1

Suicide Data Report, 2012 

Department of Veterans Affairs

Mental Health Services

Suicide Prevention Program

Janet Kemp, RN PhD

Robert Bossarte, PhD
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Table of Contents

List of Tables............................................................................................... 3

List of Figures.............................................................................................. 4

List of Abbreviations...................................................................................... 6

Introduction................................................................................................... 7

State Mortality Data Project............................................................................. 9

Project Cost........................................................................................ 11

Project Status........................................................................................ 11

Reliability and Validity of Veteran Identifiers............................................... 14

Limitations of Existing Data.................................................................... 15

Suicide among Veterans – As Reported on Death Certificates....................... 15

Veteran Status and Demographic Characteristics among Suicide Decedents... 21

Suicide Prevention Applications Network/Suicide Behavior Reports.................. 26

Prevalence and Characteristics of Non-Fatal Suicide Events......................... 27

Veterans Crisis Line.................................................................................... 34

Prevalence and Characteristics of Calls to the Veterans Crisis Line................ 35

Conclusion................................................................................................... 51

Appendix A: Veteran Status on Death Certificate by State and Year ........................ 55

Appendix B: Timeframe for Updated to Mortality Data by State................................ 56

Appendix C: Non-Fatal Event Rates by Age Group and Gender (per 100,000 

Users)..................................................................................................... 57

Appendix D: 12-Month Re-Event Prevalence by Age Group and Gender.................. 58

Reference List.............................................................................................. 59
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List of Tables

Table 1. Status of Data Request/Availability by State............................................ 13

Table 2. Estimated Number of Veteran Suicides and Confidence Intervals by Year..... 18

Table 3. Percentage of Suicides by Age and Veteran Status.................................. 22

Table 4. Percentage of Suicides by Age and Veteran Status among Males............... 23

Table 5. Percentage of Suicides by Age and Veteran Status among Females............ 24

Table 6. Percentage of Suicides by Marital and Veteran Status............................... 24

Table 7. Percentage of Suicides by Race/Ethnicity and Veteran Status..................... 25

Table 8. Percentage of Suicides by Education and Veteran Status.......................... 25
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List of Figures

Figure 1. Suicide Rates Among VHA Users by Sex and Fiscal Year.......................... 9

Figure 2. Percentage of Suicides Identified as Veteran by Year (1999-2011)............. 17

Figure 3. Estimated Number of Veteran Suicides by Year...................................... 18

Figure 4. Percentage of Male Veterans in 21 States and among Those Who Died from 

Suicide................................................................................................... 20

Figure 5. Percentage of Female Veterans in 21 States and among Those Who Died from 

Suicide................................................................................................... 20

Figure 6. Percentage of Suicides Identified as Veteran by State.............................. 21

Figure 7. Number of Reported Suicide Events by Fiscal Year................................ 27

Figure 8. Number of Reported Suicide Events and VHA Users by Fiscal Year.......... 29

Figure 9. Rate of Non-Fatal Suicide Events by Sex and Fiscal Year....................... 30

Figure 10. Rate of Non-Fatal Suicide Events by Age Group and Fiscal Year............. 31

Figure 11. 12 Month Re-Event Prevalence by Sex and Fiscal Year......................... 31

Figure 12. Prevalence of Non-Fatal Events by Time since Last Service Use.............. 32

Figure 13. Prevalence of Last Point of Care Prior to a Non-Fatal Event..................... 33

Figure 14. Prevalence of Method Indicated in Non-Fatal Event, FY2009-FY2012........ 34

Figure 15. VCL Calls by Month.......................................................................... 35

Figure 16. Percentage of Repeat Callers by Year.................................................. 36

Figure 17. Percentage of Callers by Sex and Month............................................... 37

Figure 18. Percentage of Callers by Age Group and Month.................................... 37

Figure 19. Percentage of Callers Age by Age Group, Gender, and Month................. 38

Figure 20. Relationship to Caller by Month.......................................................... 39

Figure 21. Percentage of Repeat Callers by Month............................................... 41

Figure 22. Percentage of Callers Thinking about Suicide by Month.......................... 42
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Figure 23. Number and Percentage of Rescues by Month..................................... 43

Figure 24. Percentage of Callers Receiving a Referral by Month............................. 43

Figure 25. Percentage of Callers Receiving a Referral with Previous VHA Service Use by 

