Department of Veterans Affairs

Overview

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Data Linkage Program connects NCHS survey data with data from other agencies. Among these linkages are administrative data from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

These data contain information on details of active-duty service in the United States uniformed services. Details include branch of service, era of active-duty service, and VA benefit program use data including—

• VA health care
• Service-connected disability compensation
• Pension
• VA guaranteed home loan program
• Life insurance
• Education
• Training and veteran readiness (vocational rehabilitation)
• Employment benefit programs

NCHS surveys linked to VA administrative data

• National Health Interview Survey (2005–2018)
• National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005–2018)

Restricted-use

Restricted-use NCHS-VA linked data files can be accessed only through the NCHS Research Data Center (RDC) network for approved research projects.

Restricted-use data dictionaries

• Match status file (11/04/2022)
• Service record file (11/10/2022)
• VA utilization file (11/14/2022)

Linkage methods and analytical support

• The Linkage of the National Center for Health Statistics Survey Data to United States Department of Veterans Affairs Administrative Data: Linkage Methodology and Analytic Considerations (11/30/2022)
• Match rate tables for NCHS-VA linked data files

Resources

• National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics
• Summary of VA benefits