Description

VDISABLE indicates whether the United States Veterans Administration has assigned the veteran a service-connected disability rating. VDISRATE gives the level of disability assigned. 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. More detailed information on disability definitions from the VA can be found here. 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 1985 only males were eligible for the Veterans Supplement.

In 2003 and earlier, Veterans Supplement respondents were 18 and older; in 2005 and later, respondents to the supplement were 17 and older.

In 2020 and earlier, the source question for VDISABLE asks if respondents have received a service-connected disability rating. Beginning in 2021, respondents are asked if they have "filed a claim for or received a rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense" for a service-connected disability.

VDISABLE is otherwise comparable over time.

Universe

Flags

Unharmonized Variables