Month.................................................................................................... 44

Figure 26. Percentage of Callers with Repeat Referrals by Year.............................. 45

Figure 27. Service Use Before and After Receiving a Referral, FY2009.................... 46

Figure 28. Service Use Before and After Receiving a Referral, FY2010.................... 46

Figure 29. Service Use Before and After Receiving a Referral, FY2011.................... 47

Figure 30. Service Use Before and After a Rescue, FY2009................................... 48

Figure 31. Service Use Before and After a Rescue, FY2010................................... 48

Figure 32. Service Use Before and After a Rescue, FY2011................................... 49

Figure 33. 12 Month Suicide Re-Event Prevalence among Those Receiving a Referral or 

Rescue................................................................................................... 50
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List of Abbreviations

VA = Department of Veterans Affairs

NDI = National Death Index

VHA = Veterans Health Administration

DoD = Department of Defense

VCL = Veterans Crisis Line

SPAN = Suicide Prevention and Application Network

DoDSER = Department of Defense’s Suicide Event Reporting system
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Introduction

In 2007, the Department of Veterans Affairs began an intensive effort to reduce suicide among 

Veterans. This effort had its roots in the Mental Health staffing expansion and the Joshua 

Omvig Bill, and it included both attention to Veterans in crisis as well as those determined to 

be at high risk for suicide. The effort also included the development of data systems to 

increase understanding of suicide among Veterans and inform both the VA and other suicide 

prevention programs. Information on the characteristics and outcomes of Veterans at risk for 

suicide is critical to the development of improved suicide prevention programs. 

In 2008, VA’s Mental Health Services established a suicide surveillance and clinical support 

system based on reports of suicide and suicide events (i.e. non-fatal attempts, serious suicide 

ideation, suicide plan) submitted by Suicide Prevention Coordinators located at each VA 

Medical Center and large outpatient facility. In addition to information obtained from suicide 

behavior reports, data on the characteristics and outcomes of callers to the national toll-free 

Veterans Crisis Line – a universally available crisis intervention resource – are available. In 

2010, the VA also began an intensive effort to shorten delays associated with access to NDI 

data and increase understanding of suicide among all Veterans by developing data sharing 

agreements with all 50 U.S. states. The integration of information collected through the NDI, 

state mortality records, Suicide Behavior Reports, Veterans Crisis Line, and the VA’s universal 

electronic medical records contribute to an increased understanding of suicide and risk 

management by identifying gaps in existing knowledge, opportunities for intervention and the 

impact of VA-sponsored suicide prevention programs.
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All of these data collection systems have matured to the point where they can now begin to 

provide VA with information that can be used to both determine if the current suicide 

prevention program is having an effect, where gaps may occur, and provide direction for the 

future. This reports is an initial attempt to look at all of this information together in order to 

provide an overall picture of Veteran suicide to drive suicide prevention program development 

and improve outcomes for Veterans at risk for suicide. It is expected that reporting will be 

refined as time goes on and more data become available. This report contains a systematic 

overview of data obtained from the State Mortality Project, Suicide Behavior Reports for fiscal 

years 2009 – 2012, and Veterans Crisis Line.
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State Mortality Data Project

Up to this point the primary source for Veteran suicide information has been limited to those 

Veterans who receive care in VA. Information on the rate and characteristics of suicide among 

those who used VHA services is available for the fiscal years 2001—2009 based on 

information from analyses of mortality data obtained through the National Death Index. Using 

this information we have identified a decrease in the age-adjusted rate of suicide (per 100,000 

person years) between the fiscal years 2001--2003 and relative stability in suicide rates during 

recent years (Figure 1).

While data obtained from NDI provide a reliable mechanism for identifying suicides among 

some Veterans, these data often encounter lengthy delays and require a population list to 

identify cause of death information. The Department of Veterans Affairs believes that a 

comprehensive suicide prevention program requires timely and accurate information beyond 

that acquired from its internal patient population. 
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It was determined that additional data on Veterans with and without history of VHA service 

use, among those who have accessed crisis services, and for those with report of non-fatal 

suicide events are needed to overcome delays associated in acquisition of mortality data, 

improve understanding of suicide among all Veterans, and identify changes in outcomes 

among those who use receive care from the VHA. The need for comprehensive information led 

to the decision to seek support from state governments for a collaborative effort to improve 

current understanding of suicide among Veterans among Veterans with and without history of 

VHA service use. In 2010, Secretary Shinseki engaged Governors of all U.S. states requesting 

support and collaboration to improve the timeliness and utility of suicide mortality reporting. 

