The Department of Veterans Affairs released its National Veteran Suicide Prevention Report in February 2026, analyzing data through 2023. Total veteran suicides fell slightly from 6,422 in 2022 to 6,398 in 2023, averaging 17.5 deaths per day.
Despite this marginal decline, the report highlights a staggering gap in outreach: 61% of veterans who died by suicide in 2023 had not received VA health care during their final year of life. This disconnect underscores persistent barriers to care as the crisis evolves.
The VA maintains suicide prevention as its top clinical priority, offering same-day emergency mental health services at all facilities. However, the data reveals that reaching those outside the system remains a critical challenge. Physical pain, homelessness and health problems continue to be primary risk factors for the veteran community, particularly among those ages 18 to 34.
If you have questions or need assistance applying for VA health care, locate your nearest DAV service office at benefitsquestions.org.
Find a DAV location
Contact your nearest DAV office. They will help you file a claim and stick with you all through the process, because no veteran should have to go at it alone.
DAV is an organization of veterans helping veterans.
The reasons are as individual as our members. Some join for the fellowship at our more than 1,200 local chapters. Some for the inspiring national events. Others for opportunities to serve their fellow veterans and their families. And many join to continue the fight to support the rights and benefits of all veterans. DAV understands the needs of veterans because we are veterans—1 million strong. We invite you to join our cause.
The “Wounded Veteran Tax" leaves many combat-injured veterans unable to receive their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation.
The Major Richard Star Act would help correct this injustice for eligible veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits they earned through their service and sacrifice.
Watch the full episode of #DAVPodcast to learn why this legislation matters and why DAV continues fighting for its passage ➡️ dav.la/4zaRUsY. ...
On Oct. 23, 1983, a suicide truck bomber attacked the Battalion Landing Team headquarters in Beirut, killing 220 Marines, 18 sailors and 3 soldiers. Marine veteran and DAV member Keith “EZ” Ezell was among the survivors of the peacekeeping mission in Beirut.
Later in life, though, he would face an invisible foe lurking within his own body. An aggressive form of bladder cancer had been waging a secret war against him.
In his time of need, Ezell was able to turn to a fellow Marine veteran of Beirut and DAV benefits advocate Don Inns.
Read the full story, “Beirut veterans continue struggle after 40 years,” at the link in the comments. ...
Sometimes, the difference between a veteran receiving the benefits they’ve earned and going without them starts with someone who takes the time to listen.
When a morning walk brought Marty Patterson into contact with Vietnam veteran Stephen Jameson, it set in motion a chain of events that would change Jameson’s life—and bring his family much-needed peace of mind.
DAV benefits advocate Kirk Patterson discovered that Jameson’s record didn’t reflect the full extent of his combat wounds and toxic exposure. He helped file new claims, ultimately securing benefits that eased the burden on Jameson’s daughter and caregiver, Erin.
It’s a powerful reminder of why DAV’s work matters. Every veteran deserves the benefits they’ve earned, and no veteran or family should have to navigate the process alone.
Who are you walking, running, rolling or riding for? For many DAV 5K participants, this event is about more than completing a course. It’s an opportunity to honor a veteran who made a difference in their life.
If you’re participating in honor of someone special, tell us about them in the comments. ❤️
And if you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time to join us in Cincinnati on Nov. 7 or participate virtually from anywhere in the world Nov. 7–11.
The Department of Veterans Affairs released its National Veteran Suicide Prevention Report in February 2026, analyzing data through 2023. Total veteran suicides fell slightly from 6,422 in 2022 to 6,398 in 2023, averaging 17.5 deaths per day.
