title: Disability Among Veterans: Analysis of the National Survey of Veterans (1997-2001).
abstract: This manuscript assesses whether the Veterans Administration Rating System (VADR) correlates with self-reported activities of daily living (ADL) used in the National Survey of Veterans and likelihood of employment. Veterans' disability benefits are determined based on a single-index standardized rating scheme, measured at time of discharge. The primary aim of this study was to assess how this single-index rating of disability for veterans compares to multidimensional measures of disability (ADL and instrumental activities of daily living [IADL]). The relationship between disability ratings and labor market outcomes such as job search behavior and the likelihood of being employed was assessed. Successful labor market reintegration requires both physical/mental well-being, we examined the extent that VADR can capture the relationship between job market behavior and measures of mental/physical health. Kernel regression estimates were obtained of the likelihood of working/looking for work. Mean numbers of IADL and ADL difficulties and medical conditions were positively associated with VADR (p-trend < 0.001). An inverse relationship was observed with VADR and predicted probability of working (p-trend < 0.001). The combination of >4 ADL/IADL deficits and mental health diagnosis increased the likelihood of not working. The probability of not working correlated with VADR when VADR was greater than 40%.
authors.affiliation: Center for the Study of Chronic Illness and Disability, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MSN 5B7, Fairfax, VA 22033.
authors.forename: Lynn H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Gerber
authors.affiliation: Center for the Study of Chronic Illness and Disability, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MSN 5B7, Fairfax, VA 22033.
authors.forename: Ali A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Weinstein
authors.affiliation: Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MSN 5B7, Fairfax, VA 22033.
authors.forename: Cara L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Frankenfeld
authors.affiliation: IMPAQ International, 10420 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 300, Columbia, MD 21044.
authors.forename: Minh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Huynh
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004651:Employment; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D011336:Probability; D012307:Risk Factors; D014478:Unemployment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*