The COVID-19 pandemic’s influence on employment outcomes of veterans enrolled in VA healthcare vocational rehabilitation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Employment has been shown to be the fourth most commonly reported need for veterans and their families, and unemployment rates have ranged from 1–69% dependent on the mental health diagnosis. Complications from the COVID-19 pandemic have had a significant impact on psychological functioning, and social isolation has led to increased psychiatric symptoms. Vocational rehabilitation is an intervention provided to Veterans in an attempt to remove barriers to employment while also increasing involvement in gainful work activity. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact that COVID-19 has had on employment rates at discharge for veterans with mental health disorders participating in a VHA vocational rehabilitation program. METHODS: An outcome-based, summative program evaluation design was used to assess the quality of Veterans served (2016-2021) at a vocational rehabilitation program served at a medical center located in VISN 12 of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. RESULTS: Findings showed that veterans with Bipolar and Psychosis were less likely to discharge with employment (not considering COVID-19). CONCLUSION: No significant meaningful differences existed in employment rates when comparing pre/post March 2020 (official start of COVID-19 pandemic) for veterans with psychiatric diagnoses.