VA Reports Little Change in Veteran Suicide Rates Despite Ongoing Concerns

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A significant finding noted in the report is that nearly 61% of veterans who died by suicide in 2023 had not received VA health care in the year leading to their deaths. Additionally, the suicide rate per 100,000 veterans reached 35.2, the highest figure since 2018.

Both male and female veterans experienced an increase in suicide rates, with female veterans rising from 13.7 to 13.9 per 100,000, and male veterans from 37.3 to 37.8 per 100,000. There is particular concern regarding veterans aged 18-34, who are noted to have elevated risk factors such as health issues, homelessness, and chronic pain.