The influence of military service and separation on veterans' identities and reintegration experiences: A qualitative analysis.

Military service profoundly shapes identity, making separation a period of potential disruption. Veterans with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) may face a "dual loss" of military identity and physical capability that complicates reintegration. This qualitative study explored identity redefinition among 20 recently separated veterans with MSDs using semi-structured interviews and rapid qualitative analysis informed by Military Transition Theory and the Cognitive Developmental Model of Social Identity Integration. Four themes emerged: (1) Becoming the Job, reflecting deep identity fusion with military roles; (2) No Longer in Uniform, describing identity disruption and loss of purpose after separation; (3) What Gets in the Way, highlighting functional, psychological, and relational barriers to reintegration; and (4) Growth Beyond Service, showing efforts to rediscover self, values, roles, and community. Findings underscore that identity adaptation is central to reintegration and that interventions should address identity disruption challenges that shape post-military adjustment.