The major cold injuries are:

• Frostbite
• Non-freezing cold injuries (NFCI)
• Formerly trench foot and immersion foot
• Hypothermia

Environmental conditions such as temperature, wind and moisture in combination with physical activity, the duration of exposure, amount of protection, level of fitness and individual cold susceptibility all contribute to an individual’s risk for cold injury.

Learn about:

• How Veterans May Have Had Cold Injuries During Military Service
• Health Problems Associated with Cold Injuries
• VA Benefits

How Veterans May Have Had Cold Injuries During Military Service

Veterans may have been exposed to extreme cold without adequate protection during:

• World War II - The Battle of the Bulge was fought in December 1944 through January 1945 under conditions of extreme cold.
• Korean War - The Chosin Reservoir Campaign was conducted from October 1950 through December 1950 in temperatures that reached -100° Farenheit and possibly lower (by modern chill factors).
• Other campaigns or circumstances during military service, including training.

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Health Problems Associated with Cold Injuries

Cold injuries may result in long-term health problems, including the following signs and symptoms (at the site of exposure):

• Changes in muscle, skin, nails, ligaments, and bones
• Skin cancer in frostbite scars
• Neurologic injury with symptoms such as bouts of pain in the extremities, hot or cold tingling sensations, and numbness
• Vascular injury with Raynaud’s phenomenon with symptoms such as extremities becoming painful and white or discolored when cold

If you are concerned about health problems associated with cold injuries, contact the Environmental Health Coordinator or Patient Care Advocate at your nearest VA medical center.

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VA Benefits

Veterans

Veterans who had cold injuries during military service may be eligible for:

• Health care benefits: A full range of medical benefits
• Disability compensation benefits: Monthly payment for disabilities that VA determines are related to military service. VA decides these claims on a case-by-case basis.
• Other non-health care benefits: Home loans, vocational rehabilitation, education, and more

Survivors

Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of Veterans who died from health problems related to cold exposure during military service may be eligible for health care, compensation and other survivors’ benefits. Find out more about available benefits for survivors.

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