The Secretary’s request asked each state to designate a point of contact who would work with 

the VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention to develop data use agreements for 

the purpose of sharing identified mortality data for all known suicides. The time frame for the 

original request for data included all known suicides reported between January 1, 1999 and 

December 31, 2004. However, following discussion of developing program needs, the time 

frame was extended for each data request including existing and pending data use 

agreements that share individually identifiable data through December 31, 2015. Data obtained 

from states is currently being used to assess the reliability and validity of Veteran information 

collected during mortality reporting, fulfill requirements of PL111.163 to determine the number 

of Veterans who have died from suicide (1999-2009), and to identify opportunities to improve 

the timeliness and utility of suicide reporting. Currently, all 50 U.S. states include some 

information on the decedent’s history of U.S. military service. A complete listing of Veteran 

identifiers by state and project year has been provided as Appendix A.
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Project Cost

The cumulative cost of the State Mortality Data Project has been $46,771.29 as of 11/16/2012; 

including FY12 expenditures of $35,094.23 and FY13 expenditures of $11,677.06. All costs 

associated with the State Mortality Data Project are related to state fees for processing and 

delivery of mortality data.

Project Status 

As of November 2012, data have been received from 34 states and data use agreements have 

been approved by an additional eight states. Data will be received from these states once the 

terms of individual data use and financial arrangements are finalized. An additional 11 states 

and territories have not made a decision regarding our request or are in the process of 

developing Data Use Agreements for VA review. A total of five states and territories have 

requested modifications to the initial request for data sharing or have been unable to identify 

an internal point of contact to support this program. Efforts to address initial concerns and/or 

identify appropriate contacts within non-participating areas are ongoing. While the State 

Mortality Project has not finalized contributions from all states, evaluation of existing data 

determined that the pilot effort has reached a point of statistical significance allowing for 

analysis of available data. Availability of data by state is listed in Table 1 and an estimated 

schedule for updates to the existing data has been provided as Appendix B. Recently, efforts 

to obtain information on deaths from suicide for Veterans have expanded to several U.S. 

territories including Guam, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Commonwealth of Northern 

Mariana Islands, and American Samoa as well as the Philippines, due to the presence of a VA 

facility and a large population of US Military Veterans in these regions. The Department of 

State has also been approached about obtaining information on suicide deaths among 

Americans living in foreign territories. Data availability and the status of each data request are 
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summarized in Table 1. To date, data from twenty-one (21) states have been cleaned and 

entered into a single integrated file containing information on more than 147,000 suicides and 

27,062 reported Veterans. 

In addition to the issues identified above, barriers to full project implementation include 

inconsistent availability of requested information in all states, barriers to providing non-resident 

data and sending preference to provide de-identified data due to conflicting interpretations of 

Social Security laws. Negotiations with states are continuing as we begin requesting more 

recent years’ data as well as renewing or revising previously completed Data Use Agreements. 
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Table 1: Status of Data Request/Availability by State

State/Area 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Alabama I I I I I I I I I I I I P

Alaska I I I I I I I I I I I I P

American Samoa R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Arizona R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Arkansas A A A A A A A A A A A A A

California P P P P P P P P P P P P P

Commonwealth N. 

Mariana Islands

R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Colorado K K K K K K K K K K K K P

Connecticut P P A A A A A A A A A P P

Delaware R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Florida I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Georgia P P P P P I I I I I I I I

Guam R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Hawaii A A A A A A A A A A A A P

Idaho I I I I I I I I I I I I P

Illinois R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Indiana C C C C C C C C C C C C C

Iowa P P P P P P P P P P P P P

Kansas I I I I I I I I I I I I P

Kentucky R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Louisiana A A A A A A A A A A A A P

Maine I I I I I I I I I I I P P

Maryland R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Massachusetts I I I I I I I I I I P P P

