National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) population health survey data have been linked to VA administrative data containing information on military service history and VA benefit program utilization. The linked data can provide information on the health status and access to health care for VA program beneficiaries. In addition, researchers can compare the health of Veterans within and outside the VA health care system and compare Veterans to non-Veterans in the civilian non-institutionalized U.S. population.

Due to confidentiality requirements, the Restricted-use NCHS-VA Linked Data Files are accessible only through the NCHS Research Data Center (RDC) Network. All interested researchers must submit a research proposal to the RDC. Please see the NCHS RDC website (https://www.cdc.gov/rdc/index.htm) for instructions on submitting a proposal.