THE DAV VETERANS PULSE SURVEY

THE DAV VETERANS PULSE SURVEY A landmark study of the attitudes and perceptions of America’s veterans

Introduction DAV (Disabled American Veterans), one of the nation’s largest nonprofit veterans service organizations, supports more than 1 million veterans of all generations every year. DAV staff and volunteers experience firsthand both the contributions America’s veterans make to their communities and our country, as well as the challenges many of them face. The DAV Veterans Pulse Survey was conducted to further expand the collective understanding of veterans’ perceptions and experiences, and how these differ by service era, as well as to inform decisions about policies and programs designed to support veterans. This survey, nationally representative of America’s 22 million veterans, is the largest, most comprehensive assessment ever taken to reveal how generations of veterans from WWII through post-9/11 view their military experience, benefits and overall quality of life. Results of this survey paint an illuminating—yet complex—picture of how veterans feel about their experience in the military, the impact it has on important personal relationships and their health, what it was like to transition from military to civilian life, and their feelings about how the government and the American public treat veterans. The survey reveals that veterans are proud of their service—the vast majority would do it all over again. Yet many paid a price, either in terms of adverse impact on health or relationships, or the struggles inherent in transitioning to civilian life. Far too many do not believe the government and the American public treat veterans well or that they are receiving the benefits they were promised. The findings reveal one clear conclusion: Our government and country need to do more to ensure that we are keeping the promises made to America’s veterans. We hope you’ll join DAV in this never-ending and important mission.

J. Marc Burgess

DAV National Adjutant and Chief Executive Officer

Moses A. McIntosh Jr.

DAV National Commander

1 Recommended citation: DAV, Nov. 11, 2015, “The DAV Veterans Pulse Survey.” Full report available at VeteransPulse.com.

Executive Summary The DAV Veterans Pulse Survey provides the most complete picture to date of the attitudes and perceptions of veterans of all generations—from how they look back on their time in the military, to the challenges faced when they transition to civilian life, to their views on the benefits they receive, to how they feel the government and American public treat veterans. Conducted for DAV by global research firm GfK, utilizing KnowledgePanel®, the largest online panel representative of the United States, the survey was completed by 1,701 veterans. It is a national probability sample representative of the entire population of veterans in the United States. (See page 21 for a discussion of methodology.) The DAV Veterans Pulse Survey yields a deep and nuanced look at veterans’ attitudes and perceptions.

VETERANS’ VIEWS OF MILITARY SERVICE Veterans of all generations have a very positive view of their military service. The vast majority of America’s veterans would serve again—79% say they would choose to “do it all over again.” Post-9/11 veterans, while just as likely as other veterans to say they would serve again, report that their military service took a toll on their physical and mental health. Nearly four out of 10 post-9/11 veterans say their time in the military had an adverse effect on their physical health. Almost three out of 10 say it negatively impacted their mental health.

MALE AND FEMALE VETERANS: A DIFFERING PERSPECTIVE Female veterans are also just as likely to say that if they had to do it all over again, they would repeat their military service. Yet only 44% of female veterans would encourage their daughters to serve in the military— significantly more than male veterans (34%) but still less than half. And 56% of women veterans do not believe they receive the same respect and appreciation as their male counterparts; only 34% of male veterans feel that women don’t get the same respect.

LESS THAN HALF OF VETERANS BELIEVE BENEFITS PROMISED HAVE BEEN DELIVERED Just 37% of veterans say they know what benefits they are eligible for and how to access them. And less than half (44%) say they have received the veterans benefits they were promised. Only 18% believe that disabled veterans have received the benefits they were promised.

MANY DON’T BELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT, AMERICAN PUBLIC TREAT VETERANS WELL When asked if they feel the promises made to them by the government have been kept, only 48% of veterans responded “yes.” Only 22% agree that the federal government treats veterans well, and 53% feel the public treats veterans well.

2 The DAV 2015 Veterans Pulse Survey. Full report available at VeteransPulse.com.

Executive Summary continued HEALTH CARE: A FEDERAL RESPONSIBILITY The vast majority of veterans (87%) believe the federal government should provide a health care system dedicated to the needs of ill, injured and wounded veterans. But 50% do not believe the government is living up to its promise of providing quality, accessible health care to veterans.

TRANSITIONING TO CIVILIAN LIFE Moving from military to civilian life proves a significant challenge for many veterans. Only 38% of veterans feel that they had the support needed when re-entering civilian life. Veterans identify the challenges of daily living— such as finding employment, managing finances and securing housing—as the biggest hurdles they faced upon leaving the military. Post-9/11 veterans are more likely than veterans who served previously to report that, upon leaving the military and becoming a civilian, they had a difficult time with their personal relationships. Nearly three out of 10 (27%), for example, say they had a difficult time with their relationship with their spouse or partner. They are also much more likely to report that finding meaningful employment after leaving the military is difficult—36% say it was tough.

SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE Veterans who report that they did have the support they needed when they left the military are much more likely to feel their military service contributed to future success. For example, 92% who say they had the support they needed also believe military service had an overall positive impact on their life. Significantly less—73%—of the veterans who feel that upon leaving the military they did not have the support they needed say their military service had an overall positive impact on their life.

