Data and Code for: "Invisible Wounds: How Mental Disability Benefits Shape Veteran Well-Being"

Principal Investigator(s): View help for Principal Investigator(s) David Silver, University of California Santa Barbara; Jonathan Zhang, Duke University

Version: View help for Version V1

Name	File Type	Size	Last Modified
VADCGrowth.csv	text/csv	622 bytes	05/07/2025 11:07:AM
vadc-mortality-comparisons.xlsx	application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet	21.6 KB	05/07/2025 11:07:AM

Project Description

Summary: Abstract of paper:

We study the effects of VA Disability Compensation on veterans with mental health conditions--a large and growing share of the veteran population. Leveraging quasi random assignment to medical examiners with differing rating tendencies, we estimate the impacts of an additional $1,000 per year in disability income over a five-year horizon. The transfers reduce food insecurity and homelessness by 4.1 and 1.3 percentage points, 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 and improved medication adherence. Patient satisfaction improves, particularly around communication and trust. 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, suggesting the programs current rules may exclude those with substantial unmet need.

Scope of Project

Subject Terms: mental disorders; veterans; disability income

JEL Classification:
      H51 National Government Expenditures and Health
      H53 National Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs
      I12 Health Behavior
      I38 Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty: Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

Geographic Coverage: United States

Collection Notes: An observation (row) is a veteran first claiming mental health VA DC benefits. Outcomes are rows, and can reflect multiple time horizons (e.g., 3 year or 5 year outcomes).

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Published Versions

V1 [2025-12-22]

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Dublin Core

DDI 2.5

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