Full Citation

Title: Variations in Functional Limitations and Disability in the United States by Veteran Status, Race, and Gender

Citation Type: Miscellaneous

Publication Year: 2007

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Abstract: There are competing predictions regarding the relationship between military service, functional limitations, and disability. Some research suggests military service should lead to lower rates of functional limitations and disability, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Other research indicates military service, particularly service during war time, should increase the risk of functional limitations and disability. However, despite the numerous studies on health conditions among veterans, there are very few studies that use national data to examine the differences in functional limitations and disability between veterans and nonveterans. Furthermore, there are no studies that consider how these relationships vary by race/ethnicity and gender. The purpose of this research is to examine these issues with census data from the 2000 Public Use Microdata Sample. The findings indicate that veterans are significantly more likely to have a functional limitation or disability than nonveterans. However, this relationship varies substantially across race/ethnicity and gender. Black, Native American, and Multiracial veterans have significantly higher odds of having functional limitations and disabilities than their nonveteran counterparts and Non-Hispanic White nonveterans. Furthermore, female veterans overall, and in these three racial/ethnic groups in particular, have substantially higher odds of having functional limitations or disability than female nonveterans and males regardless of veteran status. Possible explanations for these observed differences are discussed.

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Authors: Wendy, Parker; London, Andrew; Wilmoth, Janet

Publisher: Syracuse University

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Other, Race and Ethnicity

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