.png){kind=logo}
Black veterans are less likely to receive physical or mental health benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs than their white counterparts. A study by the Government Accountability Office found that initial disability claims submitted by Black veterans were denied 15 percent more often than those of white veterans. source source
Veterans from historically disadvantaged racial and ethnic groups accounted for almost 24 percent of the total veteran population in 2017, according to a 2020 VA report. By 2045, this group is projected to make up over 36 percent of living veterans. source
A report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that Non-Hispanic Black veterans had the lowest approval rates for disability compensation among all racial and ethnic groups. Specifically, Black veterans had a 61% approval rate compared to 75% for White veterans. source
Additionally, Black service members are more likely to receive Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharges, which can disqualify them from accessing veterans' benefits. This disparity is often attributed to structural racism and biases within the military system. source
The study also found that, while Black veterans receive disability compensation at significantly higher rates than white veterans for mental health conditions (nearly 22% compared with roughly 13%), they have slightly lower grant rates. source
In fiscal year 2023, 84.8% of all Black veterans who applied for physical or mental health benefits were given assistance by the VA, compared to 89.4% of their white counterparts who applied. The VA data includes information dating back to fiscal year 2017, which shows that white veterans have had a higher grant rate than their Black counterparts every year. source
Comments