CELEBRATING VETERANS When it comes to celebrating Veterans Day, the most common activities for veterans include celebrating with family or friends, taking advantage of special offers at stores and restaurants and wearing a special piece of clothing or adornment. When it comes to being recognized for their service, 85% of veterans report that they appreciate it when somebody they don’t know thanks them.


Not sure

3% disagree Disagree

50%

Strongly agree

9%

Neither disagree or agree

Do you feel your service in the military had an overall positive impact on your life?

Veterans look back on their military service in a very Nearlypositive 8 out of 10 light veterans would serve again

35%

Agree

3%

Strongly 3% disagree Disagree

45% 9%

5

1%

Not sure

50%

Strongly agree

33%


10 YEARS

15

95%

3%

Do you feel 1% Strongly Not sure your service in 3% disagree Disagree the military had

95% who served 15 years or more 50% 11% strongly agree/agree that military Strongly an overall positive service had an overall positive impact agree 5% 4% 9% impact on your on his or her life 1% Neither disagree Dolife? you feel Nearly 8 out of 10 agree or Strongly Agree Neither Disagree Strongly Not your service in veterans would serve again agree disagree sure 35% disagree the military had Agree or agree anitoverall positive If I had to do all over again, impact on your I would repeat my military service life?

Nearly 108 out of 10 veteransYEARS would serve again 15 5

35%

Agree

45% 3%

Strongly

3% disagree

Disagree

9%


1%

Not sure

33%

50%

Strongly agree

5

45% Do you feel your service 11% in the33% military had5% 4% an overall positive 1% impact on your Strongly Agreelife? Neither Disagree Strongly Not agree disagree disagree sure

45%

Neither Disagree Strongly disagree disagree or agree

95% who8served years Nearly out15of 10or more

strongly agree/agree that military veterans would serve again

service had an overall positive impact on his or her life

Not sure

If I had to do it all over again, I would repeat my military service

5

10 YEARS

Percentages may exceed or be less than 100% due to rounding.

33%

15

95%

11% 35% If I had to do it all over again, Agree 5% 4% I would repeat my military service1% Agree

95%

95% who served 15 years or more strongly agree/agree that military service had an overall positive impact on his or her life

or agree

Strongly agree

10 YEARS

4

95%

The DAV 2015 Veterans Pulse Survey. Full report available at VeteransPulse.com.

15

12%

Strongly agree

Agree

Strongly agree

Agree

21%

3%

Disagree

3%

Disagree

Neither Disagree Strongly disagree disagree or agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree disagree or agree

21%

17%

Agree

17%

29%

Not sure

Agree


84% of post-9/11 veterans say military service had an overall positive impact on their lives but report more health effects than other service eras 29%

Not sure

Post-9/11 veterans: Thinking back on my military service, Post-9/11 it had a negative effectveterans: on my physical health Thinking back on my military service, it had a negative effect on my physical health


Post-9/11 veterans: Thinking back on my military service, Post-9/11 veterans: it had a negative effect on Thinking back on my military service, my mental health it had a negative effect on my mental health

2%

Not sure

21%

6%

Strongly disagree

18% 18%

17%

agree Strongly disagree

3% Not sure

terans: military service, n my physical health

10%

WWII - Korea

10% 21%

WWII - Korea Vietnam

21% 26%

Vietnam Pre-9/11

26% 37%

Pre-9/11 Post-9/11

Neither disagree 37% or agree

Post-9/11

21%

Disagree

29%

12% 4% 12%

17%

Agree

17% 25%

Not sure

26%

Strongly disagree

18%

17% 17%

WWII - Korea

4% 12%

WWII - Korea Vietnam

12% 19%

Vietnam Pre-9/11

3% 3%

Post-9/11 more likely than otherveterans: veterans to report Post-9/11 veterans are significantly veterans: back on my military service, aThinking negativePost-9/11 impact on mental health more likely than other veterans to report Thinking back on my military service, it had a negative effect on my physical health a negative impact healthhealth it had a negative effectononmental my physical

21%

Strongly agree

Not sure

Strongly disagree

Post Thinking Post back Thinking back it had an it had n mya m my m

11%

25%

Agree

12%

4%

29%

disagree Neither 29% or agree disagree Neither or agree

Strongly agree

10% WWII - Korea 10% WWII - Korea 21% 21% Vietnam Disagree 26% 12% Vietnam 3% 21% Vietnam Disagree 17% 26% Pre-9/11 Agree 19% Pre-9/11 26% Pre-9/11 29% 37% Post-9/11 Strongly Agree Neither Disagree Strongly Not agree 28% Post-9/11 disagree disagree Neither disagree 18% sure Post-9/11 or agree or agree 37% Neither disagree or agree Post-9/11 veterans are significantly re significantly Post-9/11 veteransveterans: are significantly Post-9/11 veterans significantly Post-9/11 Post-9/11 veterans: more likely than otherare veterans to report veterans to report more likelyback thanon other veteransservice, to report more likely than other veterans to report Thinking my military Thinking back on my military service, a negative impact on physical health physical health it hadaanegative onmy mental health aitnegative impacteffect on physical negativeimpact effect on physical health had a negative on health my mental health

a

21%

Disagree 21% Disagree

2%

12%

17%

Strongly 21% disagree Strongly disagree

Pre-9/11 19% Strongly Neither Disagree Strongly Not Post-9/11 28%Agree agree disagree sure Strongly Agree disagree Neither Disagree Strongly Not or agree agree disagree disagree sure 28% Post-9/11 or agree are significantly Post-9/11 veterans

