Securing Benefits for Former Prisoners of War

Veterans who endured captivity as Prisoners of War (POWs) have made extraordinary sacrifices in service to their country. Many POWs suffer from long-term physical and psychological effects due to malnutrition, forced labor, torture, and exposure to extreme conditions. Recognizing the hardships endured by former POWs, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides special disability benefits and compensation for conditions presumed to be connected to captivity.


Martin and Lerda is committed to helping former POWs and their families navigate the VA claims process, ensuring they receive the benefits and medical care they rightfully deserve.

A soldier is sitting in a wheelchair in a living room.

Health Conditions Linked to POW Status

Many former POWs suffer from severe medical conditions that may qualify for VA disability compensation. Due to the harsh conditions, physical abuse, and psychological trauma endured during captivity, the VA has designated certain conditions as presumptively service-connected for POWs who were held in captivity for at least 30 days.


Presumptive Conditions for Former POWs

Neurological & Psychological Conditions:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Dementia associated with brain trauma
  • Depressive disorders and anxiety



Musculoskeletal & Joint Disorders:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Arthritis due to prolonged malnutrition and forced labor


Digestive & Nutritional Deficiencies:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Peptic ulcer disease
  • Malnutrition-related illnesses, including avitaminosis and beriberi


Cardiovascular & Respiratory Diseases:

  • Ischemic heart disease
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Chronic respiratory disorders


Chronic Pain & Systemic Conditions:

  • Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
  • Residual effects of frostbite and extreme exposure
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia


Because these conditions are presumed to be service-connected, former POWs do not need to prove a direct link between captivity and their disability to qualify for benefits. However, submitting the correct medical evidence and service records is still critical to ensuring that claims are processed smoothly.

VA Disability Benefits for Former POWs

The VA recognizes that POWs face unique health challenges due to the extreme conditions of captivity. Veterans who were held as POWs may qualify for:

  • VA Disability Compensation for service-connected medical conditions.
  • Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for veterans with severe disabilities affecting mobility or independence.
  • Access to VA Health Care with priority treatment for service-related conditions.
  • Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses and dependents of POWs who passed away due to service-connected conditions.
A man is carrying a little girl on his shoulders while she holds an american flag.

For veterans who were held captive for any length of time, the VA may still grant benefits if a medical condition can be linked to their time in captivity. Martin and Lerda ensures that all required evidence is properly documented to maximize compensation and medical support.

Proving Eligibility for POW-Related VA Benefits

To receive POW-related VA benefits, veterans must provide:

  1. Proof of military service and documentation of captivity.
  2. A diagnosis of a qualifying medical condition.
  3. A medical nexus (if the condition is not presumptive) linking captivity to the disability.



In cases where official POW records are incomplete or missing, veterans may submit personal statements, eyewitness accounts, and supporting medical evidence to establish eligibility. Martin and Lerda works closely with former POWs and their families to ensure that all necessary documentation is properly submitted.

How Martin and Lerda Helps Former POWs

Filing a VA disability claim for a former POW requires experienced legal guidance to ensure that all necessary records and medical reports are submitted correctly. Martin and Lerda provides:

  • Assistance in gathering military service records and documentation of captivity.
  • Guidance in proving eligibility for presumptive conditions.
  • Collaboration with medical professionals to provide expert opinions on long-term health conditions.
  • Help in filing a Fully Developed Claim (FDC) for faster VA processing.
  • Legal representation to ensure veterans receive the correct disability rating for their condition.

Many former POWs and their families struggle to obtain the full benefits they deserve due to missing service records or lack of clear medical documentation. Martin and Lerda ensures that every veteran receives the support and advocacy needed to secure VA compensation.


Additional Resources for Former POWs

📌  VA Disability Benefits for Former POWs
📌  VA POW Benefits & Support Services
📌  National League of POW/MIA Families

Don’t Let the VA Stand Between You and the Benefits You Earned

Veterans who were held as prisoners of war and suffer from long-term health conditions due to captivity deserve fair compensation and priority VA health care. Martin and Lerda is committed to ensuring that former POWs receive the legal support, medical documentation, and advocacy needed to secure the benefits they have earned.


Call (412) 271-6800 today to discuss your POW disability claim and take the next step toward securing your VA benefits.