Description

VETDISAB indicates whether a U.S.military veteran has a service-connected disability.

The Field Representative's Manual for 1977-1978 defined a "service connected" disability as "one which resulted from something that happened while the person was in the Armed Forces for which he receives or is eligible for financial benefits or medical services, because of a health problem or disability from the government." This definition was not shared with survey respondents unless they asked for clarification. Apparently, requests for clarification were not uncommon; the Manual stated, "Use this definition if questions arise."

U.S. military veterans are identified in VETSERVWHEN. The universe for VETDISAB consists of persons age 17 and over who were not identified as "nonveteran" in VETSERVWHEN. Persons classified as "Unknown if served in armed forces" in VETSERVWHEN were in the universe for VETDISAB, as were those who had definitely served in the U.S. armed forces.

Comparability

This variable is comparable between 1977 and 1978.

Universe

Availability

• 1977-1978

Weights

• 1977-1978 : PERWEIGHT