Department of Veterans Affairs

NCHS Linked Data

Key points

  • The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Data Linkage Program links NCHS survey data with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) data.
  • Linking NCHS data with VA files enables researchers to study health topics related to veterans.
  • Find links to reports and resources for NCHS-VA linked data.
Image shows two swarms of dots, one purple and one green. Each swarm represents a data stream. They are converging.

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 (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)

Contact us

Contact the Data Linkage Team at datalinkage@cdc.gov with any questions. Contact the at vaconcvas@va.gov with questions about administrative data.

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.

Access restricted-use data

The RDC provides instructions for preparing and submitting an application to access restricted data.
Learn more

Restricted-use data dictionaries

Linkage methods and analytical support

Resources

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Content Source:
National Center for Health Statistics