Post-9/11 veterans are significantly more likely than other veterans to report Post-9/11 veterans: veterans are significantly aPost-9/11 negative impact on physical health Thinking back on my military service, more likely than other veterans to report it had a negative effect on health a negative impact on physical my mental health 3%

21%

26% 26%

25% 25%

11%

Strongly agree

WWII - Korea

Post-9/11 refers to September 2001 or later. Pre-9/11 refers to Gulf War and Desert Shield/Storm (Aug.1990 to Aug. 2001). Statements of significant difference among subsamples refer to statistically significant difference at the 0.05 level of significance or less. Percentages may exceed or be less than 100% due to rounding.


4% WWII 4% WWII 12% Vietna 12% Vietna 19% Pre-9/ 19% Pre-9/ 28% Post-9 28% Post-9 Post-9/11 vete Post-9/11 vete more likely than more likely than a negative im a negative im

Male veterans and female veterans often report different views 48% No difference 48% No difference

While about half While about half of all veterans say their military of all veterans say their military service made no difference While about half service made no difference

48% No difference 12% Not sure

14% Negative

12% Not sure 14% Negative on their relationship with their of all veterans say their military on their relationship with their family or spouse/significant service made no difference Positive 26%Negative 12% Not sure 14% family or spouse/significant 26% Positive other, female veterans are on their relationship with their other, female veterans are more likely to say it had a family or spouse/significant 26% Positive more likely to say it had a positive impact. other, female veterans are positive impact. What effect did your service more likely to say it had a in the military What effect did your service have on your family in the military have on your family positive impact. or your relationship with your or your relationship with your What effect did your service spouse/significant other? spouse/significant in the military have onother? your family (all veterans) or your relationship (all veterans) with your spouse/significant other?

Male vs Female: Male vs Female: Impact of military service of military service on familyImpact or relationships Male vs Female: on family or relationships with spouse/significant other

(all veterans)

with spouse/significant other Impact of military service on family or relationships Male with spouse/significant other Male Female

Female Male Female

49% 37% 25% 34% 13% 16% 12% 12% 49% 37% 25% 34% 13% 16% 12% 12% Positive

Negative

No difference Not sure 49% 37% No difference

25% Positive34%

13% Negative16%

Positive

Negative

Not sure12% 12%

No difference

Not sure



How veterans feel about their sons and daughters serving 8%

Strongly disagree

9%

Disagree

28%


1%

2%

15%

Not sure

Strongly disagree

15%

23%

Strongly Of those who agree have a daughter Of those who female veterans are more have a daughter likely to say they would

female veterans are more encourage their daughter 30% likely to say they wouldAgree to serve in the military encourage their daughter to serve in the military

Strongly disagree

Not sure

2%

Not sure

13%

Strongly agree

13%

Strongly agree

17% 53%Disagree of Male Veterans 52% 17%of Female Veterans Disagree

would encourage their son to serve in the military 32%


22%

Agree

22%

Agree

32%


I would encourage my daughter to serve in the military I would by encourage mya daughter) (responses all veterans with daughter to serve in the military

I would encourage my son to serve in the military (responses by all veterans with a son)

(responses by all veterans with a daughter) More than half of women veterans think that women veterans do not get the same respect and appreciation 44% of Female Veterans as male veterans; only 1/3 of male veterans feel this way 34% Male Veterans* 44% ofof Female Veterans would encourage their 34% of Male Veterans* daughters to serve in the military

would encourage their daughters to serve in the military

Male Female

51%

Female

12% 21% 32% 18% 15% 2% 19% 25% 33% 10% 11% 1% 21% 21% 23% 34% 56% 45% 12% 21% 32% 18% 15% 2% 19% 25% 33% 10% 11% 1% Strongly agree Yes

Agree

Neither Disagree Strongly disagree Not sure No disagree Not sure or agree Strongly agree Neither and appreciation Strongly disagree Not sure Disagree Do women veterans receiveAgree the same respect as male veterans? disagree or agree

*34% represents rounding when combining “strongly agree” and “agree” responses Percentages may exceed or be less than 100% due to rounding.


Many do notOnly believe veterans about a third of veterans say, get the benefits they havebenefits earned upon leaving the military, were explained to them 8%

Only about a third of veterans say,

Strongly disagree

4%

Not sure

upon leaving the military, benefits were explained to them

23%

Disagree 4%

8%

sure Not disagree Strongly Only about a third of veterans say,

6%

upon leaving the military, benefits were explained to themStrongly

29%

agree

23%

Disagree

27%

Only about a third of veterans say,

28% 8% to them4% upon leaving the military, benefits were Strongly explained disagree sure NotNeither 22% disagree

29%

or agree6%

27% 28%

22% 29%

29%

Disagree


8%

Strongly disagree

12%

I am aware of all the vet 4% benefits I am eligible for an Not sure take advantage of th 6%

I am aware of all the veterans 23% benefits I am eligible for and how to Disagree take advantage of them

