Understanding U.S. veterans and military connected individuals’ needs: A conceptual framework for identifying the level of need and co-occurring needs

Veterans, service members, and their families often seek a wide variety of assistance, including access to health and benefits services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), housing and homeless assistance, and financial and employment assistance. These needs frequently co-occur and require the delivery of services by more than one organization. This research examines the various services veterans might need to develop a classification scheme of those services. This scheme categorizes services into basic needs, stressors, and nonessential needs. In addition, it describes commonly co-occurring needs.

We conducted a mixed-method study of veteran serving organizations to develop this classification scheme. Combining qualitative interviews with 21 intake specialists and providers and surveys of 130 veteran-serving organization leaders, we found support for addressing veterans’ needs using a holistic perspective. Based on practices of interviewee organizations and supporting evidence in the literature, this report presents five recommendations for veteran-serving agencies and organizations so that they may be better equipped to meet the needs of veterans.