Normally, I wouldn’t link to an article from a site owned by Gannett, but this op-ed is some good advice for US military Veterans who are seeking VA compensation for injuries arising from parachute duties. I served on jump status in both the Army and Air Force and the AF took it much more seriously from a medical viewpoint because parachutist duties were considered flight status. Consequently, parachutist were more likely to hide or at least downplay medical conditions in order to remain in status. After a career, they take their toll. If you’re in the same boat, this article by Sandy Britt For The Leaf-Chronicle is worth the read.
Many veterans who were on jump status avoided going to sick call while on active duty so as not to be taken off of jump status, or because it was frowned upon by their command….For example, veterans who were on jump status and earned one of the parachutist badges have concrete evidence of the number of jumps they completed. It’s a known medical fact that parachuting puts abnormal, traumatic pressure on joints, especially knees, feet, ankles, hips and spine, and as a result, chronic joint disabilities usually follow….read the rest at www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/2016/07/16/veterans-parachutists-special-evidence-claims.
