Description

VETQA indicates whether respondents who received veterans' payments during the previous calendar year said that they were required to fill out an annual income questionnaire for the Veterans Administration for VA compensation and pension purposes.

Note: Many veterans must also supply income information to determine their eligibility for enrollment into the VA health care system. While many veterans qualify for cost-free health care services based on a compensable service-related condition or other qualifying factor (e.g., former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients), most veterans are required to complete an annual financial assessment or means test to determine if they qualify for cost-free services. Veterans whose household income and net worth exceed the established threshold, as well as those who choose not to complete the financial assessment, must agree to pay required co-payments to become eligible for VA health care services.

Comparability

This variable is comparable over time.

For 1988 onward, the amount of income received from veterans' payments during the previous calendar year is reported in INCVET. For the same years, receipt of specific types of veterans' payments is indicated by the following variables: GOTVDISA (for veterans' disability compensation); GOTVEDUC (for veterans' educational assistance); GOTVPENS (for veterans' pensions); GOTVSURV (for veterans' survivor benefits); and GOTVOTHE (for other veterans' payments).

For 1976-1987, receipt of income from veterans' payments is indicated by GOTVETPA, and the amount of income from veterans' payments is combined with income from other government programs (such as unemployment compensation and workers' compensation) in INCGOV.

Universe

Flags

Unharmonized Variables

• UH_VETQVA_A1