Epidemiology is the study of health in populations to understand the causes and patterns of health and illness. The Epidemiology Program, a research division of VA’s Office of Public Health, conducts research studies and surveillance (the collection and analysis of data) on the health of Veterans.
Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn Veterans
- National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans
The 10-year study collects data on health risk behavior, general health, health care utilization, and potential exposures of 60,000 Veterans from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
- The MIND Study (Markers for the Identification, Norming, and Differentiation of TBI and PTSD)
This research focuses on Veterans who have experienced traumatic brain injury (TBI), symptoms of TBI, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Burn Pits
VA is sponsoring several in-depth studies on possible health effects of open burn pits in military settings in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Gulf War Era Veterans
- Follow-up Study of a National Cohort of Gulf War and Gulf Era Veterans
Researchers are contacting approximately 30,000 Gulf War and Gulf War-era Veterans for the third time since 1995 to learn about the health of these Veterans over time.
- Longitudinal Health Study of Gulf War Era Veterans
Researchers evaluated health data from 5,469 Gulf War-deployed Veterans and 3,353 Veterans who served elsewhere during the Gulf War. These Veterans participated in an initial survey in 1995 and a second survey in 2005.
- Post War Mortality from Neurologic Diseases in Gulf War Veterans
Researchers are investigating the risk of post-war mortality from neurological disease among 620,000 Gulf War Veterans and 750,000 non-Gulf War Veterans. Gulf War Veterans may be at increased risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or brain cancer.
View more research on Gulf War Veterans' illnesses.
Vietnam Era Veterans
- Army Chemical Corps Vietnam-Era Veterans Health Study
Researchers are studying 4,000 Veterans who served in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps sometime between 1965-1973 to determine if high blood pressure (hypertension) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are related to Agent Orange exposure during Vietnam.
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Long Term Health Outcomes of Women's Service During the Vietnam Era
This is the most comprehensive study to date of the mental and physical health of women Vietnam Veterans. The study will be used to shape future research to plan for appropriate services for women Veterans and the aging Veteran population.
View more research on Agent Orange health effects.
Veterans of U.S. Nuclear Weapons Tests
- Cancer Mortality among Military Personnel at U.S. Nuclear Weapons Tests
This mortality follow-up study will assess the risk of cancer among 120,000 U.S. military personnel who participated in atmospheric weapons testing at the Nevada Test Site and the Pacific Proving Grounds between 1946 and 1958.
Project 112/SHAD Veterans
VA continues to study the long-term health effects of Project 112/SHAD, biological and chemical warfare tests from 1962 to 1974.
War Related Illness and Injury Research
VA's War Related Illness and Injury Study Centers focus on research for deployment-related health conditions.
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