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Veterans Issues

This page offers an easy way for policymakers to access veterans research and analysis that is relevant to current Congressional agendas.

Recent Findings

Blog
Supporting Veterans, Israel-Hamas War, AI and Geopolitics: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on supporting America's veterans, what Israel's ground offensive in Gaza can and cannot accomplish, how AI might affect the rise and fall of nations, and more.
Nov 10, 2023
Essay
Why Are U.S. Military Families Experiencing Food Insecurity?
Around a quarter of active-duty service members qualify as “food insecure.” But what's causing that, how to fix it—even what it means—is not clear. Food insecurity is a multifaceted problem that needs multifaceted solutions.
Nov 6, 2023
Commentary
A Matter of Trust: More Delays for the VA's EHR System
Given how long it's taken to get five Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals online, the path to around 170 hospitals using the VA's new electronic health record system seems hard to envision. The next step won't even come until March. Until then, veterans just have to wait as fixes are made, money is spent, and patients are hopefully kept safe.
Oct 6, 2023
Blog
Reconstructing Ukraine, Wildfires, Telehealth: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on reconstructing Ukraine, what to do about wildfires, virtual mental health care services, and more.
Jun 16, 2023
Multimedia
Geographic Availability of Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Veterans
Testimony presented before the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs on June 14, 2023.
Jun 14, 2023

More Research on Veterans

Briefings

Meeting the Health Care Needs of America's Veterans
A team of RAND experts conducted three independent assessments of the Veterans Choice Act (enacted in 2014). Researchers explored the health needs of veterans, the VA's capacity to deliver care, and steps policymakers can take toward the goal of providing high-quality, timely, and accessible health care for veterans.
Feb 18, 2016
Hidden Heroes: America's Military Caregivers
Military caregivers play an essential role in caring for injured or wounded service members and veterans. Terri Tanielian and Rajeev Ramchand will present the challenges today's military caregivers face, and what Congress and others can do to support them.
May 15, 2014
VA Mental Health Care: How Good Is It and How Can We Make It Better?
In this December 2011 Congressional Briefing, Katherine Watkins discusses highlights and recommendations from her study on the VA's capacity to deliver care to veterans with mental health and substance use disorders and the quality of the care that is delivered.
Dec 1, 2011
The War Within: Preventing Suicide in the U.S. Military
RAND researchers will discuss findings and recommendations from their recent study on the growing rate of military suicides, including who is at risk for suicide and what the Department of Defense is doing to prevent it.
May 10, 2011
Diversity of Service Academy Entrants and Graduates
Sheila Nataraj Kirby will present findings from an assessment of U.S. Department of Defense recruiting efforts, admissions policies, graduation rates, and career success rates with respect to the diversity of service academy entrants and graduates, with remarks by Rep. Elijah Cummings and the Honorable Madeleine Bordallo.
Jun 23, 2010

More Veterans Briefings

Alerts & Newsletters

RAND periodically sends email alerts to update Congress on highlights of recent work concerning veterans.

