsored sporting activities.. From C5-C6 to L1 to L5 my spine is wrecked…
A Combat related disability? The closest I ever got to combat was off the coast of Vietnam; assembling Guided Missiles, delivering them to the flight deck was about as close as I wanted to be.
Later, in the Coast Guard I participated in Law Enforcement Boardings, riding the small boat the the target boat; it was dangerous duty; on guy ended up in the drink,; with his LE Gear he started to sink like a rock. Fortunately he ditched his LE Gear and surfaced. He could of drowned or he could have crushed between the Small Boat and target boat.

So when I retired I visited the VA. After they review my medical record and gave me an initial rating of 80%. I didn’t really feel disabled; but had health related issues that would probably eventually Cause me problems. And guess what - they all did; sooner then later. I’m 70 years old now this past October I had my cancerous prostrate removed; and on 1 December I had a triple bypass after dealing with a 30 history of cardiac issues.

So yes I am now 100% disabled and under doctor’s orders (after a “significant” heart attack in 2014) to not engage in work…
So do non-combatants be given VA Disability Ratings? Yes.

Nope. Not at all. I'm 100 percent due to training injuries. Retired after 23 years and my body was a wreck.

Absolutely not. I had to work through that myself. Ultimately the condition I'm in is service related though not combat related.

NO! Not at all! My dad was in Vietnam on an air base. He didn't get shot or or anything... what he did do was walk through big puddles of Agent Orange every God damn day. The is 75 now and has Parkinsons and a huge list of problems, attributed to it. Awhile back they actually acknowledged that it also effects the female children of people that were exposed, but not male children... lol
Anyway, I can understand the hesitancy to claiming disability when you didn't get shot or blown up, but don't let it stop you. There are injuries that aren't always as noticeable but are no less debilitating.
You fought for your country, we as a country owe you the respect and if you were injured regardless of a piece of metal being imbeded in your body or not... I for one have no problem with any form of disability. You did your duty and we thank you for it. If you need help, it should always be available to you! God speed, and I hope that whatever is ailing you that you overcome it or at least live with it with Dignity, and anything you need to do that should absolutely be provided to you. Good luck and Thank you for your service!