27% 6%12%

28%

22%

6%

31% Strongly Agree agree

23%


Strongly agree

31%

Agree

3%

31% I am aware of all the veterans Agree

27% 3%

Only 44%

Neither Disagreebenefits StronglyI amNot eligible for and how to disagree disagree sure 28% take advantage of them Neither disagree or agree 22% Strongly 12% Strongly Agree Neither Disagree Not of veterans agree th or agree Strongly agree

agree

disagree or agree

Agree

disagree

Only 44%

sure

When I left the military, of veterans agree they have received the ben I am aware of all the veterans my benefits were clearly explained to me When I left the military, 6% have received the benefits benefits I am eligible for and how to they were promise my benefits were clearly explained to me they were 3% take promised advantage of them 12% Strongly agree

6%

Agree


Not sure

Only 44%

of veterans agree they have received the benefits they were promised


When I left the military, 3% my benefits were clearly explained to me Strongly agree

Agree

Neither Disagree Strongly disagree disagree

8

Not sure

Only 44%

The DAV 2015 Veterans Pulse Survey. Full report available at VeteransPulse.com. or agree

of veterans agree they

28%


I am aware of all the veterans benefits I am eligible for and how to take advantage of them

12%

agree Strongly disagree

10%

Not sure

6%

9%

Strongly agree

Strongly disagree

3%

Only 44%

Not sure

35%

12%

of veterans agree they have received the benefits they were promised

military, y explained to me

Agree

Disagree

10%

Not sure

6%

Strongly disagree

Only 28% agree


I have received the veterans benefits (health, disability, financial, 35% education) Agree that I was promised

12%

that other veterans get the benefits Disagree they earned 27%

42%


Only 28% agree

that other veterans get the benefits they earned 25%

42%

27%

9%

Strongly agree

19%

I have received the veterans benefits Fewfinancial, agreeeducation) that veterans (health, disability, with disabilities are with disabilities are receiving the the benefits benefits that I was promised receiving they promised Few agree that veterans they were were promised with disabilities are receiving the benefits they were promised 2% 2% Strongly Strongly agree agree 2% Strongly agree 15% 15% Agree Agree

5%

3% 25% Strongly agree

Agree

19% Neither Disagree Strongly disagree disagree or agree

5% Not sure

I believe that other veterans have received the benefits they were promised 5%

3% Strongly agree

Agree


5%

15% Agree 33% 33% Neither Neither disagree disagree or or agree agree 33% Neither disagree or agree 30% 30% Disagree Disagree 30% Disagree 12% 12% Strongly Strongly disagree disagree 12% Strongly disagree 8% 8% Not Not sure sure 8% Not sure Disabled Disabled veterans veterans have have received received the the benefits benefits they they were were promised promised Disabled veterans have received the benefits they were promised

Not sure

I believe that other veterans have received the benefits they were promised



Many veterans do not feel that disability compensation is fair Of veterans with a disability rating, only half say their disability compensation is fair

Of veterans with a disability rating,

5%

Not sure

onlyYEShalf say their disability compensation is fair 50% 72% No

50% YES

36% NO

5%

Do you have a disability rating from 72%the U.S. Department No of Veterans Affairs? Do you have a

disability rating from the U.S. Department 23% of Veterans Affairs? Yes

36% NO

8%

1%

Strongly disagree

Not sure

Not sure

23%

23% 14% NOT SURE

9%

Disagree

Yes

Strongly agree

14% NOT SURE

53% of Male Veterans 52% of Female Veterans If you have a disability rating, do you believe the30% amount would encourage their son to serve in the military

Agree

of compensation you are receiving is fair? 28%

Neither disagree or agree If you have a disability rating, do you believe the amount

of compensation you are receiving is fair?

More than half of women veterans feel they do get theveterans same respect Morenot than half of women as their male counterparts I would encourage my son to serve in the military (responses by all veterans with a son)

think that women veterans do not get the same respect and appreciation as male veterans; only 1/3 of male veterans feel this way

Male Female

51%

Female

21%

21% Yes

34%

56% No

45%

23%

Not sure

Do women veterans receive the same respect and appreciation as male veterans?


Many veterans do not feel promises made by the government have been kept 46% 46%

37%

24%

46% 37%

Not Sure

24%

Not Sure

%

27%

37% 28%

27%

No

48% Yes

28%

27%

No

13% Do you feel that promises the government made to you as 13% a veteran have been kept?

am WWII - Korea Vietnam WWII - Korea

Almost half of post-9/11 veterans say

No

13%

48% Yes

Do you feel that promises thePost-9/11 government made to you as Vietnam WWII - Korea Pre-9/11 a veteran have been kept? Do you feel that promises Almost half of post-9/11 veterans the government made to yousay as the government has notbeen kept kept? promises a veteran have made to them as veterans

Do you f the governm a veteran

There is adequat veterans ben

made to them veteransveterans say There is adequate federal funding for Almost half ofaspost-9/11 Health care for service-related medical 48%benefits and services the government has not kept promises veterans conditions or injuries made to them as veterans There is adequate federal funding for

48% after the military

omises as not kept ment

Pre-9/11

There is adequate funding for WWII - Korea Post-9/11federal Vietnam Pre-9/11 the government has not kept promises veterans benefits and services

e-related medical

ing transition

Yes

28%

Post-9/11

28%

48%

No

13%

1 veterans say kept promises veterans

24%

Not Sure

4%

48%

12%

veterans benefits and services Preparing for a career after the military 48%

Health care for service-related medical conditions or injuries

Health care for service-related medical 48% injuries Preparingconditions for a careerorafter the military