Michigan I I I I I I I I I I I I P

Minnesota I I I I I I I I I I I I P

Mississippi P P P P P P P P P P P P P

Missouri I I I I I I I I I I I P P

Montana A A A A A A A A A A A A P

Nebraska I I I I I I I I I I I I P

Nevada I I I I I I I I I I I I P

New Hampshire P P P P P P P P P P P P P

New Jersey I I I I I I I I I I I I P

New Mexico P P P P P P P P P P P P P

New York I I I I I I I I I I I I P

New York City I I I I I I I I I I I I P

North Carolina I I I I I I I I I I I I I

North Dakota A A A A A A A A A A A A P

Ohio K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Oklahoma I I I I I I I I I I I P P

Oregon A A A A A A A A A A A A P

Pennsylvania I I I I I I I I I I I I P

Philippines R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Puerto Rico R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Rhode Island R R R R R R R R R R R R R

South Carolina C C C C C C C C C C C C C

South Dakota P P P P P P P P P P P P P

State Department R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Tennessee R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Texas K K K K K K K K K K K K P

Utah A A A A A A A A A A A A A

Vermont I I I I I I I I I I I I P

Virgin Islands R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Virginia K K K K K K K K K K K A A

Washington I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Washington D.C. P P P P P P P P P P P P P

West Virginia I I I I I I I I I I I I P

Wisconsin A P A A A A A A A A A A P

Wyoming P P P P P P P P P P P P P

I= data included in report, A= available for future analysis, P= pending state approval/processing, 

R = requested but not received, C= being processed, K = provided partial information
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Reliability and Validity of Veteran Identifiers

A previous assessment of Veteran identifiers on Colorado death certificates suggested that the 

reliability of Veteran identifiers on state death certificates is acceptable.(1) The state mortality 

project offers a unique opportunity to more directly quantify the misclassification of Veteran 

status as indicated on death certificates for suicide. A preliminary assessment of data collected 

from Washington State (Washington initially provided data from 1999-2008) as part of this 

project supports conclusions of acceptable reliability reported in previous assessments and 

demonstrates the utility of using VA administrative data for confirming service history. 

Comparing the death certificate indicator in Washington to VA and DOD records, 5%

misclassification was observed overall, suggesting that death certificate reporting is a 

reasonable indicator of Veteran status among suicide deaths that could be used to track the 

overall rate of Veteran suicides. However, misclassification was considerably higher among 

validated Veterans with 11% of true Veterans classified as non-Veterans on the death

certificate. Only 2% of true non-Veterans were misclassified as Veterans on the death 

certificate. The ability of death certificates to fully capture female Veterans was particularly low; 

only 67% of true female Veterans were identified. Younger or unmarried Veterans and those 

with lower levels of education were also more likely to be missed on the death certificate. This 

decreased sensitivity in specific subgroups can affect both suicide surveillance and research 

efforts that utilize Veteran status on the death certificate. From a surveillance standpoint, the 

rate of Veteran suicides will be underestimated in these groups. From a research standpoint, 

the generalizability of study findings for specific subgroups may be limited. This preliminary 

analysis demonstrates the value of linking information from state mortality record obtained 

through data sharing agreements and VA and DoD administrative files.

Main Finding: Continued research on the reliability and validity of Veteran identifiers is needed.
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Limitations of Existing Data

Currently available data include information on suicide mortality among the population of 

residents in 21 states. Veteran status in each of these areas is determined by a single question 

asking about history of U.S. military service. Information about history of military service is 

routinely obtained from family members and collected by funeral home staff and has not been 

validated using information from the DoD or VA. Further, Veteran status was not collected by 

each state during each year of the project period. Appendix B provides a listing of the 

availability of Veteran identifiers by state and year.

Further, this report contains information from the first 21 states to contribute data for this 

project and does not include some states, such as California and Texas, with larger Veteran 

populations. Information from these states has been received and will be included in future 

reports.

