Community Analysis

Social Issues and Policy Review, Vol. 8, No. 1, 2014, pp. 33--73

Reintegration Challenges in U.S. Service Members and Veterans Following Combat Deployment

Nina A. Sayer∗

Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System

Kathleen F. Carlson

Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Portland VA Medical Center

Patricia A. Frazier

University of Minnesota

Although the majority of combat veterans reintegrate into civilian life without long-lasting problems, a sizable minority return from deployment with psychiatric or physical injuries that warrant medical attention. Even in the absence of diagnosable disorders, many experience functional problems that impede full reintegration into civilian life. Considerable resources have been allocated to studying, diagnosing, treating, and compensating combat-related disorders. This important work has resulted in significant improvements in healthcare for those with deployment-related difficulties. Nevertheless, many service members and veterans with reintegration difficulty may not receive needed help. Based on our review, we argue that in addition to treatment and compensation for diagnosable postdeployment problems, a comprehensive approach to reintegration is needed that includes partnership between the government, private sector, and the public. The U.S. combat operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and neighboring countries, referred to as Operation Enduring Freedom (primarily in Afghanistan, October

∗ Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Nina A. Sayer, Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417. Tel: 612 467 4623 [e-mail: nina.sayer@.va.gov]. This review was supported by VA Health Services Research and Development grants (grant no. DHI-07–150 and CDA-08–025) and a Department of Defense CDMRP grant (award no. W81XWH08–2–0045). The content of this review presents the findings and...