23%

48%

32%

23%

43%

5%

Providing support during transition to civilian status

4%

Preparing for a career after the military Providing support during transition 4% 5% 12% 23% 32% The top three23% promises to civilian status Strongly Agree Neither Disagree Strongly Not veterans identified as not kept agree disagree disagree sure or agree Providing support during transition by the government 4% 5% 23% 12% 23% 32% Strongly Agree Neither Disagree Strongly Not civilianpromises status The top to three agree disagree disagree sure or agree veterans identified as not kept

43%

43%

by the government The top three promises veterans identified as not kept by the government

Strongly Agree Neither Disagree Strongly agree disagree disagree or agree



Not sure

12%

23%

Strongly Agree Neith agree disagr or agr

How veterans feel the federal government treats veterans 2%

3%

Not sure

Strongly agree

3%

13%

19%

Agree

2%

Strongly agree

Not sure

19%

Strongly disagree

13%

Agree

Agree

Only about 1 in 5 The federal

veterans agree The federal the federalgovernment government treats treats veterans well well veterans

veterans government treats agree veterans well government the federal treats veterans well

33%


19%

Strongly disagree

Only about 1 in 5

ral treats well

3%

Strongly agree

30% 33%

30%

vete the fede treats

33%


Disagree Neither disagree or agree

Disagree

Only a

43%

43%

43% 22% 12% 5% Neither disagree or agree

Disagree

Strongly disagree

7%

22%

5%

12%

11%

Strongly agree

Not sure

ment treats veterans who servedStrongly after 9/11 reats veterans who served before agree 9/11

12%

11%

Agree

5%

Agree

7%Neither

disagree or agree

Disagree

Strongly disagree

The federal government treats veterans who served after Strongly Not better than it treats disagree sure veterans who served before 9/11


Disagree

The federal government treats veterans who served after 9/11 better than it treats veterans who served before 9/11


How veterans feel the American public treats veterans 8%

Just one-half of veterans

Strongly agree

feel the public treats veterans well

3%

3%

Strongly disagree

8%

Strongly disagree

8%

Just one-h

Strongly agree

Just one-half of veterans 16%

Strongly agree

feel the publ

Disagree feel the public treats veterans well

16%

Disagree

Only about 1 in 2

45%

veterans agree the American public treats veterans well

Agree

28%

blic treats well

45%

Agree


28%


Only about 1 in 2

The American public treats veterans well

34%

60%

0% 2%

sagree Strongly disagree

5% Not sure

treats veterans tter than they treat ed before 9/11

veterans agree the American public treats veterans well The American public treats veterans well

34% 32%

49%

45%

Agree

Only a

vet the Am treats

32%

40% 17%

17% Vietnam

60%

Pre-9/1110% Post-9/11

Vietnam veterans are more 2% likely to strongly agree or agree that the American public treats veterans Not Strongly Agree Neither Disagree Strongly agree disagree9/11 better disagree who served after than sure or agree they treat veterans who served The American public before 9/11treats veterans who served after 9/11 better than they treat veterans who served before 9/11

40% 2%

5%

Strongly agree

Agree

60%

10%

49%

Neither Disagree Strongly disagree disagree Vietnam or agree Pre-9/11 Post-9/11

5% Not sure

The American public treats veterans who served after 9/11 better Vietnam veterans are than morethey treat veterans who agree servedorbefore likely to strongly agree 9/11 that the American public treats veterans who served after 9/11 better than they treat veterans who served before 9/11


Vietna

Vietnam likely to str the Americ who serve they trea

is living ng quality, veterans

When it comes to health care, veterans want better from the federal government 1%

1%

Strongly Strongly disagree disagree 2% 2% 1% 1% 1% Not sureNot sure Disagree Strongly Disagree disagree 1% 54% 54% 2% 8% 8% Strongly Not sure Strongly Disagree agree agree Neither Neither 54% disagree disagree Strongly or agree or8% agree agree Neither disagree or agree

The federal government is living The federal government is living up to its of providing quality, uppromise to its promise of providing quality, Thehealth federal government is living accessible care tocare veterans accessible health to veterans up to its promise of providing quality, accessible 4% Strongly agreehealth 4% Strongly agreecare to veterans 16% Agree 16% Agree agree 4% Strongly 27% Neither disagreedisagree or agreeor agree 27% Neither 16% Agree 30% Disagree 30% Disagreedisagree or agree 27% Neither 20% Strongly disagreedisagree 20% Strongly 30% Disagree

34% 34%

Agree

3% Not 3% sure sure 20%Not Strongly disagree

Agree

34%

3% Not sure

Agree

The federal government shouldshould provide a The federal government provide a healthhealth system dedicated to the needs of ill, system dedicated to the needs of ill, The federal government should provide a injured and wounded veterans injured and wounded veterans health system dedicated to the needs of ill, injured and wounded veterans