Suicide among Veterans – As Reported on Death Certificates

Of the 147,763 suicides reported in 21 states, 27,062 (18.3%) were identified as having history 

of U.S. military service on death certificates. However, Veteran status was unknown or not 

reported for more than 23% (n=34,027) of all suicides during the project period. Without 

linking to VA or DoD resources to validate history of U.S. military service, it is necessary to 

remove those without information on history of military service from estimates of Veteran 

status among suicide decedents. Among cases where history of U.S. military service was 

reported, Veterans comprised approximately 22.2% of all suicides reported during the project 

period. If this prevalence estimate is assumed to be constant across all U.S. states, an 

estimated 22 Veterans will have died from suicide each day in the calendar year 2010. As 
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Veteran status on death certificates is verified in on-going work the overall percentage remains 

comparable. As shown in Appendix C, preliminary data for the 2012 calendar year will be 

available from a limited number of participating states within the next 12 months. It is important 

to note that estimates of the number of Veterans who died from suicide are based on 

information reported on state death certificates and may be subject to reporting error. It is 

recommended that the estimated number of Veterans be interpreted with caution due to the 

use of data from a sample of states and existing evidence of uncertainty in Veteran identifiers 

on U.S. death certificates. It is important to note that both Veteran populations and those who 

die by suicide are significantly more likely to be male. According to data provided by the United 

States Census Bureau, 93% of all Veterans are male and 21% of all males aged 18 years and 

older have history of U.S. military service. Further, history of U.S. military service increases 

with age, with the highest percentage of Veterans aged 55 years and older.(2) Information 

reported on state death certificates indicates that the ages 50-59 years is also an important 

group for addressing risk for suicide. Between 1999 and 2010 the average age of male 

Veterans who died from suicide was 59.6 years among Veterans identified on state death 

certificates and 54.5 years among those who could be validated using VA administrative 

records. The average age of male Veterans who died from suicide was considerably older 

than the average age of male suicide decedents who were not identified as Veterans (43.1 

years). For example, according to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (2010), approximately 79% of all suicides among adults aged 18 years and older 

were male and approximately 44% of all male suicides were among those aged 50 years of 

age and older. (3) It is therefore possible that epidemiologic characteristic of suicide in the 

general population (i.e. higher rates of suicide among older adult males) may contribute to a 

comparatively high prevalence of Veterans among those who die from suicide.
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Figure 2: Percentage of Suicides Identified as Veteran by Year (1999-2010

Veteran Status Missing from Death Certificate – Maine, North Carolina, Massachusetts, West Virginia,

Oklahoma (1999-2003), Nebraska (1999-2004), Minnesota (2010)

Main Finding: While the percentage of all suicides reported as Veteran has decreased, the number of 

suicides has increased.

As shown in Figure 2, the percentage of all suicides identified as Veteran declined between the 

years 1999-2003 and has remained comparatively constant over recent years. However, the

number of deaths by suicide has increased. Between 2007 and 2010, the number of deaths 

from suicide in the U.S. increased by nearly 11% and the rate of suicide increased by over 8%. 
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Figure 3: Estimated Number of Veteran Suicides per day by Year

Estimates that the number of suicides among Veterans each day has increased, are based on 

information provided by 21 states and may not be generalizable to the larger Veteran 

population. To account for uncertainty in the estimated number of Veterans who have died 

from suicide each year, confidence intervals were calculated using variability in the percentage 

of Veterans reported among all suicides in participating states. Information on the estimated 

count and lower and upper limits for the estimate for each year has been provided in Table 2.

Table 2: Estimated Number of Veteran Suicides and Confidence Intervals by Year

Year Estimated 

Count

Lower Limit Upper Limit

1999 20 19 20

2000 20 19 20

2001 19 19 19

2002 20 19 20

2003 19 19 19

2004 19 18 19

2005 19 18 19

2006 19 18 19

2007 18 17 18

2008 21 20 21

2009 22 21 22

2010 22 21 22
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The estimated number of Veterans who died from suicide each day was calculated as the 

percentage of all suicides identified as Veterans multiplied by the number of suicides in the 

U.S. and divided by the number of days in a year. The estimated number of Veterans who 

have died from suicide is based on data obtained from 21 states and has been calculated 

using service history as reported on death certificates. An assessment of Veteran status on 

Washington State death certificates identified a measureable amount of error among those 

with history of U.S. military service. Therefore, estimates of the number of Veterans who have 

died from suicide each day based on proxy report of history of U.S. military service should be 

interpreted with caution..

It is also possible to estimate the excess burden of suicide among Veterans by comparing the 

percentages of Veterans in the general population and the percentage of Veterans among 

those who have died from suicide. Figures 4 & 5 show the percentage of Veterans living in the 

first 21 states to contribute to this project and the estimated prevalence of Veterans among 

suicide decedents in those same areas for males and females respectively. As shown in 

Figures 4 & 5, difference in the population percentage of male Veterans in 21 participating 

states and the percentage of Veterans among males who died from suicide in those same 

areas is highest among younger Veterans and decreases with age. However, the difference 

between the population percentage of female Veterans and female Veterans who died from 

suicide in those same areas is greater than it is for males and does not decrease with age. 

