Health Still Ranks as Top Concern for Newly Separated Veterans
By PVA National Staff
A survey of nearly 10,000 veterans newly separated from military service found most were satisfied with their work and social well-being, but more than half reported chronic physical health problems, and a third reported chronic mental health conditions. The most commonly reported health conditions were chronic pain, sleep problems, anxiety, and depression. Slightly more than half of participants said they had reduced satisfaction with their health between when they first left the military and a few months later.
Researchers say their findings have implications not only for VA but for the wide spectrum of organizations nationwide—more than 40,000 in all—that provide programs, services, and support for veterans making their transition back to civilian life. Support provided to veterans leaving the military in recent years has focused on employment and educational assistance and informing veterans of their benefits. The findings from this study suggest that meeting the health care needs of separating members must be given even greater priority.