And the Department of And the Departm gets a mixed review, gets a mixed rea 1% Strongly Strongly And the Departm to calls for reform to calls for disagree disagree 2% 2% 1% 1% gets aService mixedSer re 1% The Department of Veterans The Department of Veterans Veterans Or Not sureNot sure Disagree Veterans Strongly Disagree to calls for AffairsAffairs (VA) is(VA) uniquely qualified to is uniquely qualified to disagree 1% 60% 60% 2% 7% Thespecialized Department of Veterans 7% Veterans Ser provide specialized care for ill, injured sure Not Disagree Strongly provide care for ill, injured Strongly Neither 1%

Neither disagree disagree or agree or7% agree Neither disagree or agree

agree

Affairs (VA) is veterans uniquely qualified to and wounded and wounded veterans provide specialized care for ill, injured and wounded veterans

agree

60%

Strongly agree

ree

eterans

29% 29%

Agree

Agree

29%

Agree

9%

30% 9%

29% 30%

20% 29%

9%

9% 20%

4% 9%

4%

9%

4%

30% Disagree 29% Strongly 20% Strongly Strongly Agree Agree Neither Not Neither Disagree Strongly agree agree disagree disagree disagree disagree sure or agree or agree Strongly Agree Neither Disagree Strongly agree disagree disagree or agree

The federal government shouldshould The federal government provide free health care to veterans provide free health care to veterans The federal government should who were wounded, injured or made who were wounded, injured or made provide free health care to veterans ill as aill result of their military service as a result of their military service who were wounded, injured or made Percentages may service exceed or be less than 100% due to rounding. ill as a result of their military

And the Department of Veterans Affairs gets a mixed review, adding support 14 to calls for reformTheissued byVeterans Pulse Survey. Full report available at VeteransPulse.com. DAV 2015 Veterans Service Organizations

Not sure Not sure

For many veterans, transitioning to civilian life presents challenges When I left the military and re-entered When I left the military and re-entered civilian life, I felt I had the support I needed civilian life, I felt I had the support I needed

92% of veterans

4% Strongly agree who feel they had the support 4% Strongly agree needed when they left the military 34% Agree 34% Agree think military service had an when leaving militaryaand becoming a civilian 35% Neither disagree or when agree leaving the military andthe becoming civilian 35% Neither disagree or agree overall positive impact on their lives. 17% Disagree But only 73% who say 17% Disagree they did not have the support 7% Strongly disagree 7% Strongly disagree theyveterans needed feel way.a jobby ± as the biggest challenges today, followed finding a job ± as the biggest challenges facing veterans facing today, followed by this finding 2% Not sure 2% Not sure

veterans identified ChallengesChallenges veterans identified

Veterans care and mental health Veterans see healthsee carehealth and mental health For manyveterans, post-9/11 veterans, For many post-9/11

leaving militaryaand becoming a civilian stress in personal relationships leaving the military andthe becoming civilian created stress increated personal relationships Why do you feel you did not have the support you needed?* Why do you feel you did not have the support you needed?*

ChallengesChallenges veterans identified Of those who say veterans identified

37%leaving the 15%andthe 15% aand 14% 28% when military becoming civilian when leaving military becoming11% a civilian they did not have the 37% 15% 15% 14% 11% 28% 27% 23% 27% support they needed,

4% 4%

23%

37% said it was due to lack Challenges veterans identified Veterans see health carehealth and health Veterans see care and mental health Lack of services/ Negativemental political Health Don’t of services or poor information

when leaving the military and becoming a civilian ± information about services climate/era issues Lack services/ Negative political as the biggest challenges facing veterans today, followed by finding aHealth jobby asof the biggest veterans today, followed finding a job ± about services information about services challenges facing climate/era issues Poor VA services/access/ Poor VA administration services/access/ administration

Negative treatment/ perceived Negative treatment/ sexismperceived or racism sexism or racism

Miscellaneous responses Miscellaneous responses

know Don’t know

Veterans health care and mental health For many post-9/11 veterans, For see many post-9/11 veterans,

± 1 out of 4 Nearly 3personal outtoday, of 10stress Nearly 1 outrelationships of 4 a jobNearly Nearly 3 outfacing of a 10civilian leaving the military and becoming aand civilian created stress increated relationships as the biggest challenges veterans followed by finding leaving the military becoming in personal

strongly strongly agree/agree that strongly agree/agree that they agree/agree that they strongly agree/agree that had a difficult time with their they had a difficult time with had a difficult time with their they had a difficult time with relationships with theirrelationships with their their relationships withtheir theirrelationships with their

For many veterans, spouses/partners parents and/ parents and/ spouses/partners What post-9/11 were the biggest challenges leaving the military and becoming a civilian created stress in personal relationships or family members or family members What were the biggest challenges you faced when you left the military you faced when23% you left the23% military24% 17% 27% 17% and became a civilian?* and became a civilian?*