(Please note that these two Figures use different scales. The two populations are very 

different in regards to numbers and different scales are needed to demonstrate the differences 

in each.)
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Figure 4: Percentage of Male Veterans in 21 States and among Those Who Died from Suicide

Figure 5: Percentage of Female Veterans in 21 States and among Those Who Died from 

Suicide

An important assumption underlying current estimates of the number of Veteran suicides in the 

total population is stability in the percentage of Veterans among suicides reported in each 
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state. As shown Figure 6, there is variability in this percentage of Veterans among all suicides 

across states during the project period; with the percentage of Veteran suicides ranging from a 

low of just over 7% to more than 26% of all suicides. Available data prevent any firm 

conclusions about correlates or causes of difference in the prevalence of Veteran suicides in 

each area. However, the observed variability in the percentage of all suicides reported as 

Veteran across states suggests that this number is not constant across areas. It is possible 

that differences in demographic composition and service availability contribute to variability in 

Veteran suicide across geographic regions. Additional study of the causes and correlates of 

variability in Veteran suicide across communities is recommended. 

Figure 6: Percentage of Suicides Identified as Veteran by State*

Percent of Veteran Suicide Deaths by State

7.12% - 15.02% 16.80% - 20.30% 20.61% - 21.81%

22.90% - 24.59% 25.11% - 26.82%

*Among states reporting Veteran status

Veteran Status and Demographic Characteristics among Suicide Decedents

Table 3 shows the percentage of suicides across 10-year age groups for all Veterans, 

Veterans with history of VHA service use, and those without report of military service (nonVeterans). As shown in Table 3, those identified as Veterans of U.S. military service were 

more likely to be aged 50 years and older than those without report of military service. 
22

Specifically, more than 69% of all Veteran suicides were among those aged 50 years and 

older, compared to approximately 37% among those who were not identified as Veterans. The 

final two columns in Table 3 list the Chi-Square values and p-statistics comparing the age 

distributions of non-Veterans, Veterans, and Veterans with history of VHA service use in the 

year before their death. These comparisons suggest that those identified as Veterans were 

significantly more likely to be age 50 years and older when compared to those without 

indication of military service. Further, those with history of VHA service use were more likely 

than other Veterans to be between the ages of 50 – 79 years.

Table 3: Percentage of Suicides by Age and Veteran Status

Age Group Non-Veteran Veteran VHA 

Veteran

, p (1) , p (2)

29 years and 

younger

21.6% 6.0% 3.0% 3902.36, 

<.0001

 83.38, 

 <.0001

30 – 39 years 19.3% 9.1% 5.2% 1386.39, 

<.0001

 110.38, 

 <.0001

40 – 49 years 24.5% 15.6% 14.0% 833.21, 

<.0001

12.34,

0.01

50 – 59 years 18.2% 20.0% 23.4% 63.54, 

<.0001

 48.00, 

 <.0001

60 – 69 years 8.1% 16.5% 19.6% 1655.55, 

<.0001

 43.23, 

 <.0001

70 – 79 years 4.6% 18.6% 20.0% 5592.63, 

<.0001

 6.64, 

 0.01

80 years and older 3.7% 14.2% 14.8% 3980.27, 

<.0001

0.21,

 0.65

(1) Veteran (as indicated on death certificate) compared to non-Veteran

(2) Veteran with VHA service use compared to general population of Veterans (as indicated on death 

certificate)

Main Finding: More than 69% of Veteran suicides are among those age 50 years and older.

There is evidence of differences in gender composition among Veterans who have died from 

suicide when compared to those without history of military service. Specifically, males

accounted for more than 97% of all suicides among those identified as Veterans, compared to 

approximately 74% among non-Veteran suicide decedents (Table 4). Differences in the 
23

distribution of age between males with and without report of military service are consistent with 

trends identified in the larger population of suicide decedents.

As shown in Table 5, females accounted for less than 3% of all suicides among reported 

Veterans, compared to more than 26% among suicide decedents without a reported history of 

military service. Overall, there were few differences in the age distribution of suicide decedents 

with and without report of military service.

