Health and Health Care Service Utilization Among U.S. Veterans Denied VA Service-Connected Disability Compensation: A Review of the Literature.

Abstract

The general consensus in studies of individuals seeking federal disability compensation is that individuals "denied" disability compensation are healthier than those "awarded." In contrast, studies of military veterans seeking U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation suggest that those "denied" ("denied applicants") may be as impaired as those "awarded" ("awarded applicants"), and likely have critical, albeit unmet health care needs. Moreover, although social isolation among U.S. Veterans has received some attention, its broad influence on health and health care consumption among veterans "denied" VA disability compensation is not well understood. To provide a more thorough understanding of "denied" applicants' health, health care utilization, and social conditions. We reviewed published reports of health, health care utilization, and social isolation "relevant" to U.S. Veterans "denied" VA disability compensation. Among 122 research items initially reviewed, a total of 47 met our inclusion criteria and are summarized herein. Compared to veterans "awarded" VA disability compensation, those "denied" have poorer health, use less VA health care, and may experience social isolation. Veterans "denied" VA disability compensation may comprise a vulnerable subgroup of veterans in need of supportive services. Such needs may be addressed through evidence-based targeted outreach programs.