Do The Army Special Forces Groups Have More VA Disability Claims Than Other Branches?
The physical toll varies drastically depending on the operational environment. Ground combat forces carry average rucksack weights exceeding 80 to 100 pounds, causing axial spine loading, degenerative joint disease, and chronic knee conditions. Shifting geopolitical environments and sustained deployments—such as evolving recruitment trends during Middle East tensions—continue to influence the types of injuries service members sustain over their careers.