Veteran suicides declined in 2024 for second year
The Department of Veterans Affairs reported that veteran suicides declined for the second consecutive year in 2024, with 6,488 veterans dying by suicide compared to 6,662 in 2023. The suicide rate among veterans also dropped slightly, from 36.6 per 100,000 veterans in 2023 to 36.4 per 100,000 in 2024, according to the VA's annual suicide prevention report released last week.
The VA's annual suicide prevention report is a critical tracking mechanism that monitors suicide deaths among the veteran population and compares those rates to the general U.S. population. This data helps the department assess the effectiveness of its suicide prevention programs and identify which veteran populations remain at highest risk. The report draws from national mortality data and provides one of the most comprehensive looks at veteran mental health outcomes available to policymakers and advocates.
While the decline represents progress, the statistics reveal that veterans continue to face significantly elevated suicide risk compared to their civilian counterparts. The veteran suicide rate of 36.4 per 100,000 remains more than twice the rate of the general U.S. population, which stood at 16.4 per 100,000 Americans in 2024. This persistent gap underscores that despite improvements, veterans as a group continue to experience mental health challenges at rates far exceeding those of non-veterans.
The report identifies younger veterans as facing the highest risk, with veterans ages 18 to 34 experiencing a suicide rate of 45.5 per 100,000. Veterans ages 35 to 54 had a rate of 38.5 per 100,000, while those ages 55 to 74 showed a rate of 32.7 per 100,000, and veterans aged 75 and older had a rate of 35.8 per 100,000. These age-specific breakdowns help the VA target prevention resources where they are most needed.
For disabled veterans specifically, these numbers matter because disability ratings often correlate with service-connected conditions that can contribute to mental health struggles, including traumatic brain injury, PTSD, chronic pain, and other conditions that affect quality of life. Many disabled veterans navigate complex challenges including unemployment, social isolation, and physical limitations that can compound mental health risks. Understanding that suicide prevention resources exist and that the VA is actively working to address this crisis is essential information for anyone in the veteran community.
Veterans experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health crises should know that help is available around the clock through the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or visiting VeteransCrisisLine.net. If you are a disabled veteran struggling with mental health challenges, consider discussing these concerns with your VA primary care provider or requesting a mental health referral, and reach out to a Veterans Service Organization for assistance connecting with appropriate VA mental health services and support programs.