Table 4: Percentage of Suicides by Age and Veteran Status among Males

Age Group Non-Veteran Veteran VHA 

Veteran

, p (1) , p (2)

29 years and younger 24.4% 5.8% 2.9% 4654.56, 

<.0001

79.60, 

<.0001

30 – 39 years 20.0% 8.9% 4.9% 1525.62, 

<.0001

 109.07,

 <.0001

40 – 49 years 23.5% 15.0% 13.2% 709.62, 

<.0001

 15.59, 

 <.0001

50 – 59 years 16.9% 20.0% 23.4% 146.26, 

<.0001

 46.65, 

 <.0001

60 – 69 years 7.4% 16.8% 20.0% 1889.43, 

<.0001

 43.92, 

<.0001

70 – 79 years 4.2% 19.0% 20.5% 5261.07, 

<.0001

7.14, 

0.01

80 years and older 3.6% 14.5% 15.1% 3579.83, 

<.0001

 0.11, 

 0.74

(1) Veteran (as indicated on death certificate) compared to non-Veteran

(2) Veteran with VHA service use compared to general population of Veterans (as indicated on death 

certificate)

Additional information available from mortality records may help identify systematic differences 

among suicide decedents who were and were not identified as Veterans. Tables 6 – 8 show 

results from comparisons of non-Veterans, Veterans, and Veterans with history of VHA service 

use by marital status, race ethnicity, and educational attainment. Results from these 

comparisons are consistent with previous analyses of the characteristics of Veteran groups. 

Overall, suicide decedents identified as Veterans were more likely to have been 
24

married/widowed/divorced, be identified as non-Hispanic whites, and have comparatively 

higher levels of academic achievement.

Main Finding: Male Veterans who die by suicide are older than non-Veteran males.

Table 5: Percentage of Suicides by Age and Veteran Status among Females

Age Group Non-Veteran Veteran VHA Veteran , p (1) , p (2)

29 years and 

younger

13.8% 12.9% 7.5% 3.31, 

0.07

3.81, 

0.06

30 – 39 years 17.3% 18.9% 13.5% 1.90, 

0.17

2.13, 

0.14

40 – 49 years 27.3% 34.1% 40.6% 19.78, 

<.0001

2.60, 

0.11

50 – 59 years 21.7% 19.4% 24.1% 1.46, 

0.23

1.45, 

0.23

60 – 69 years 10.3% 7.1% 6.8% 7.77, 

0.01

 0.02, 

 0.90

70 – 79 years 5.6% 4.1% 2.3% 2.67, 

0.10

1.47, 

0.23

80 years and older 4.0% 3.5% 5.3% 0.41, 

0.52

 1.51, 

 0.22

(1) Veteran (as indicated on death certificate) compared to non-Veteran

(2) Veteran with VHA service use compared to general population of Veterans (as indicated on death certificate)

Main Finding: The age distribution of female Veterans and non-Veterans is similar.

Table 6: Percentage of Suicides by Marital and Veteran Status 

Age Group Non-Veteran Veteran VHA Veteran , p (1) , p (2)

Married/Separated 27.9% 38.6% 37.1% 1091.35, 

<.0001

65.96, 

<.0001

Widowed 4.8% 10.8% 11.1% 1225.35, 

<.0001

3.28, 

0.07

Divorced 19.2% 22.1% 29.9% 105.31, 

<.0001

 113.14, 

<.0001

Single 29.5% 11.5% 11.2% 3467.13, 

<.0001

7.97, 

0.01

Unknown 18.6% 17.0% 10.7% 31.64 

<.0001

 11.24, 

 0.01

(1) Veteran (as indicated on death certificate) compared to non-Veteran

(2) Veteran with VHA service use compared to general population of Veterans (as indicated on death 

certificate)

Main Finding: Veterans who died from suicide were more likely to be married, widowed, or divorced.
25

