Percentage of Veterans Using the VA

VA Healthcare Utilization

According to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) conducted from 2019-2021, approximately 44.6% of civilian noninstitutionalized veterans aged 25-64 utilized VA healthcare either solely or in conjunction with other coverage options such as private insurance, public coverage, or Tricare.

Key Facts

  1. In 2019-2021, 44.6% of civilian noninstitutionalized veterans aged 25-64 had VA health care either alone or in combination with private insurance, public coverage, or Tricare.
  2. The latest available report from the VA contains data from October 1, 2001, to June 30, 2015. It states that approximately 62% of all separated OEF/OIF/OND Veterans have used VA health care since October 1, 2001.
  3. Between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015, a total of 738,212 OEF/OIF/OND Veterans accessed VA health care.
  4. The report also highlights that musculoskeletal ailments, symptoms, signs, and ill-defined conditions, and mental disorders were the three most common diagnoses among these Veterans.

VA Healthcare Utilization by OEF/OIF/OND Veterans

A report from the VA, covering the period from October 1, 2001, to June 30, 2015, indicates that an estimated 62% of all separated OEF/OIF/OND Veterans have accessed VA healthcare since October 1, 2001. Between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015, a total of 738,212 OEF/OIF/OND Veterans utilized VA healthcare services.

Common Diagnoses among OEF/OIF/OND Veterans

The VA report also highlights that musculoskeletal ailments, symptoms, signs, and ill-defined conditions, as well as mental disorders, were the three most prevalent diagnoses among OEF/OIF/OND Veterans who accessed VA healthcare.

Sources

FAQs

What percentage of veterans use the VA?

Approximately 44.6% of civilian noninstitutionalized veterans aged 25-64 use VA healthcare either solely or in combination with other coverage options.

How many OEF/OIF/OND Veterans have used VA healthcare?

An estimated 62% of all separated OEF/OIF/OND Veterans have accessed VA healthcare since October 1, 2001.

How many OEF/OIF/OND Veterans accessed VA healthcare between 2014 and 2015?

Between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015, a total of 738,212 OEF/OIF/OND Veterans accessed VA healthcare.

What are the most common diagnoses among OEF/OIF/OND Veterans who use VA healthcare?

The most common diagnoses among OEF/OIF/OND Veterans who use VA healthcare are musculoskeletal ailments, symptoms, signs, and ill-defined conditions, as well as mental disorders.

Is VA healthcare free for veterans?

VA healthcare is generally not free for veterans. Veterans may be responsible for copays for care received through VA and for costs of care provided outside of VA, with amounts depending on priority group. Care for an illness or injury related to a veteran’s military service is provided for free.

What are the eligibility requirements for VA healthcare?

Eligibility for VA healthcare is based on military service history, income, and disability rating. Veterans can apply for VA healthcare and are assigned to one of eight priority groups.

How do I apply for VA healthcare?

Veterans can apply for VA healthcare by completing an application online or by visiting their local VA medical center.

What services are covered by VA healthcare?

VA healthcare covers a wide range of services, including preventive, inpatient, emergency, mental health, and other services. VA-eligible veterans may choose to enroll in VA health care, either as their only source of healthcare coverage or in combination with non-VA healthcare coverage.