Veterans' Struggles

Nearly 20 years of constant U.S. military engagement abroad have put unprecedented strains on veterans and their families. More than 2.7 million service members have been deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan — some multiple times — since terrorists attacked the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. As a result, many veterans are struggling with physical and mental wounds, suicide, addiction and homelessness, often at higher rates than their predecessors. Veterans' advocates want more government funds and broader access to public and private assistance to meet veterans' social, educational, employment and health needs. The influx of veterans from the post-9/11 wars is occurring as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is also providing care for aging vets from the Vietnam War and earlier conflicts. Medical facilities have become overtaxed, leading to scandals about lengthy delays for treatment. But some veterans fear that congressionally mandated changes, implemented in response to the scandals, will lead to privatization of the VA health care system and lower quality of care.