Posted on Oct 8, 2014
LTC Operations Officer (Opso)
42.1K
231
103
4
4
0
So I have had talks with others about VA disabilities and some I thought were joking that the VA pays 10% disability for STDs. I did some research and sure enough you are eligible for VA disabilities for STDs. And it is not limited only to those who contracted it through rape or similiar situations.

One law firm states:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will not grant disability compensation or pension to a veteran for an injury or illness that was the result of willful misconduct, even if the veteran meets the other basic eligibility requirementsfor veterans benefits. Likewise, if a veteran's death is found to be the result of willful misconduct, the surviving family will not be able to obtain disability and indemnity compensation (DIC).

Willful misconduct that causes a disability also prohibits eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits. However, if a veteran has another service-connected disability that was not caused by willful misconduct, the veteran may be eligible for compensation or pension as well as educational and vocational benefits based on that service-connected disability.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Getting a venereal disease or STD, or the disabilities resulting from it, does not constitute willful misconduct under VA regulations. This is true even if the military found that the venereal disease resulted from willful misconduct. Consequently, a veteran can obtain service-connected disability compensation for these disabilities.

This was also in the news:
http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/health/article/Vets-with-STDs-getting-disability-payments-1236052.php

What do you think? I think we can all agree that if the service member was raped that this one thing and should be covered. If a service member contracted a STD when it was their decision to have sexual relations or through other methods such as sharing needles should they receive disability?
Avatar feed
See Results
Responses: 25
Votes
  • Newest
  • Oldest
  • Votes
SGT(P) Signals Acquisition/Exploitation Analyst
0
0
0
Please tell me this is a joke...
(0)
Comment
(0)
LTC Operations Officer (Opso)
LTC (Join to see)
11 y
True story. Do you research.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
CPT Zachary Brooks
0
0
0
So I am seeing if the condition is chronic in nature you can get disability? We then assume that this is related to the groin area?

So can I get disability for chronic jock itch? If so, I think that applies to a large majority of the men out there depending on your choice of underpants.
(0)
Comment
(0)
SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
SSgt (Join to see)
11 y
CPT Zachary Brooks Do you remember the part in the movie Stripes where Bill Murray said he seldom wars underwear but when I do..... ? lol. Yeah I know, I go off on tangents..lol
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
0
0
0
Not no, but f--k no! The F word is what got them in trouble in the first place. Unless the SM was working with contaigens in a lab or was infected in some other non sexual manner then that's BS. I had botched operations and am still on hold. And we wonder why the VA is messed up - this is another nail in the proverbial coffin.
(0)
Comment
(0)
SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
SSgt (Join to see)
11 y
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca - The only caveat being in my mind is that a person with AIDS having a virtual death sense and no way to get help. As I do not have experience with this disease there may be options but even for cancer or heart attacks I think they can be included.
(1)
Reply
(0)
PFC Richard Wise
PFC Richard Wise
11 y
And what about a SM on leave who trashes a knee when rock climbing or jet skiing? Both of those have serious risks, and it is easy to make a case that they are more dangerous than sex. None of them -- including sex -- are considered misconduct.

The only reason you have such an aggressive "no" answer is the fact that sex is involved. The overwhelming majority of SMs have had premarital sex, and I bet that includes you.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SGT Amarie B
0
0
0
Edited 11 y ago
If you're dumb enough to get one (not through rape/incest/molestation)....then live with it.
(0)
Comment
(0)
SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
SSgt (Join to see)
11 y
SGT Amarie B Please be respectful. How would you even know?
(0)
Reply
(0)
SGT Amarie B
SGT Amarie B
11 y
How would I know? Well first of, I was a Laboratory Technician. We dealt with rape cases, incest cases and molestation CHAIN OF CUSTODY for EVIDENCE for the Military Police and other authorities. However, working on smaller bases, you know which guys and girls sleep around because they have nothing better to do. These are the ones that I made the remark to.....If you were dumb enough to get it, then live with it. And honestly, I didnt think I was being disrespectful. I was being HONEST.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SSG Michael Naukam
0
0
0
Payment should only be in relation to a criminal offence. In relation to "SHARP"; Rape, Sodomy, and other crimes that allow a transfer of an STD or STI.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

How are you connected to the military?
  • Active Duty
  • Active Reserve / National Guard
  • Pre-Commission
  • Veteran / Retired
  • Civilian Supporter