Arthritis and the Military
In partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Arthritis Foundation has expanded support for the more than 1 in 3 military veterans battling doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Find information, tips and resources that can help active-duty and veteran service members take control of arthritis symptoms and challenges.

Early Onset OA
Active-duty and veteran service members have high rates of osteoarthritis. Learn why and what’s being done about it.
Learn More
Benefits of Mind-Body Therapies
Learn how these techniques are helping veterans find relief from mental and physical trauma.
Learn More
Connect With Other Veterans
Active military and veterans nationwide living with arthritis connect virtually for information sessions to improve pain management and quality of life, as well as fun group activities.
Learn More
Stay Active
Explore 14 joint-friendly exercises to help get you moving. Choose a low-impact activity that’s just right for you to relieve pain, improve flexibility, reduce stress and lose weight.
Learn More
Get Better Rest
Do you often feel tired and run down? That’s a common issue for people with arthritis. This on-demand webinar covers proven strategies for combatting sleeplessness and fatigue.
Learn More
Manage Your Pain
Arthritis pain interferes with daily life in countless ways, preventing people from doing routine tasks and forcing many to give up the things they love. See ways to help control your pain.
Learn MoreImpact of Arthritis
military veterans have doctor-diagnosed arthritis
cause of disability in the U.S. is arthritis
leading cause of medical discharge from the military
Easing Anxiety
Using the Breath to Stress Less
Personal trainer and combat veteran, Dan Hill, discusses how to intentionally use the breath to dial down stress and anxiety.
Be Kind to Yourself
Encouragement to Have Courage
Reflecting on his own journey with arthritis, retired Army SFC Farron Dozier offers encouraging words to fellow service members struggling with joint pain.
VA Resources
Learn More About VA Health Care
Find out how to apply for and manage the health care benefits you've earned. You can access veterans health services and get medical equipment, prosthetics and prescriptions.
Advocating for Veterans with Arthritis
The Arthritis Foundation advocates for funding and research on arthritis in the military. Learn more about this work and how to urge your legislators to support this vital funding.
Change the Future Now
It takes just a few minutes to participate in our INSIGHTS study, which is helping shape arthritis research, resources and the kind of support that matters most to you. Do it for yourself and others.
Take the SurveyPain Management App
What chronic pain takes away, Vim gives back. This free, handy app will help you set achievable goals, obtain helpful resources and connect with others who listen and support you.
Download the Vim AppPartnership With VA
Military service members are more prone to develop arthritis than civilians. The Arthritis Foundation and the Department of Veterans Affairs have teamed up to offer even more support.
Learn MoreSign Up for Updates
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by staying on top of the latest information, tips and resources offered by the Arthritis Foundation and our community. Learn about upcoming webinars, new e-books and podcasts, medical breakthroughs and more. Be in the know and live your best Yes.
Building a Personal Pain Plan
Building a Personal Pain Plan
In this episode, learn how to create a realistic pain management plan that factors in what you’ve experienced in the military and things you’ve encountered along the way.
Listen Now
Pain is incredibly complex and difficult to live with. What’s most important is finding ways to live the life that you love. If there are things you want to change, start very small and set yourself up for success.
Podcast guest Rachel Aaron, MA, PhDFB Live: Men in Chronic Pain
Overcoming Stigmas and Finding Solutions
Society says men should be tough. But when you live with chronic pain, how do you overcome the stigma? In this live session, a panel of patients and experts share tips on finding solutions for arthritis and how to overcome harmful stereotypes so you can better manage your pain.