Description

VDISRATE indicates the service-connected disability rating assigned by the United States Veterans Administration to those who are veterans and who have been assigned any such rating. Service-connected disability ratings are used to determine monthly benefit amounts for disabled veterans. The rating system assigns a disability rating (in 10% increments) representing the "average detriment to earning capacity" attributable to the service-connected disability. A zero-rating, which is different than having no rating at all, means a disability exists but it is not so disabling that it entitles the veteran to compensation payments. The related variable, VDISABLE, identifies veterans who have been assigned a disability rating by the VA.

More detailed information on disability definitions from the VA can be found in the Schedule for Rating Disabilities in Title 38, U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Part 4. More information about disability compensation from the VA can be found here.

(See the variable description for VETSTAT for more information on who is considered a veteran by the U.S. Census Bureau.)

This variable is part of the Veterans Supplement

Comparability

In 2003 and earlier, Veteran's supplement respondents were 18 and older; in 2005 and later, respondents to the supplement were 17 and older.

This variable is otherwise comparable over time.

Universe

Flags

Unharmonized Variables