Taking the Long View

Abstract

Abstract Using data from the 2010 National Survey of Veterans, the authors first provide an estimate of the odds of a mental health problem—with subsequent counseling—among veterans based on various combat scenarios, and, second, provide an estimate of the mental health care costs for treating veterans with mental health problems. Results showed that veterans who were exposed to the dead, dying, and wounded while in a combat zone were 2.36 times more likely to have a mental health problem with accompanying counseling than a veteran who did not experience the same. A total cost estimate for the two-year costs of treatment for military veterans with mental health issues is between $0.89 billion and $1.56 billion. It is evident that the costs of combat-related violence are becoming more predictable, especially with regard to mental health care; however, additional work is needed.