From Service to Struggle: Exploring the Link Between Service-Connected Disability and Poverty Among Veteran Households

I examine the relationship between service-connected disability and poverty among veteran households using data from the 2009–2019 1-year American Community Survey. I find that service-connected disability is an important mechanism that helps veteran households avoid poverty. This is evidenced by a strong monotonic relationship whereby veteran households with the most severe service-connected disability have the lowest predicted likelihood of poverty. However, evidence suggests service-connected disability is associated with an increased likelihood of deep poverty among already impoverished households. Within this context, veteran households with the most severe service-connected disability have the highest predicted likelihood of deep poverty.