Archive
New From the GAO
New GAO Statement
Source: Government Accountability Office
1. Voters with Disabilities: Challenges to Voting Accessibility, by Barbara Bovbjerg, managing director, education, workforce, and income security, before the National Council on Disability. GAO-13-538SP, April 23. http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-13-538SP
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/660/654098.pdf
Does Access to Health Insurance Influence Work Effort Among Disability Cash Benefit Recipients?
Does Access to Health Insurance Influence Work Effort Among Disability Cash Benefit Recipients?
Source: Center for Retirement Research at Boston College
There is considerable policy concern about “DI lock” – that tying public health insurance coverage to cash disability benefit receipt contributes to the low exit rates due to work. This concern led Congress to institute continued health insurance eligibility after disability beneficiaries leave the cash-benefit rolls for work-related reasons. However, unlike the long literature on “job lock,” the importance of the DI lock hypothesis – either before or after these extensions – has remained unquantified.
This paper tests whether “perceived DI lock” remains among disability beneficiaries, and whether state health insurance policies help alleviate the problem and encourage work among beneficiaries. The analysis includes both DI and SSI beneficiaries and tests if there are differential patterns between the two programs. We exploit state variation in the access and cost of health insurance caused by regulation of the non-group market, the existence of Medicaid buy-in programs, and Medicaid generosity, as well as detailed disability and health insurance program interactions. While we find little evidence overall of persistent DI-lock, heterogeneity is very important in this context. Our estimates suggest that increasing health insurance access does increase the likelihood of positive earnings among a subset of disability beneficiaries. We find evidence of SSI lock among beneficiaries with some Medicaid expenditures and find that both non-group health insurance regulation and generous Medicaid eligibility help alleviate the problem. We find evidence of remaining DI lock among individuals who do not have access to supplemental health insurance outside of Medicare. Medicaid buy-in programs alleviate the remaining DI lock.
Unfit for Work: The Startling Rise of Disability in America
Unfit for Work: The Startling Rise of Disability in America
Source: National Public Radio (NPR)
In the past three decades, the number of Americans who are on disability has skyrocketed. The rise has come even as medical advances have allowed many more people to remain on the job and new laws have banned workplace discrimination against the disabled. Every month, 14 million people now get a disability check from the government.
The federal government spends more money each year on cash payments for disabled former workers than it spends on food stamps and welfare combined. Yet people relying on disability payments are often overlooked in discussions of the social safety net. People on federal disability do not work. Yet, because they are not technically part of the labor force, they are not counted among the unemployed.
In other words, people on disability don’t show up in any of the places we usually look to see how the economy is doing. But the story of these programs — who goes on them, and why, and what happens after that — is, to a large extent, the story of the U.S. economy. It’s the story not only of an aging workforce, but also of a hidden, increasingly expensive safety net.
Accommodations for workers can help retain institutional knowledge
Accommodations for workers can help retain institutional knowledge
Source: U.S. Department of Labor
Providing accommodations to aging workers with disabilities, chronic health problems or reduced work capacity can help employers retain experienced staff who might otherwise leave the workforce prematurely, according to two briefs issued today by the U.S. Department of Labor.
The briefs provide recommendations for state and federal policymakers, employers and health care industry leaders on retaining critical talent. One identifies successful strategies, including supportive policies, for retaining aging health care professionals without sacrificing patient care. The other recommends that employers and policymakers adopt early interventions to prevent disability-related job loss by providing workers with assistive technology and other workplace accommodations.
The briefs summarize assessments and recommendations from two conferences sponsored by the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy that gathered experts on aging, disability and employment to discuss the impact of aging on the national workforce and health care systems. The U.S Census Bureau projects that, by 2020, many of the 25 million baby boomers that make up more than 40 percent of the current U.S. labor force will exit, leaving many jobs unfilled and taking decades of accumulated knowledge with them. In addition, as the population ages, the demand for health care services will increase just as many health care workers are facing retirement.
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports
Source: Government Accountability Office
1. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Standards Needed to Improve Identification of Racial and Ethnic Overrepresentation in Special Education. GAO-13-137, February 27.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-13-137
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/660/652436.pdf
2. California High-Speed Passenger Rail: Project Estimates Could Be Improved to Better Inform Future Decisions. GAO-13-304, March 28.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-13-304
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/660/653402.pdf
3. Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute: Review of the Audit of the Financial Statements for 2012 and 2011. GAO-13-390R, March 29.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-13-390R
The psychosocial difficulties in brain disorders that explain short term changes in health outcomes
The psychosocial difficulties in brain disorders that explain short term changes in health outcomes
Source: BMC Psychiatry
Background
This study identifies a set of psychosocial difficulties that are associated with short term changes in health outcomes across a heterogeneous set of brain disorders, neurological and psychiatric.
