Veteran Policy Insights

Our news feeds continue to feature heartbreaking stories from conflicts abroad, reminding us why Congress resolved that November 11 “should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations.” The lives of all veterans—and their families, caregivers, and survivors—are inevitably altered by military service. The RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute is dedicated to conducting innovative research and analysis to ensure that they get the support they need to navigate and minimize these challenges. This month, we are proud to share several new publications exploring complex trends in the trajectories of veterans’ lives, which we hope will deepen your understanding of and connection to those who have served the nation.

Forward this newsletter to friends and encourage colleagues to subscribe here so they too can stay informed about developments in research, policy, and public discussions on veterans’ issues. Learn more about our published and ongoing work, as well as how to collaborate with us, at veterans.rand.org.

With appreciation for all who have served,

Carrie M. Farmer and Rajeev Ramchand

Codirectors, RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute

It can be difficult to find the most current, high-quality data on veterans. To fill this gap, the RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute developed a package of infographics for policymakers, researchers, veteran-serving organizations, and others who are dedicated to improving the lives of veterans and their families. Supplementing the infographics, A Summary of Veteran-Related Statistics provides background on the underlying methods and datasets, along with detailed analyses and broad takeaways. This rich collection brings together data from several nationally representative sources, providing quick-reference visualizations to shape policies and interventions that address veterans’ needs and close gaps in support.

• Trends in U.S. Veteran Demographics provides a snapshot of veterans’ demographic diversity and how veterans who have served since 9/11 differ from their predecessors.
• Prevalence of Past-Year Serious Psychological Distress Among U.S. Veterans profiles the disproportionate risk of psychological distress and suicidality among veterans who are younger, women, and racial/ethnic and sexual minorities.
• U.S. Veteran Labor Market Trends explores where veterans find civilian jobs after leaving the military and how they compare with their nonveteran peers when it comes to unemployment rates, likelihood of college enrollment, and likelihood of working while attending college.
• Alcohol and Substance Use Among U.S. Veterans examines patterns of substance use, substance use disorders, and treatment among pre- and post-9/11 veterans.

U.S. veterans are less likely than nonveterans to live in poverty, but past estimates have found that millions of veteran households spend more than half their income on housing costs. These veterans have an increased risk of experiencing housing instability and, in some cases, becoming homeless. RAND researchers generated updated estimates of veterans’ housing cost burden and analyzed trends over the past 15 years. Veterans are more likely to be homeowners and veteran households are less likely than nonveteran ones to be financially burdened by housing costs. However, low-income veterans, younger veterans, and women veterans continue to face a disproportionate risk of housing instability.

Recent Trends in Housing Cost Burden Among U.S. Military Veterans

Newly elected House Speaker Rep. Mike Johnson has just over a week to pass either another continuing resolution or FY 2024 appropriation bills to avoid a government shutdown. However, there has been movement at the federal level on issues that are important to veterans.

Two pieces of veteran-focused legislation were recently signed into law:

• Extension and Modification of Certain Authorities and Requirements Relating to the Department of Veterans Affairs and Other Purposes extends the licensure authorization for certain non-VA health care professionals to conduct compensation and pension exams on behalf of VA, regardless of location. The law also extends the authorization for emergency preparedness for public health emergencies through FY 2028.
• Strengthen Benefits for Children of Vietnam Veterans Born with Spina Bifida or Other Birth Defects requires the establishment of an advisory council on health care for these individuals, care and coordination teams for covered children, and a list of additional possible birth defects for which VA should provide outreach and support.

VA announced a data-sharing agreement and interoperability pledge with 13 community health care systems to improve veterans’ medical care and share information about their treatments, benefits, and routine care. RAND researchers, Congress, and others have been calling for a better understanding of the wait times, quality, and type of care veterans receive from providers in their communities. Lawmakers are considering several bills on the topic—for example, the Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act, the Protecting Veteran Community Care Act, and the Veterans’ Health Empowerment, Access, Leadership, and Transparency for Our Heroes (HEALTH) Act.

• Military Times covered RAND’s report on housing cost burden.
• Institute codirector Rajeev Ramchand was quoted in a piece on culture and military suicide.
• News outlets picked up on data about mental health issues and alcohol use from RAND’s new infographics.
• RAND’s recent report on food insecurity among veterans continues to garner media attention, including both long-form coverage and a quick explainer.
• The House Veterans Affairs Committee is holding a hearing on psychedelic treatments on Tuesday, November 14. Watch live or read Rajeev Ramchand’s pre-submitted written testimony.

November 16, 4–5pm EST / 1–2pm PST

Join the RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute as experts discuss the latest research comparing veterans’ and nonveterans’ housing cost burden and how these patterns can guide interventions to support populations at greatest risk of losing their housing. The discussion will also cover recent trends in housing costs and programs designed to increase veteran home ownership and promote housing stability. This event will be open to the public, with advance registration required. Those who register will receive Zoom connection details via email. See event details and register.