Major medical conditions and VA healthcare costs near end of life for veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders.

We analyzed healthcare costs and medical conditions for 2,008 veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/Ds) near end of life. The average age at SCI/D onset and/ or occurrence was 42 years and at death was 66 years. The conditions that incurred the most costs included cancer (20.9%), influenza and/or pneumonia (15.1%), heart disease (13.5%), septicemia (5.9%), diabetes (5.3%), and stroke (5.1%). The average cost was $24,900 in the second year before end of life and reached $61,900 in the final year. Before end of life, costs accelerated during the final year from $3,100 in month 12 to $14,600 in the final month.