COMMON CHRONIC DISEASE IN VIETNAM-ERA VETERANS AND NONVETERANS

Little research has been conducted investigating the general experience of military service during Vietnam and its long-term relation to common nonpsychiatric problems. The relationship between Vietnam-era veteran status and common chronic disease was examined using data from the 1987 National Health Interview Survey. Compared to a cohort of nonveterans, Vietnam-era veterans were not more likely to have common chronic disease. Moreover, veterans were not significantly more likely than nonveterans to have limitations in activity. The findings indicate that military service during the Vietnam conflict does not place veterans at greater risk for common chronic disease.