Epidemiology Research Studies
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 Patient Care Services, conducts epidemiology research studies and surveillance (the collection and analysis of data) on the health of Veterans.
OEF/OIF/OND Veterans
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation New Dawn (OND)
- Comparative Health Assessment Interview (CHAI)
This is a study on the effects of military service, deployment, and combat on the health and well-being of Veterans. - National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans
This study collects data on health risk behavior, general health, health care utilization, and potential exposures. - Burn Pits
VA is sponsoring several in-depth studies on possible health effects of open burn pits in military settings in Afghanistan and Iraq. - Suicide Risk and Risk of Death
Researchers looked at the risk of suicide and death among 1.3 million Veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan between 2001-2007. - Gender Differences in Suicide Risk Among OEF/OIF Veterans
Researchers evaluated patterns of suicide risk among male and female OEF and OIF Veterans.
Gulf-Era Twin Registry
VA is collecting data on the military and life experiences of up to 12,000 twins who separated from military service after 2001. The Gulf-Era Twin Registry will help researchers identify Veterans who are eligible for future research studies.
Gulf War Era Veterans with 1990-1991 service
- Follow-up Study of a National Cohort of Gulf War and Gulf Era Veterans
Researchers contacted 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. - The Health of Female and Male Gulf War-era Veterans
Research on Gulf War-era Veterans showed that many health problems were more common among females compared to males. - 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
- Vietnam Era Health Retrospective Observational Study (VE-HEROeS) This study will assess the current health and well-being of Vietnam era Veterans and compare their health to similarly aged U.S. residents who never served in the military.
- Army Chemical Corps Vietnam-Era Veterans Health Study
Researchers are studying approximately 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. -
Health of Vietnam Era Women's Study
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 and to plan for appropriate services for women Veterans and the aging Veteran population.
View more research on Agent Orange health effects.
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 The War Related Illness and Injury Study Center focuses on research for deployment-related health conditions.
