Clinical Considerations and Life Circumstances Impacting Veterans presents a conceptual model that illustrates the range of circumstances and conditions that service members, Veterans, and their families (SMVF) may experience. The model highlights two categories, biopsychosocial conditions (i.e., clinical and social factors) and life circumstances, that can influence the health and well-being of SMVF. The framework is designed to support providers in recognizing how multiple conditions and circumstances may intersect and affect an individual Veteran’s health.
Biopsychosocial conditions include clinical diagnoses, neurological conditions, psychological constructs, and social factors that exert a direct influence on SMVF mental health and well-being. Biopsychosocial conditions can include the following:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Traumatic brain injury
- Mood disorders
- Relationships
- Purpose and meaning
- Needs fulfillment
- Moral injury
- Substance use and addiction
Life circumstances are non-clinical, situational factors and circumstances that exert an indirect influence on SMVF mental health and well-being. Life circumstances can include the following:
- Criminal justice system involvement
- Personal exposure to suicide
- Chronic pain
- Barriers to care
- Housing instability
- Financial instability
- Isolation
- Perception of being a burden to others
- Access to firearms and other lethal means
Although these areas are presented separately, they are not discrete or disconnected from one another. SMVF may face numerous challenges across multiple circumstances, and comorbid or chronic conditions can exacerbate one another.
This model is not meant to pathologize military service or imply that SMVF are universally impaired or impacted by that service. Most Veterans do not screen positive for mental health conditions and demonstrate substantial resilience.
Policymakers, providers, behavioral health leaders, and supporters can use this model to assess whether their programs and services reflect a holistic understanding of Veteran well-being.
This resource was first released in 2025.
Suggested Citation
France, D. K. L., & Davis, H. (2025). Clinical considerations and life circumstances impacting Veterans [figure]. Policy Research Associates. https://prainc.com/resource-library