Starvation, exposure to the elements and other things encountered by POWs have been proven to cause long term damage, of which you may not be aware, to vital organs. Now, many years later many common conditions that you may now have (like arthritis, heart disease, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, etc.) can be directly traced back to your incarceration as a prisoner of war and as such you are entitled to receive VA disability compensation for them.

COMPENSATION
Studies have shown that the physical hardships and psychological stress endured by POWs have life-long effects on health and on social and vocational adjustment. These studies also indicate increased vulnerability to psychological stress.

The laws on former POW benefits recognize that military medical records do not cover periods of captivity. A former POW is eligible for disability compensation if any of the presumptive disabilities are found at any time at a compensable level (at least 10 percent disabling). For POWs detained for 30 days or more, it will be presumed that the disability was incurred in or aggravated during military service, unless there is evidence of some other cause.

Compensation is paid based on the degree of disability. Veterans rated as 30 percent or more disabled qualify for additional benefits based upon the number of dependents. Dependents of those rated 100 percent disabled may qualify for educational assistance. Spouses of veterans who die as a result of service-connected disabilities are eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation.

Spouses of former POWs rated 100% disabled for one year or more prior to death are eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation.

MEDICAL CARE
Former POWs receive special priority for VA health-care enrollment, even if their illness has not been formally associated with their service. Former POWs are exempt from making means test co-payments for inpatient and outpatient medical care and medications, but they have the same co-pay rules as other veterans for extended care. They also are now eligible for dental care without any length-of-internment requirement.

For assistance, call the VA at the number listed above. They can direct you to a knowledgeable service officer in your area.

State and County Veterans Service Officers, employed by their respective states, also know their way around the VA system. They can assist veterans and their families in a number of ways. Services Officers can help you with compensation/pensions, medical care, military records, grave markers and veteran home loans. Some counties may also have dedicated funds to assist you with temporary shelter/utilities, food/health supplies, medical/dental, job placement, counseling, and transportation.

For former POWs who were imprisoned for any length of time, the following disabilities are presumed to be service-connected if they are rated at least 10 percent disabling anytime after military service: psychosis, any of the anxiety states, dysthymic disorder, organic residuals of frostbite, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, heart disease or hypertensive vascular disease and their complications, stroke and residuals of stroke.

For former POWs who were imprisoned for at least 30 days, the following conditions are also presumed to be service-connected: avitaminosis, beriberi, chronic dysentery, helminthiasis, malnutrition (including optic atrophy), pellagra and/or other nutritional deficiencies, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, peripheral neuropathy, osteoporosis (with PTSD) and cirrhosis of the liver.

Only a doctor can make the final decision, but the Service Officer can help you write your history so the facts are presented. You and your spouse can sit down with an NSO, go carefully over the necessary forms, and then talk you about what is happening in your life that may make you eligible for compensation. He or she will make no promises, but will put forth every effort to assist you.