Relation of reduction in compensation to rehospitalization

Utilizing data from claims files, a sample of 97 schizophrenic veterans who had a reduction in disability compensation was studied over a 10-yr. follow-up period. Rehospitalizations were noted and compared against compensation reductions. It was assumed that, if reduction of compensation were a factor in rehospitalization, the veteran would return to the hospital around the effective date of reduction. Only 10 veterans were found to have any hospitalization within 3 mo. of the effective date of reduction. Contrary to expectation, it was further found that veterans who had received a notice of compensation reduction stayed out of the hospital significantly longer than those not so notified. Also, veterans who appealed the impending reduction of their compensation were less frequently rehospitalized than veterans who did not appeal. No significant relationships were found between rehospitalization within 3 mo. of reduction and per cent or dollar amount of reduction, age, marital status, or person with whom the veteran was living when compensation was reduced.