Vet Ticks: Complete Guide for Veterans, Active Duty, and Military Families

Vet Ticks: Complete Guide for Veterans, Active Duty, and Military Families

Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that can transmit serious diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis . For Veterans and active-duty service members, tick exposure is a significant concern during training, deployment, and outdoor activities. The most common tick species affecting military personnel in the U.S. include the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), the Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), and the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) . These ticks are found in grassy meadows, forest edges, and along trails and roadways . Military personnel can protect themselves through permethrin-treated uniforms and proper tick checks after outdoor activities .

Quick Facts

What Is a Tick?

Ticks are not insects—they are arachnids related to spiders and mites . They are blood-sucking parasites that attach to animals and humans to feed. As they feed, ticks can transmit diseases through their saliva .

Tick Life Cycle

Ticks have four life stages:

1. Egg

2. Larva

3. Nymph

4. Adult 

Ticks can survive from several months to several years without feeding, depending on environmental conditions . Ticks that have been attached for a short time (an hour to a few days) appear flat. Ticks that have fed for days appear rounded due to the blood they have consumed .

Hard Ticks vs. Soft Ticks

The Ixodidae family (“hard” ticks) contains more than 600 species. The Argasidae family (“soft” ticks) contains about 185 species . Hard ticks are responsible for most tick-borne disease transmission to humans.

Common Tick Species Affecting Military Personnel

American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis)

• Distribution: Eastern half of the United States, from Florida to southern Canada, and along the Pacific Coast 

• Habitat: Low elevation grasslands, forest edges, trails, and roadways 

• Hosts: Adults feed on medium-to-large mammals (dogs, raccoons, deer, humans); immatures feed on small mammals (voles, chipmunks) 

• Diseases: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, tick paralysis 

• Appearance: Ornate reddish-brown tick with distinct lacy silvery-white markings on the scutum 

Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni)

• Distribution: Rocky Mountain states and western Canada 

• Life Cycle: 1 to 3 years depending on altitude and host availability 

• Diseases: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, Colorado tick fever, Q fever, tick paralysis 

Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes scapularis)

• Distribution: Eastern and northeastern U.S.

• Diseases: Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis

Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)

• Distribution: Worldwide—one of the few tick species with global distribution 

• Importance for Military: Primary vector for Ehrlichia canis and Babesia canis affecting military working dogs (MWDs) 

• Diseases: Canine ehrlichiosis, babesiosis

Tick-Borne Diseases Important for Military Personnel

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

What It Is: A severe, potentially fatal illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, transmitted by the American dog tick and Rocky Mountain wood tick . Delayed diagnosis is often fatal .

Who Qualifies: Anyone bitten by an infected tick. RMSF cases are increasing in the U.S. and have been documented in military personnel <span class=””>.

Why It Matters: RMSF can kill. Several cases have been reported where both people and their pet dogs became infected, proving fatal for the dogs in both cases, and for the owner in one case .

What to Do Next: If you develop fever, headache, and rash after a tick bite, seek immediate medical care. Prompt treatment is critical.

Lyme Disease

What It Is: A bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted by blacklegged ticks .

Who Qualifies: Anyone bitten by an infected blacklegged tick. Veterans can file VA claims for Lyme disease contracted during service or training .

Why It Matters: Without treatment, Lyme disease can cause arthritis, neurological problems, and heart issues.

What to Do Next: If you develop a bullseye rash or flulike symptoms after a tick bite, see your healthcare provider. VA claims can be filed for service-connected Lyme disease .

Ehrlichiosis and Babesiosis

What They Are: Ehrlichiosis is an intracellular infection of white blood cells caused by Ehrlichia species. Babesiosis is a parasitic infection of red blood cells caused by Babesia species .

Who Qualifies: Military personnel and military working dogs (MWDs) deployed to areas with infected ticks .

Why It Matters: These diseases can cause chronic, cyclic illness. Canine ehrlichiosis has mortality rates upwards of 25% if untreated. Infected MWDs compromise military missions .

What to Do Next: Seek veterinary care for MWDs with fever, lethargy, or pale mucous membranes. Humans should seek medical evaluation for fever, anemia, or thrombocytopenia .

Risk Factors for Service Members

Military personnel face unique tick exposure risks:

• Training and field exercises in wooded and grassy areas 

• Deployments to regions with endemic tick-borne diseases 

• Military working dogs<span class=””> are susceptible to tick-borne pathogens and can transport ticks back to base 

• Inadvertent importation of ticks upon redeployment 

Military Tick Prevention and Protection

Permethrin-Treated Uniforms

What It Is: The U.S. military uses permethrin factory-treated Army Combat Uniforms (ACUs) to protect service members from ticks. Active duty Soldiers, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, and ROTC members have access to these uniforms. Air Force and Marine Corps personnel have also been offered permethrin-treated uniforms .

Who Qualifies: Active duty, Guard, Reserve, and ROTC personnel .

Why It Matters: A study of the Military Tick Identification/Infection Confirmation Kit (MilTICK) program found that permethrin use resulted in significantly lower proportions of engorged ticks submitted across users .

What to Do Next: Use permethrin-treated uniforms during outdoor activities. Ensure proper care to maintain effectiveness—performance may degrade over the life of the garment .

Personal Protection Measures

The Most Effective Step: Keeping away from tick-prone areas—tall grass, wooded areas, and the border between lawns and woods .