Methods
Longitudinal observational study over approximately 12 weeks with three time points of assessment and 741 patients with depression, bipolar disorders, multiple sclerosis, parkinson’s disease, migraine, traumatic brain injury and stroke. The data on disability was collected with the checklist of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. The selected health outcomes were the Short Form 36 and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule. Multilevel models for change were applied controlling for age, gender and disease severity.
Results
The psychosocial difficulties that explain the variability and change over time of the selected health outcomes were energy and drive, sleep, and emotional functions, and a broad range of activities and participation domains, such as solving problems, conversation, areas of mobility and self-care, relationships, community life and recreation and leisure.
Conclusions
Our findings are of interest to researchers and clinicians for interventions and health systems planning as they show that in addition to difficulties that are diagnostic criteria of these disorders, there are other difficulties that explain small changes in health outcomes over short periods of time.
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports
Source: Government Accountability Office
MODERNIZING THE NUCLEAR SECURITY ENTERPRISE
Observations on DOE’s and NNSA’s Efforts to Enhance Oversight of Security, Safety, and Project and Contract Management
GAO-13-482T, Mar 13, 2013
VETERANS’ DISABILITY BENEFITS
Challenges to Timely Processing Persist
GAO-13-453T, Mar 13, 2013
WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Approaches and Issues for Financing Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
GAO-13-451T, Mar 13, 2013
Census Bureau Report Shows 30 Percent of Adults Receiving Government Assistance Have a Disability
Census Bureau Report Shows 30 Percent of Adults Receiving Government Assistance Have a Disability
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Among the 46.0 million adults who received income-based government assistance in 2011, 30.4 percent of them had a disability, according to a report released today from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The report, Disability Characteristics of Income-Based Government Assistance Recipients in the United States: 2011, offers information about the occurrence of disabilities among people 18 and older who received income-based government assistance. The information is based on data from the 2011 American Community Survey.
…
People with a disability include those having vision, hearing, cognitive, ambulatory, self-care or independent living difficulties. Among recipients of public assistance, 18.2 percent had difficulty walking or climbing stairs, 14.6 percent had trouble leaving home to go shopping or visit the doctor without assistance, and 14.2 percent encountered trouble with memory, concentration, or making decisions.Recipients received assistance in three forms: cash assistance (cash or money income), in-kind assistance (services, goods or vouchers) or both cash and in-kind assistance. Among people who received both cash and in-kind assistance, 58.3 percent had a disability. Among recipients of only cash assistance, 33.2 percent had a disability. Recipients of only in-kind benefits had the lowest disability rate at 22.6 percent.
This report also found that 22 states had disability rates above the national estimate of 30.4 percent among those receiving assistance. In comparison, 15 states had rates below the national estimate.
States west of the Appalachian Mountains had higher rates of disability among recipients of income-based assistance. In comparison, states in the Southwest and along the Eastern Seaboard had lower rates.
West Virginia, Kentucky and Arkansas were three of the top five states for disability prevalence in the total population, as well as in the total population receiving government assistance. In West Virginia, 26.8 percent of people with disabilities reported having ambulatory difficulty, defined as severe difficulties walking or climbing stairs.
Evacuation and Sheltering of People with Medical Dependencies – Knowledge Gaps and Barriers to National Prepar edness
Source: Homeland Security Affairs
Emergency plans are mandated by a number of federal regulations, often with conflicting definitions, to incorporate people with medical dependencies. However targeted planning for this segment is presently hampered by substantial knowledge deficits defining this population and the potential resource requirements in a disaster. These gaps prevent the development of evidence-based best practices for locating, communicating with, transporting, sheltering, and ensuring the safe recovery of those with medical dependencies. The authors discuss the knowledge gaps in preparing for this population and propose solutions to fill these gaps in order to facilitate enhanced preparedness for people with medical dependencies.