27%

23%

27%

47%

18%

24%

10%

9%

6%

10%

Nearly 1 out of 4 of 10Nearly Nearly 3 out47% of 10 Nearly 2 out Nearly 1 out of 4 1 out of 4Nearly6% Nearly 2 out of 1010% 1 out of 4 Nearly 3 out18% of 10 10% 9% stronglythat agree/agree that theythat strongly agree/agree that strongly agree/agree strongly agree/agree that they had strongly agree/agree they strongly stronglythat agree/agree that they had strongly agree/agree thatagree/agree to and Finding work, Medical Emotional Family Adjusting Miscellaneous hadtime a difficult with they had a difficult time with they hadtime a difficult time with timea with a difficult time with their hadtheir a difficult theirtime with their theytime hadwith a difficult with difficult they had a difficult life money andwith housing issues with theirrelationships issues civilian relationships to andwith theirrelationships Finding work, Medical Family Adjusting Miscellaneous relationships their relationships their their with their with with their theirEmotional their relationships with theirrelationships relationships their relationships with their

money and housing issues issues civilian life parentschildren and/ parents spouses/partners and/ childrenrelationships friends/peers spouses/partners Nearly 1 out of 4 Nearly 3 out of 10 or family members or family members strongly agree/agree that they strongly agree/agree that had a difficult time with their relationships with their 24% 24%

they had a difficult time with their their 17%relationships with17%

friends/peers

*Note that these are general types of responses to open-ended questions; percentages exceed 100% because multiple responses allowed. parents and/ spouses/partners Percentages may exceed or be less than 100% due to rounding.

or family members

17%

15

24%


Why do you feel you did not have the support you needed?*

37%

15%

Lack of services/ information about services

15%

14%

11%

28%

4%

Negative political Health Challenges veterans identified climate/era issues

when leaving the military andtreatment/ becoming a civilianMiscellaneous Poor VA Negative services/access/ administration

perceived sexism or racism

Don’t know

responses

Veterans see health care and mental health

as the biggest challenges facing veterans today, followed by finding a job ±

What were the biggest challenges

For many post-9/11 you faced when youveterans, left the military

leaving the military and becoming a civilian created stress in personal relationships

and became a civilian?*

47%

18%

Finding work, money and housing

Adjusting to civilian life

27%

10%

Family and relationships

23%

9%

6%

10%

Medical issues

Emotional issues

Miscellaneous

Challenges veterans identified

Nearly 1 out of 4 Nearly 3 out of 10 agree/agree that they strongly agree/agree that when leaving the military andstrongly becoming a civilian had a difficult time with their they had a difficult time with relationships with their their relationships with their

parents and/

spouses/partners

Veterans see health care and mental health or family members

as the biggest challenges facing veterans today, followed by finding a job ± 24% 17%

For many post-9/11 veterans,

43% a civilian created stress in personal relationships leaving the44% military44% and becoming 33%

Nearly 1 out of 4 strongly agree/agree that they had a difficult time with their relationships with their

parents and/ or family members

FAMILY

19%

SUICIDE

HOMELESSNESS

PTSD

25%

friends/peers

EMPLOYMENT

MENTAL HEALTH

HEALTH CARE

spouses/partners

Nearly 1 out of 4 strongly agree/agree that they had a difficult time with their relationships with their23%

25%

children

Nearly 3 out of 10 strongly agree/agree that they had a difficult time with their relationships with their

32%

FINANCIAL

Nearly 2 out of 10 strongly agree/agree that they had a difficult time with 27% their relationships with their

What are the biggest challenges facing veterans today? 24% 17%

*Note that these are general types of responses to open-ended questions. ± Multiple responses allowed to this question.

16

Nearly 2 out of 10 Nearly 1 out of 4 strongly agree/agree that strongly agree/agree that they had Civilians have they had a difficult time with Pulse a difficultattime with their The DAV 2015 Veterans Survey. do Fullnot report available VeteransPulse.com. their relationships with their military experience relationships with their

53%

Veterans often feel civilians cannot understand what they experienced

59% 59%

45%

45% Post-9/11

12%

7%

Neither Disagree Strongly disagree4% disagree or agree

Not sure

19%

FAMILY

Agree

7%

25%

SUICIDE

11%

4%

HOMELESSNESS

11%

FINANCIAL

Strongly agree

32% 25%

EMPLOYMENT

MENTAL HEALTH

cannot understand what they went through, post-9/11 veterans are most likely to feel this way

HEALTH CARE

33% believe people who never served 31% cannot understand what they Whilewent many veterans through, post-9/11 veterans believe people who never are most likely toserved feel this way 12% 33% cannot understand what they 31% went through, post-9/11 veterans While many veterans are most likelywho to feel thisserved way believe people never 12%

33%

PTSD

While many veterans

44% 44% 43% 33% 31%

What areI the challenges facing veterans today? 11%military When left biggest the and re-entered civilianNeither life, people had never Strongly Agree Disagreewho Strongly Not served in 7% agree the military disagreecould notdisagree sure what I was understand or agree 4% dealing with, feeling and/or experiencing. When I left the military and re-entered (all veterans) civilian life, people who had never served in Strongly Agree Neither Disagree Strongly the military could not understand what INot was agree disagree disagree sure or agreeand/or experiencing. dealing with, feeling veterans)and re-entered When I left the(allmilitary civilian life, people who had never served in Civilians do not have the military could not understand what I was 53% military experience dealing with, feeling and/or experiencing. (all veterans)

Vietnam

6 out of45% 10 (59%) post-9/11 59%

20%

Negative attitudes of civilians toward service/ service men and women

18%

Lack of understanding of “military life”

veterans feel that people

Vietnam Post-9/11 who never served could not

understand, significantly more 6 out of 10 (59%) post-9/11 than Vietnam veterans (45%) veterans feel that people who never servedVietnam could not Post-9/11 understand, significantly more than Vietnam veterans (45%) 6 out of 10 (59%) post-9/11 veterans feel that people who never served could not understand, significantly more than Vietnam veterans (45%)

Why do you feel people who never served in the military did not understand what you were dealing with, feeling and/or experiencing?*

*Note that these are general types of responses to open-ended questions. Percentages may exceed or be less than 100% due to rounding.


