(Photo: darwin.wins)
The latest National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report from the VA: While slightly fewer Veterans died by suicide in 2023 compared with the previous year, the overall rate continued to rise.
According to the most recent data, 6,398 Veterans died by suicide in 2023. That figure is 44 fewer than in 2022, when 6,442 Veterans lost their lives. The daily average changed only slightly, from 17.6 deaths per day in 2022 to 17.5 in 2023.
Although the total number of deaths dipped modestly, the overall suicide rate increased. In 2023, the rate rose to 35.2 per 100,000 Veterans, compared with 34.7 per 100,000 the previous year. The rate among non-Veteran U.S. adults was 16.9 per 100,000, meaning Veterans continue to die by suicide at more than twice the rate of the general adult population.
Rates increased for both male and female Veterans. For men, the rate climbed from 37.3 to 37.8 per 100,000. Among Women Veterans, it rose from 13.7 to 13.9 per 100,000. Younger Veterans between the ages of 18 and 34 remain at particularly high risk.
One of the most troubling findings is that about 61 percent of Veterans who died by suicide in 2023 were not receiving VA health care in the year before their deaths. VA Secretary Doug Collins said that the disconnect must be addressed.
“Veteran suicide has been a scourge on our nation for far too long,” Collins said. “Most Veterans who die by suicide were not in recent VA care, so making it easier for those who have worn the uniform to access the VA benefits they have earned is key.”
Firearms remain the primary method of suicide among Veterans. In 2023, 73.3 percent of Veteran suicides involved a firearm, nearly identical to the previous year and significantly higher than the rate among non-Veterans.
The data also points to elevated risk among certain groups. Veterans with a recent diagnosis of traumatic brain injury had a suicide rate 94 percent higher than those without such a diagnosis. Veterans experiencing homelessness faced a rate 146 percent higher than their housed peers. More than half of the Veterans who died by suicide had documented issues with chronic pain or sleep disruption. Nearly a quarter had reported financial difficulties.
Nationwide, 47,711 U.S. adults died by suicide in 2023, including 41,313 non-Veterans and 2,498 Veterans affiliated with the Veterans Health Administration. Suicide was the 12th leading cause of death among Veterans.
While there has been some progress since the peak year of 2018, more than 6,000 Veterans have died by suicide each year since 2001. Advocacy organizations say the persistent numbers demand stronger action, including wider access to evidence-based treatments, better integration of mental health and pain management care, and expanded outreach beyond traditional VA settings.
The VA has invested heavily in prevention efforts, community partnerships, and outreach campaigns to connect more Veterans with care. Officials say they are reviewing programs to measure effectiveness and strengthen those that show positive outcomes.
The report makes clear that behind each statistic is a Veteran whose life was shaped by service, and a family left to cope with immeasurable loss. The challenge remains urgent and deeply personal for communities across the country.
The American Legion Be the One program offers free suicide prevention training at BeTheOne.org. Veterans and family members in crisis can contact the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or visiting VeteransCrisisLine.net.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