Geographic Availability of Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Veterans
Far too many Americans, and especially veterans, fail to receive treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). RAND Corporation's Jonathan Cantor discusses the complexity and accessibility of SUD treatment for veterans and makes recommendations to address the lack of data on SUD treatment providers and patients.
Jul 12, 2023
Wait Times for Veterans Scheduling Health Care Appointments
RAND researcher Carrie Farmer highlighted three recommendations for how Congress and VA could improve available data on Community Care, with the ultimate goal of providing veterans with the information needed to make decisions about where to receive care.
Oct 13, 2022
Better Aligning Housing Options with Veteran Preferences Could Help Alleviate Homelessness
Veteran homelessness in Los Angeles is a pervasive public health problem, with the county having the highest concentration of veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States. A new report describes a first-of-its-kind longitudinal study that followed 26 veterans experiencing homelessness in West Los Angeles.
Dec 16, 2021
Considering Veterans Policy in the 117th Congress
What are the biggest veterans' health policy issues facing the 117th Congress? RAND experts offer up insight on a variety of topics, including mental health, quality of care, suicide prevention, and more.
Feb 16, 2021
Improving Treatment for Post-9/11 Veterans with Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders
Veterans who have served in the military since September 11, 2001, are at particularly high risk for co-occurring substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. According to a new RAND report, veterans with co-occurring mental health and SUDs require evidence-based treatment for both types of disorders.
Jul 23, 2020
In Case You Missed It: How to Reduce Suicide Among U.S. Veterans and Service Members
The rate at which veterans and service members die by suicide is a national security problem that requires a comprehensive approach. RAND's Terri Tanielian outlines six priorities for addressing the challenge of suicide.
Jun 3, 2019
Are NY Health Care Providers Prepared to Meet the Needs of Veterans?
Are private health care providers in New York equipped to offer timely access to high-quality care that meets the needs of veterans? A new RAND study surveyed providers to better understand the state of overall provider readiness for the veteran population.
May 1, 2018
In Case You Missed It: Creating Better Support for Our Nation's Hidden Heroes
RAND conducted the first-ever study on the roles and risks of military and veteran caregivers in 2014. Now, a new research blueprint provides policymakers with an understanding of where more research is needed to improve the lives of these caregivers.
Jun 28, 2017
In Case You Missed It: Preventing Veteran Suicide
Suicide is a public health threat that affects all demographics, but recently attention has been focused on the risk of suicide among veterans. Preventative measures could include strengthening community-based programs for those who do not receive care at the VA.
May 19, 2017
Health Care Issues in the 115th Congress
RAND research examines a wide range of health care issues important to the 115th Congress: the Affordable Care Act and potential policy alternatives, health care delivery approaches, public health issues, drug policy, and veterans' health care issues.
Mar 24, 2017
2016 Hill Highlights
In 2016, RAND experts conducted briefings on Capitol Hill, provided testimonies before congressional committees, hosted workshops, and published reports on some of the nation's most pressing issues, including health care for veterans, autonomous vehicles, NATO military posture, and cyber policy.
Dec 15, 2016
Can the Civilian Mental Health Workforce Meet the Needs of the Veteran Population?
The current state of readiness among civilian behavioral health providers to deliver care to veterans and their families has gaps in several areas. Improvements in workforce assessments, training, and facilitation will help to ensure that high quality care is delivered.
Nov 12, 2014
RAND Study: Veteran Employment Valued, But Challenges Still Need to be Addressed
Businesses report that U.S. military veterans make excellent employees, but companies still experience challenges locating and hiring them according to a new RAND Corporation report
Nov 10, 2014
RAND Researchers Identify Gaps in Support for America's Military Caregivers
RAND released a new report, “Hidden Heroes: America's Military Caregivers” that sheds light on the magnitude of military caregiving in the United States and identifies gaps in the array of programs, policies, and initiatives designed to support military caregivers.
Apr 1, 2014
RAND.org's Redesign: New Homepage and Navigation Optimization for All Devices
RAND.org has been reimagined to make high quality research and insights more accessible to Hill staff like you. The new homepage and updated navigation optimize content delivery for your preferred device and place our most timely content at your fingertips.
Mar 20, 2014
June 27 Is PTSD Awareness Day
As Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day approaches, policymakers continue to look for ways to best help our nation's servicemembers and veterans with PTSD and other combat related mental health problems. RAND research addresses PTSD and similar issues.
Jun 24, 2013
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day
As PTSD Awareness Day approaches on June 27, policymakers continue to look for ways to best help our nation's servicemembers and veterans with PTSD and other combat-related issues. RAND research has documented the prevalence of post-deployment mental health problems among our newest generation of veterans.
Jun 21, 2012
Improving Disabled Veterans' Employment Prospects Using Tax Credits
Concern regarding the economic problems faced by veterans, particularly those disabled since 9/11, has motivated a range of new federal programs aimed at improving veteran employment, including legislation passed in 2007 which expanded the use of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program to incentivize hiring of disabled veterans.
Apr 13, 2012
Why Are For-Profit Colleges Appealing to Veterans?
As veterans return home from combat and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill, many have turned to for-profit colleges because of the schools' unique ability to meet their needs.
Mar 8, 2012
Senior Staff SOTU Debrief from RAND Corporation
We've assembled a selection of RAND reports, journal articles, commentary, videos, and experts on these SOTU topics that provide you with analysis, insights, and ideas you can use in the months ahead.
Jan 25, 2012

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Testimony

Improving Treatment Outcomes for Veterans with Mental Health Conditions: Strengthening the Evidence Base for and Considering Barriers to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies

Rajeev Ramchand
Testimony presented before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, Subcommittee on Health on November 14, 2023.
Geographic Availability of Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Veterans: The Need for Data-Driven Solutions

Jonathan H. Cantor
Testimony presented before the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs on June 14, 2023.
Wait Times for Veterans Scheduling Health Care Appointments: Challenges with Available Data on the Timeliness and Quality of VA Community Care

Carrie M. Farmer
Testimony presented before the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs on September 21, 2022.
Women Veterans' Access to Reproductive Health Care: Considering VA's New Interim Final Rule

Kayla M. Williams
Testimony presented before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Veterans' Affairs on September 15, 2022.
Suicide Prevention for U.S. Veterans: The Need for Data-Driven Solutions