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports
Source: Government Accountability Office
VETERANS’ DISABILITY BENEFITS
Timely Processing Remains a Daunting Challenge
GAO-13-89, Dec 21, 2012
VA HEALTH CARE
Reliability of Reported Outpatient Medical Appointment Wait Times and Scheduling Oversight Need Improvement
GAO-13-130, Dec 21, 2012
FEDERAL REAL PROPERTY
Improved Cost Reporting Would Help Decision Makers Weigh the Benefits of Enhanced Use Leasing
GAO-13-14, Dec 19, 2012
HANFORD WASTE TREATMENT PLANT
DOE Needs to Take Action to Resolve Technical and Management Challenges
GAO-13-38, Dec 19, 2012
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports
Source: Government Accountability Office
WORKER AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE
Department of Defense Policies on Accommodating Children with Special Needs in Child Care Programs
GAO-13-165R, Jan 16, 2013
FORCE STRUCTURE
Army’s Annual Report on Modularity Progress Needs More Complete and Clear Information to Aid Decision Makers
GAO-13-183R, Jan 16, 2013
Crime Against Persons With Disabilities, 2009-2011 – Statistical Tables
Crime Against Persons With Disabilities, 2009-2011 – Statistical Tables
Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics
Presents estimates of nonfatal violent victimization (rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated and simple assault) against persons age 12 or older with disabilities from 2009 to 2011. Findings are based on the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). The report compares the victimization of persons with and without disabilities, including distributions by age, race, sex, victims’ types of disabilities, and other victim characteristics. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) and the 2000 U.S. Standard Population were used to estimate age-adjusted victimization rates.
Highlights:
- Persons age 12 or older who had disabilities experienced about an annual average 923,000 nonfatal violent crimes during 2011.
- The rate of violence for males with disabilities was 42 per 1,000 in 2011, compared to 22 per 1,000 for males without disabilities. For females with disabilities, the rate of violence was 53 per 1,000 in 2011, compared to 17 per 1,000 for females without disabilities.
- No statistically significant difference was found in the average annual number of nonfatal violent victimizations against persons with disabilities from 2009 to 2011.
Traumatic brain injury among people who are homeless: a systematic review
Traumatic brain injury among people who are homeless: a systematic review.
Source: BMC Public Health
Background
Homelessness and poverty are important social problems, and reducing the prevalence of homelessness and the incidence of injury and illness among people who are homeless would have significant financial, societal, and individual implications. Recent research has identified high rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among this population, but to date there has not been a review of the literature on this topic. The objective of this systematic review was to review the current state of the literature on TBI and homelessness in order to identify knowledge gaps and direct future research.
Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted in PsycINFO (1887–2012), Embase (1947–2012), and MEDLINE/Pubmed (1966–2012) to identify all published research studies on TBI and homelessness. Data on setting, sampling, outcome measures, and rate of TBI were extracted from these studies.
Results
Eight research studies were identified. The rate of TBI among samples of persons who were homeless varied across studies, ranging from 8%-53%. Across the studies there was generally little information to adequately describe the research setting, sample sizes were small and consisted mainly of adult males, demographic information was not well described, and validated screening tools were rarely used. The methodological quality of the studies included was generally moderate and there was little information to illustrate that the studies were adequately powered or that study samples were representative of the source population. There was also an absence of qualitative studies in the literature.
Conclusions
The rate of TBI is higher among homeless persons who are as compared to the general population. Both descriptive and interventional studies of individuals who are homeless should include a psychometrically sound measure of history of TBI and related disability. Education of caregivers of persons who are at risk of becoming, or are homeless, should involve training on TBI. Dissemination of knowledge to key stakeholders such as people who are homeless, their families, and public policy makers is also advocated.
The Long-Term Care Challenge: Developing a Plan Can Lead to Greater Confidence
The Long-Term Care Challenge: Developing a Plan Can Lead to Greater Confidence (PDF)
Source: Insured Retirement Institute
With an aging society, the need for long-term care will grow. According to the Census Bureau, the number of individuals age 85 and older is projected to increase by 52% over the next 20 years. Census data also show that individuals age 80 and older are most at need for long-term care. In 2010, 71% had a disability, 56% had a severe disability, and 30% only needed some assistance with daily living. Another study shows among individuals age 65 in 2005, 69% will experience a need for some type of long-term care during the balance of their lives with the average duration of needed care reaching three years. IRI data shows that most Americans find these figures intimidating. Only 24% of Baby Boomers and 28% of Generation Xers (Gen-Xers) are extremely or very confident they will have enough money to cover their own long-term care expenses.
