According to researchers, recent reports suggest U.S. service members who deployed in support of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have higher rates of new-onset asthma than those who did not deploy. Millennium Cohort Study researchers aimed to determine what risk factors may be associated with developing asthma, including combat deployment, among study participants.

Analyzing the military and health records of nearly 23,000 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans, researchers with VA and the Department of Defense found little evidence of a higher risk of respiratory problems among those who served near burn pits.

The Millennium Cohort Study, which was launched in 2001 to help address health outcomes related to Service members' deployments, will soon be increasing its enrollment to more than 200,000 participants. The next survey cycle, which begins this year, will add 50,000 new Cohort members plus 10,000 spouses of Service members to the study.

Recent research from the Millennium Cohort Study found that military personnel who deployed with combat experiences were more likely to report back pain after deployment than service members who deployed without combat experience. Study findings were recently published in the November issue of Spine.

On Aug. 2, 2021, VA announced it would begin processing disability claims for asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis based on presumed particulate matter exposures during military service in Southwest Asia and certain other areas if these conditions manifested within 10 years of a qualifying period of military service. Much of the data for this significant decision came from the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS), a partnership between the VA Office of Research and Development’s Cooperative Studies Program and the Department of Defense.

The U.S. military's largest veterans benefits update website, run by Military.com, has recently posted an announcement of the upcoming 2007 Millennium Cohort Study survey ...

Almost half of U.S. military personnel use dietary supplements, and many of them are seeking bodybuilding, weight loss and sleep benefits, according to a recent survey of more than 100,000 members of U.S. forces.

Transcript from the JAMA Report's interview with Millennium Cohort Study researchers ...

Analysis of factors associated with death by suicide during and after military service found that suicide was most common among those with bipolar disorder, depression and alcohol-related problems. Additionally, death by suicide was associated with fewer cumulative days of deployment, the occupation of combat specialist, deployment experience pre-2001 and male gender. Overall, 12.8% of the deaths in the current sample were due to suicide.

Military personnel who have a psychiatric disorder prior to deployment or who've been injured during combat are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after they return home.