Blast exposure during military service may be linked to long-term health problems
Study finds veterans who experienced high-level blast injuries were more likely to develop chronic health conditions years later.
September 16, 2026
*Reviewed by Sarah Song, MD, MPH, FAAN
Key takeaways
- In this study, veterans who were injured by a high-level blast during military service were more likely to be diagnosed with several long-term neurological conditions, such as seizures, neuropathy, and stroke.
- The study does not prove that exposure to blasts causes these conditions.
- Researchers say blast exposure may be an important factor for doctors to consider when monitoring veterans' long-term health.
A study published September 16, 2026, in Neurology® found that veterans who were injured by a powerful blast or explosion during military service may face a higher risk of developing chronic health problems years later.
Researchers looked at survey results from over 36,000 veterans who received care from the Veterans Health Administration for at least two years after leaving military service. In the survey, participants were asked if they had ever been injured by a blast, explosion, or bullet, and how many times it had happened.
The researchers focused on two types of blast exposure:
- High-level blast exposure refers to injuries caused by major explosions such as explosive devices, grenades, or land mines.
- Low-level blast exposure refers to repeated exposure to forces generated by weapons systems like artillery or breaching tools.
In this study, veterans who were exposed to high-level blasts were more likely to develop chronic health conditions like hepatitis B and C, seizures, diabetes, stroke, neuropathy, and high cholesterol. They were also more likely to develop lung diseases like chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
The study does not prove that blast exposure directly caused these health problems. Other factors such as lifestyle, stress, injuries, or access to health care are important to consider. Still, the study suggests that blast exposure may have lasting effects beyond the initial injury.
The researchers conclude that veterans with a history of high-level blast exposure may benefit from ongoing monitoring for cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, and neurological conditions as they age.