In addition to planning for their own long-term care needs, many American families are struggling to cope with the long-term care needs and expenses of their parents. IRI has found that confidence levels are even lower regarding the ability to meet the long-term care costs of parents. Among Boomers, IRI found that only 14% are extremely or very confident they will have enough money for the long-term care expenses of their parents and only 21% of Gen-Xers have that confidence.
The long-term care issue is not all doom and gloom. As with most aspects of life, these costs can be managed with proper planning. In fact, IRI has found that confidence levels increase when working with an advisor to develop a plan to meet the costs of long-term care. Among Boomers, for example, IRI found that confidence levels in having enough money for longterm care costs increased about 58% for those who work with an advisor. This report will present data on the costs involved with long-term care. It will examine confidence levels among Boomers and Gen-Xers, noting the particular concerns for women regarding long-term care. The report concludes with an overview of various government programs and financial products to help individuals cover the costs of long-term care.
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports and Testimony
Source: Government Accountability Office
+ Reports
1. Military Disability System: Improved Monitoring Needed to Better Track and Manage Performance. GAO-12-676, August 28.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-676
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/647592.pdf
2. Medicare Special Needs Plans: CMS Should Improve Information Available about Dual-Eligible Plans’ Performance. GAO-12-864, September 13.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-864
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648292.pdf
3. Waivers Related to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Block Grant. GAO-12-1028R, September 19.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-1028R
4. Homeland Security: DHS Requires More Disciplined Investment Management to Help Meet Mission Needs. GAO-12-833, September 18.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-833
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648489.pdf
5. Human Capital: Complete Information and More Analyses Needed to Enhance DOD’s Civilian Senior Leader Strategic Workforce Plan. GAO-12-990R, September 19.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-990R
6. Next Generation Enterprise Network: Navy Implementing Revised Approach, but Improvement Needed in Mitigating Risks. GAO-12-956, September 19.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-956
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648567.pdf
7. Suspension and Debarment: DOD Has Active Referral Processes, but Action Needed to Promote Transparency. GAO-12-932, September 19.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-932
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648578.pdf
+ Testimony
1. Human Capital Management: Effectively Implementing Reforms and Closing Critical Skills Gaps Are Key to Addressing Federal Workforce Challenges, by Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States, before the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, House Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-12-1023T, September 19.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-1023T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648593.pdf
Improving ADA Paratransit Demand Estimation: Regional Modeling
Improving ADA Paratransit Demand Estimation: Regional Modeling
Source: Transportation Research Board
TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Report 158: Improving ADA Paratransit Demand Estimation: Regional Modeling presents a sketch planning model and regional models designed to help metropolitan planning organizations and transit operators better estimate the probable future demand for Americans with Disability Act (ADA) complementary paratransit service, as well as predict travel by ADA paratransit-eligible individuals on all public transportation modes.
Both models permit more detailed forecasts and deeper understanding of the travel behavior of ADA paratransit-eligible people. All model parameters and coefficients are contained in the report and a fully implemented version is available on a CD-ROM that is included with the print version of the report.
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports and Testimonies
Source: Government Accountability Office
+ Reports
1. Spent Nuclear Fuel: Accumulating Quantities at Commercial Reactors Present Storage and Other Challenges. GAO-12-797, August 15.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-797
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/593746.pdf
2. Federal Real Property: Strategic Partnerships and Local Coordination Could Help Agencies Better Utilize Space. GAO-12-779, July 25.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-779
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/593002.pdf
3. Electronic Government Act: Agencies Have Implemented Most Provisions, but Key Areas of Attention Remain. GAO-12-782, September 12.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-782
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648181.pdf
4. Recovery Act: Broadband Programs Are Ongoing, and Agencies’ Efforts Would Benefit from Improved Data Quality. GAO-12-937, September 14.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-937
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648356.pdf
5. The Distribution of Federal Economic Development Grants to Communities with High Rates of Poverty and Unemployment. GAO-12-938R, September 14.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-938R
6. Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Measuring Progress and Addressing Potential Privacy Concerns Would Facilitate Integration into the National Airspace System. GAO-12-981, September 14.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-981
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648349.pdf
7. Medicare Savings Programs: Implementation of Requirements Aimed at Increasing Enrollment. GAO-12-871, September 14.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-871
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648369.pdf
8. Disaster Relief: Reimbursements to the American Red Cross for Certain 2008 Disaster Assistance. GAO-12-877, September 14.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-877