How military service contributes to career and financial opportunities 2%

5%

Not sure

Strongly disagree

2%

5%

Not sure 27%

Strongly disagree

9%

Disagree

Strongly agree

9%

27%

Strongly agree

Disagree

Do you feel your service in the military enhanced your career opportunities?Do you feel your

service in the military enhanced28% your career Agree opportunities?

27%


0

27%

28%

Agree


77 o c sig

0

Do you feel your service in the military contributed to your becoming financially secure?

Do you feel your service in the military contributed to your becoming financially secure?

21% Strongly agree

23%

32%

Agree


14%

8%

2%

Disagree

Strongly disagree

Not sure


21%

23% 18

32%

14%


Strongly

Agree

Neither

Disagree

8%

2%

Strongly

Not sure

Finding meaningful employment can be a challenge for some veterans 9%

2%

Very difficult

Do not know

2%

Do not know

9%

Very difficult

16%

Somewhat difficult

26% Very easy

16%

Somewhat difficult

26% Very easy

26%

36% 36%

67% No 67% No

20%

Somewhat easy

Neither difficult or easy 26% 20% Somewhat Neither easy difficult When you left the military,or easy

More than one out of three post-9/11 veterans say it was very More thandifficult one out to of find threework, or somewhat post-9/11 veterans say it was very significantly more than veterans or somewhat difficult to find work, who served in earlier eras significantly more than veterans who served in earlier eras

how easy or difficult was it to find When you leftemployment? the military, meaningful how easy or difficult was it to find (all veterans) meaningful employment? (all veterans)

26% Yes

46% No

27% Not sure

26% Yes

46% No

27% Not sure

Do you feel that civilian employers understand how your military qualifications translate to civilian jobs? Do you feel that civilian employers understand how your military (all veterans) qualifications translate to civilian jobs? (all veterans)


17% Yes 17% Yes Two thirds of Post-

do not feel employer Twovalue thirds Post-9 ofof military do not feel employers value of military

Post-9/11 v Post-9/11 v

Celebrating veterans

THANK YOU

85% 85% of veterans say they appreciate it when somebody they don’t know thanks them for their service

How do veterans commemorate Veterans Day?*

32% Take advantage of special offers for veterans at retailers/ restaurants

29%

23%

19%

18%

17%

Visit a Post Wear a Celebrate with family special piece memorial something special on and friends of clothing social media or adornment

Attend a parade

11%

4%

Attend a Reconnect with others special event, such as a you served 5K race, concert with or sporting event

*Multiple responses allowed to this question.


11%

33%

Other

I don’t do anything “special” each year to mark Veterans Day

Methodology DAV engaged GfK, which utilized KnowledgePanel®, a probability-based web panel designed to be representative of the United States, to conduct The DAV Veterans Pulse Survey. The target population for the sample consisted of noninstitutionalized adults ages 18 and over, residing in the United States, who previously served on active duty in the U.S. military for six months or longer, but were no longer on active duty. The survey consisted of two stages: an initial screening survey for veterans’ status and the main survey with the study-eligible respondents. Timeframes for data collection for this survey were:

Pre-Test: Start Date: 7/24/15 End Date: 7/25/15 Main Survey: Start Date: 8/4/15 End Date: 8/19/15

For this survey, the sampling plan included three components: • An oversample of all female KnowledgePanel® members who were 18 years of age or older, previously on active duty in the U.S. military for six months or longer, but no longer on active duty • An oversample of all male panel members between the ages of 18 and 40, previously on active duty in the U.S. military for six months or longer, but no longer on active duty • A nationally representative sample of males 41 years of age or older, excluding panel members from households that included a member selected as part of one of the previous oversamples, previously on active duty in the U.S. military for six months or longer, but no longer on active duty 1,701 qualified respondents completed the survey. GfK weighted all qualified respondents by utilizing benchmark distributions from the August 2013 Census Bureau Current Population Survey’s (CPS) Veteran Supplement including age, race and ethnicity, gender, metropolitan status, geographical region, education, military branch and length of service.

• The margin of error for the entire sample is +/-2.9 percent. • The margin of error for the female veterans sample is +/-6.8 percent. • The margin of error for the male veterans sample is +/-3.2 percent. • The margin of error for the Vietnam-Era veterans sample is +/-4.5 percent. • The margin of error for the pre-9/11 veterans sample is +/-6.1 percent. • The margin of error for the September 2001 or later (OIF/OEF) veterans sample is +/-7.6 percent.


About DAV DAV is a nonprofit organization that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations. Every year, DAV helps more than 1 million veterans in meaningful ways by helping them access the benefits they earned, such as health care and disability, and connecting them to meaningful employment opportunities. DAV is the nation’s most resourceful veterans service organization, keeping the promise to support America’s veterans.

CONTACT INFORMATION: DAV National Headquarters • 3725 Alexandria Pike • Cold Spring, KY 41076 Phone 859-441-7300 • Fax 859-441-1416 • Toll Free 877-426-2838 • DAV.org