Other Measures:

• Wear permethrin-treated clothing 

• Use insect repellents containing DEET

• Perform thorough tick checks after outdoor activities 

• Wash and dry clothing on high heat to kill ticks

Removing Ticks

How to Remove a Tick

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin 

2. Pull gently upward—do not twist or jerk

3. Never remove a tick with bare hands—some diseases can be transmitted through breaks in the skin or contact with mucous membranes 

4. Do not use hot matches or other folk remedies 

After Removal

• Clean the bite area with soap and water or alcohol 

• Monitor the site for redness or swelling—see a doctor if it worsens 

• If you develop symptoms (fever, rash, fatigue), seek medical evaluation

VA Disability for Tick Bites and Tick-Borne Diseases

What Is VA Service Connection for Tick-Related Conditions?

Veterans can receive VA disability compensation for residuals of tick-borne diseases that are service-connected. This includes conditions like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and tick bite scars .

Who Qualifies?

To qualify for VA disability for a tick-related condition, you must prove:

1. An in-service event—a tick bite during active duty or training 

2. A current diagnosis of a tick-borne disease or residuals 

3. A nexus (connection) between the service event and the current condition 

VA Claim Examples

Lyme Disease Case (Docket 99-06 123): A veteran sought service connection for residuals of a tick bite injury from May 1994 during inactive duty training. Diagnostic evaluation confirmed Lyme disease. The case was remanded for further examination to determine etiology .

Residuals of Tick Bites (Docket 03-15 916): A veteran sought service connection for residuals of tick bites sustained in service. The Board remanded the case for VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the residuals .

Increased Rating (Docket 94-26 803): A veteran had service connection for residuals of tick bite, furunculosis at right groin area. The rating was increased from 0% to 10%. The veteran sought a higher rating for continued symptoms including itching, flaking, and pain .

How to File a VA Claim

1. Obtain your military medical records documenting the tick bite

2. Get a current diagnosis from a VA provider or private physician

3. File a claim using VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation)

4. Submit evidence, including service records and medical records

5. Consider working with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO)

Rating for Tick-Related Conditions

VA rates tick-borne diseases based on the specific diagnosis and its residuals:

• Lyme disease is rated based on the affected body system (e.g., neurological, musculoskeletal)

• Residuals of tick bites (scars, furunculosis) may be rated under diagnostic codes for skin conditions 

• Ratings can range from 0% to 100% depending on severity

• As of 2025, a 10% VA rating pays $175.51 monthly; 100% pays $3,831.30 

Common Questions

1. What is the most common tick affecting military personnel?

The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is one of the most common and widespread ticks in North America, frequently infesting military personnel in training areas in the eastern U.S. .

2. How does permethrin protect service members from ticks?

Permethrin-treated uniforms are factory-treated with an insecticide that kills ticks on contact. A military study found significantly lower proportions of engorged ticks submitted by users of permethrin-treated uniforms compared to non-users .

3. Can I get VA disability for a tick bite?

Yes. VA service connection is available for residuals of tick bites and tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, provided the tick bite occurred during active duty or training and the current condition is linked to that event .

4. How do I prevent tick bites during military training?

Use permethrin-treated uniforms, wear DEET, stay on trails, avoid tall grass and brush, and perform thorough tick checks after outdoor activities. Wash and dry clothing on high heat to kill ticks .

5. What diseases do American dog ticks transmit?

The American dog tick transmits Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), tularemia, and causes tick paralysis. It is the primary vector of RMSF in the southeastern and central United States <span class=””>.

6. Is Lyme disease service-connected for Veterans?

Yes, if Lyme disease was contracted during active duty or training. In Docket 99-06 123, a veteran with Lyme disease from a tick bite during inactive duty training was granted service connection <span class=””>.

7. How should I remove a tick if I find one?

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull gently upward. Do not twist or jerk. Never use bare hands or hot matches .

8. What should I do after a tick bite?

Remove the tick promptly. Clean the bite area. Monitor for signs of infection or systemic symptoms like fever, rash, or fatigue. Seek medical care if symptoms develop .

9. Are military working dogs at risk for tick-borne diseases?

Yes. Military working dogs are susceptible to ehrlichiosis and babesiosis, transmitted by brown dog ticks. These infections can compromise mission readiness and have mortality rates up to 25% if untreated .

10. What are the symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever?

Symptoms include fever, headache, and a characteristic spotted rash. RMSF can be fatal if not treated promptly. The disease is transmitted by American dog ticks and Rocky Mountain wood ticks .

Key Takeaways

• Ticks are arachnids that transmit serious diseases including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis .

• The American dog tick is the most common tick species affecting military personnel in the United States .

• Permethrin-treated uniforms significantly reduce tick engorgement and are available to active duty, Guard, Reserve, and ROTC personnel .

• Proper tick removal requires fine-tipped tweezers—never bare hands or hot matches .

• VA service connection is available for residuals of tick bites and tick-borne diseases contracted during service .

• Prevention is the best defense: avoid tick habitats, wear treated clothing, and perform thorough tick checks .

• Rocky Mountain spotted fever is increasing in the U.S. and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly .

• Military working dogs are vulnerable to tick-borne diseases that can compromise mission readiness .

• Document any tick bites in service medical records to strengthen a future VA claim.

Official Resources

• VA Disability Compensation: VA.gov/disability

• VA Form 21-526EZ: VA.gov/find-forms

• CDC Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases: CDC.gov/ticks

• Military Tick Identification Kit (MilTICK): Contact installation Preventive Medicine

• Find a Veterans Service Organization (VSO): VA.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation