Veterans who worked with machinery on a regular basis during military service may been exposed to:
- Hand-arm vibration from using power hand tools
- Whole-body vibration from operating heavy equipment such as trucks, helicopters, and ships
If you are concerned about vibration exposure during military service, talk to your health care provider or local VA Environmental Health Coordinator.
Health problems associated with vibration exposure
Vibration can affect the body in various ways:
- Continuous exposure may cause serious damage to the body.
- Regular exposure to hand-arm vibration may cause Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, and pain in the fingers and hands.
- Regular exposure to whole body vibration may cause low back pain.
Learn more about vibration exposure and its health effects from the Naval Safety Center.
Health concerns?
If you are concerned about health problems associated with vibration exposure during military service, talk to your health care provider or local VA Environmental Health Coordinator. Veterans not enrolled in the VA health care system, find out if you qualify for VA health care.
VA benefits
Veterans may be eligible for VA disability compensation benefits and health care benefits for health problems associated with vibration exposure during military service.
Veterans' dependents and survivors also may be eligible for benefits. Read Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors to learn more.
Connect with Us
Veterans Health
Contact VA
Environmental Health
Coordinators Directory
- Health Care
1-877-222-8387 - Benefits
1-800-827-1000 - TDD (hearing impaired)
1-800-829-4833
