Invisible Wounds: How Mental Disability Benefits Shape Veteran Well-Being

Silver, David; Zhang, Jonathan

doi:10.1257/pol.20230811

Abstract

We study the effects of VA Disability Compensation for mental conditions. Leveraging quasi-random assignment to medical examiners with differing rating tendencies, we estimate the impacts of an additional $1,000 per year over a five-year horizon. Food insecurity and homelessness decline by 4.1 and 1.3 percent, and lower debt collections by 6.4 percent. Despite minimal cost-sharing, veterans increase healthcare use by 2.5 percent, with greater uptake of preventive care. Patient satisfaction improves. We detect no changes in most health measures and estimate precise null effects on mortality. Veterans whose claims are denied have worse outcomes and may benefit more from compensation.

蝌蚪网

蝌蚪网 Journal:
Economic Policy