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648340.pdf
9. Disaster Assistance: USDA and SBA Could Do More to Help Aquaculture and Nursery Producers. GAO-12-844, September 11.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-844
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648075.pdf
+ Testimonies
1. SSA Disability Programs: Progress and Challenges Related to Modernizing, by Dan Bertoni, director, education, workforce, and income security issues, before the Subcommittee on Social Security, House Ways and Means Committee. GAO-12-891T, September 14.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-891T
2. Human Capital: The Department of Health and Human Service’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s Use of Special Pay Rates for Consultants and Scientists, by Robert Goldenkoff, director, strategic issues, and Robert Cramer, managing associate general counsel, before the Subcommittee on Health, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-12-1035T, September 14.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-1035T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648328.pdf
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports and Testimony
Source: Government Accountability Office
+ Reports
1. Border Security: State Could Enhance Visa Fraud Prevention by Strategically Using Resources and Training. GAO-12-888, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-888
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/647872.pdf
2. Defense Logistics: Space-Available Travel Challenges May Be Exacerbated If Eligibility Expands. GAO-12-924R, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-924R
3. Defense Management: The Department of Defense’s Annual Corrosion Budget Report Does Not Include Some Required Information. GAO-12-823R, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-823R
4. Federal Communications Commission: Regulatory Fee Process Needs to Be Updated. GAO-12-686, August 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-686
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/593507.pdf
5. Federal Protective Service: Actions Needed to Assess Risk and Better Manage Contract Guards at Federal Facilities. GAO-12-739, August 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-739
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/593510.pdf
6. Homeland Security: DHS Has Enhanced Procurement Oversight Efforts, but Needs to Update Guidance. GAO-12-947, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-947
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/647866.pdf
7. Military Dependent Students: Better Oversight Needed to Improve Services for Children with Special Needs. GAO-12-680, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-680
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/647846.pdf
8. Reemployment of Retirees: Six Agencies’ Use of Dual Compensation Waiver Authority is Limited. GAO-12-855R, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-855R
9. VA Disability Compensation: Actions Needed to Address Hurdles Facing Program Modernization. GAO-12-846, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-846
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/647878.pdf
+ Testimony
1. Compact of Free Association: Proposed U.S. Assistance to Palau through Fiscal Year 2024. GAO-12-798T, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-798T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/647888.pdf
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports and Presentation
Source: Government Accountability Office
+ Reports
1. Telecommunications: Exposure and Testing Requirements for Mobile Phones Should Be Reassessed. GAO-12-771, July 24.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-771
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/592902.pdf
2. Students with Disabilities: Better Federal Coordination Could Lessen Challenges in the Transition from High School. GAO-12-594, July 12.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-594
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/592328.pdf
Podcast – http://www.gao.gov/multimedia/podcasts/593300
+ Presentation by the Comptroller General
1. Anticipating and Meeting Accountability Challenges in a Dynamic Environment, by Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States, before the American Bar Association, Chicago, Illinois. GAO-12-988CG, August 4.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-988CG
Healthcare Coverage and Disability Evaluation for Reserve Component Personnel: Research for the 11th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation
Because Reserve Component (RC) members have been increasingly used in an operational capacity, among the policy issues being addressed by the 11th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation (QRMC) is compensation and benefits for the National Guard and Reserve. As part of the review, RAND was asked to analyze healthcare coverage and disability benefits for RC members, including participation in the TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) program, the potential effects of national health reform on coverage rates, and disability evaluation outcomes for RC members. This report summarizes the results of RAND’s analysis. The author finds that 30 percent of RC members lack health insurance to cover care for non–service-related conditions. The TRS program offers the option of purchasing health insurance through the military on terms that are superior to typical employer benefits. Although program participation has increased, it remains low and TRS does not appear to be effectively targeting those most likely to be uninsured. TRS premiums are also lower than the premiums for the new options that will be available under health reform and the same as the penalty for not being insured. So health reform is likely to increase TRS enrollment. Finally, previously deployed RC members are referred to the Disability Evaluation System at a much lower rate than Active Component (AC) members, even for deployment-related conditions, but those who are referred receive dispositions (and thus benefits) similar to those for AC members. These findings suggest that the Department of Defense may want to consider ways to better coordinate TRS with other insurance options that will be available to RC members and that the identification of RC members who experience health consequences from deployment leading to disability merits further investigation.
