Diabetes in the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Abstract

A core mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Epidemiologic Research and Information Centers (ERICs) is to contribute to knowledge on the frequency and causes of health conditions and their outcomes in U.S. veterans. The Seattle ERIC selected the growing burden of diabetes in veterans as a priority area and with our colleagues prepared this supplement. Our goals are 1 ) to provide an overview of VA services, benefits, and diabetes advances to the diabetes community and 2 ) to describe research findings based on our veterans with diabetes. The VA is the second largest of the 15 U.S. cabinet departments and operates nationwide programs for health care, financial assistance, and burial benefits. VA 2003 budget projections included $32.8 billion for benefits, $25.9 billion for health care, and $909 million for all VA construction, administration, and cemetery operations (1). Veterans have a distinct sociodemographic profile that reflects their entry into military service in times of peace and conflict. Among those discharged from military service (veterans), the priority for VA health care goes first to those with service-connected disabilities and then to others based on income and medical need. VA financial benefits are provided to 3.3 million people. About 2.7 …