Rajeev Ramchand
Testimony presented before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee on September 22, 2021.
Reducing Suicide Among U.S. Veterans: Implications from RAND Research

Terri Tanielian
Testimony presented before the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on National Security on May 8, 2019.
Ensuring Access to Timely, High-Quality Health Care for Veterans: Insights from RAND Research

Carrie M. Farmer, Terri Tanielian
Testimony submitted to the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs on April 10, 2019.
Supporting Military and Veteran Caregivers from All Eras: Insights from RAND's Research

Terri Tanielian
Testimony submitted to the House Veterans' Affairs Committee on February 6, 2018.
Preventing Veteran Suicide: The Critical Role of Community-Based Prevention

Rajeev Ramchand
Testimony presented before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies on April 27, 2017.
Higher Education Benefits for Post-9/11 Military Service Members and Veterans

Gabriella C. Gonzalez, Laura L. Miller, Peter Buryk, Jennie W. Wenger
Statement for the record submitted before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on March 17, 2015.
Hidden Heroes: Caregivers to America's Ill, Injured, and Wounded Service Members and Veterans

Rajeev Ramchand
Testimony presented before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health on December 3, 2014.
Military Veterans' Experiences in For-Profit Higher Education

Jennifer L. Steele
Testimony submitted before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on May 16, 2012.
Suicide Prevention Efforts and Behavioral Health Treatment in the Veterans Health Administration

Katherine E. Watkins
Testimony presented before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health on December 2, 2011.
Insights from Early RAND Research on Deployment: Effects on U.S. Service Members and Their Families

James Hosek
Testimony presented before the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee on July 27, 2011.

2010 and prior

Considerations for the Use of Private Security Contractors in Future U.S. Military Deployments June 18, 2010

Molly Dunigan

Testimony presented before the Commission on Wartime Contracting.
The Role of Incentive Pays in Military Compensation April 28, 2010

James Hosek

Testimony presented before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Personnel.
Children on the Home Front: The Experiences of Children from Military Families March 9, 2010

Anita Chandra

Testimony before the House Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
Gauging Future Demand for Veterans' Health Care: Does the VA Have the Forecasting Tools It Needs? April 29, 2009

Katherine M. Harris

Testimony presented before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee.
Assessing Combat Exposure and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Troops and Estimating the Costs to Society: Implications from the RAND Invisible Wounds of War Study March 24, 2009

Terri Tanielian

Testimony presented before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
Invisible Wounds of War: Quantifying the Societal Costs of Psychological and Cognitive Injuries June 12, 2008

Christine Eibner

Testimony presented before the Joint Economic Committee.
Invisible Wounds of War: Recommendations for Addressing Psychological and Cognitive Injuries June 11, 2008

Terri Tanielian

Testimony presented before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Invisible Wounds of War: Summary of Key Findings on Psychological and Cognitive Injuries June 11, 2008

Lisa H. Jaycox

Testimony presented before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Initiatives to Control Military Health Costs April 21, 2005

S. D. Hosek

Testimony presented to the Senate Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Personnel.
Statement on the Final Report of the President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans June 17, 2003

C. Ross Anthony

Testimony presented before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Testimony not available
A Review of the Scientific Literature as It Pertains to Gulf War Illnesses; Pyridostigmine Bromide November 16, 1999

Beatrice A. Golomb and C. Ross Anthony

Testimony presented to the Subcommittee on Health and Oversight and the Subcommittee on Investigations, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives.

More Testimony

Briefs

A Holistic Approach to Career Transition Support for Veterans, Spouses, and Caregivers: Experiences of Dog Tag Inc. Fellowship Alumni 2022

This brief presents findings and recommendations to guide refinements to Dog Tag Inc.'s entrepreneurial fellowship program, which helps veterans, their spouses, and their caregivers prepare for careers in the civilian workforce.
Guidance for Organizations That Support the Behavioral Health of Post-9/11 Veterans 2020

This brief highlights important treatment, provider, and system factors that organizations that support the behavioral health needs of veterans with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health disorders should consider.
Strategies to Improve Treatment for Post-9/11 Veterans with Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders 2020

This brief describes how treatment facilities could improve their care of veterans with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders and address barriers to care for such veterans.
Improving Employment Prospects for Soldiers Leaving the Regular Army 2017

Discusses the results of a new approach to develop an improved crosswalk between Army military occupational specialties (MOSs) and civilian occupations, highlighting ten of the Army's most populous combat and noncombat MOSs.
Supporting Those Who Served in Massachusetts: Needs, Well-Being, and Available Resources for Veterans 2017

Massachusetts veterans have unmet needs for education, employment, health care, housing, financial, and legal services. A better understanding of these needs can inform investments in services and guide efforts to remedy barriers to access.

More Research on Veterans