Table 7: Percentage of Suicides by Race/Ethnicity and Veteran Status 

Age Group Non-Veteran Veteran , p

Race

White 87.7% 92.6% 472.13, 

<.0001

African-American 6.4% 4.5% 128.55, 

<.0001

Indian/Native 

Alaskan

1.6% 0.7% 122.17, 

<.0001

Asian/Pacific 

Islander

1.6% 0.4% 226.34, 

<.0001

Other 0.7% 0.2% 89.39, 

<.0001

Unknown 2.0% 1.6% 10.01, 

0.01

Ethnicity

Hispanic 5.4% 1.6% 676.81, 

<.0001

Non-Hispanic 87.2% 91.4% 351.21, 

<.0001

Unknown 7.4% 7.0% 6.61, 

0.05

Table 8: Percentage of Suicides by Education and Veteran Status 

Age Group Non-Veteran Veteran , p

Less than High 

School

17.2% 10.3% 735.37, 

<.0001

High School 30.8% 35.1% 174.36, 

<.0001

1 Year of College or 

Less

6.8% 7.9% 33.15, 

<.0001

2 Years of College 5.9% 7.0% 42.24, 

<.0001

3 Years of College 3.3% 3.5% 1.15, 

0.28

4 Years of College 7.5% 8.9% 56.24, 

<.0001

5+ Years of College 4.2% 5.1% 42.10, 

<.0001

Unknown 24.3% 22.2% 46.23, 

<.0001

Main Finding: The demographic characteristics of Veterans who have died from suicide are similar 

among those with and without history of VHA service use.
26

Suicide Prevention Applications Network/Suicide Behavior Reports

The VHA Strategic Plan for Suicide Prevention is grounded in a public health framework 

encompassing three major components: surveillance, identification of risk and protective 

factors, and development of effective prevention interventions. In accordance with the first 

component of this plan, surveillance, the VA has mandated since 2008 that health system 

facilities track attempted and completed suicides in a national database, the Suicide 

Prevention and Application Network (SPAN). Together, SPAN and the Department of 

Defense’s Suicide Event Reporting system (DoDSER) which utilize the same standardized 

suicide event nomenclature constitute the nation’s only real-time suicide surveillance systems. 

SPAN is coordinated and maintained by the Mental Health Program Director, Suicide 

Prevention and Community Engagement. The SPAN database compiles individual-level case 

reports for all suicide events and deaths known to VHA providers and Suicide Prevention 

Coordinators from each VHA medical facility using standard processes and a Suicide Behavior 

Report developed by national-level management and suicide prevention experts. VA policy 

requires that Suicide Prevention Coordinators complete a Suicide Behavior Report for all 

known suicides, suicide attempts, and some serious suicide ideation (i.e. suicide ideation 

involving a firearm). Therefore, reports of non-fatal suicide events may include suicide, suicide 

attempts and serious suicide ideation resulting in preventive action. In 2010, electronic 

reporting of suicide events was implemented. 

The SPAN database provides the capacity for ongoing surveillance of suicide events among 

Veterans. Each month in FY2012, SPAN received approximately 1,400 suicide events 

nationwide, 95% of which are for non-fatal events. Although SPAN contains approximately 

40% of suicide deaths among Veterans receiving VHA services, the State Mortality Data 

Project and annual all-cause National Death Index searches conducted for VHA users are 
27

better suited for tracking suicide deaths in the Veteran population. In contrast, SPAN is 

uniquely suited to capture information on the incidence and characteristics of non-fatal events. 

Furthermore, because SPAN is an internal data collection system, the SPAN system primarily 

contains suicide events for VHA utilizing Veterans; each year less than 10% of non-fatal 

suicide events reported to SPAN are for Veterans who are not recent VHA users. (VHA 

usually does not know about events for non-users).This report therefore focuses on non-fatal 

suicide events for VHA users defined as Veterans who have utilized any VHA services within 

one year preceding the event.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Non-Fatal Suicide Events

Figure 7: Number of Reported Suicide Events by Fiscal Year

As shown in Figure 7, the absolute number of monthly non-fatal suicide events has increased 

since SPAN was implemented in 2008. However, early increases were likely due to a 
28

transitional period during which facilities were adapting to this new program and reporting 

procedures. The second period of the observed increase between December 2009 to July 

2010 is likely due, in a large part, to the initiation of electronic submission of Suicide Behavior 

Reports, which streamlined the reporting process and potentially increased program 

compliance. There also appears to be a seasonal trend with more suicide events in the spring 

and summer months noted in 2010 and 2011. In the fall of 2011, the number of reported 

events again began to decrease, but the expected seasonal increase for the spring of 2012

was not observed. Thus, although findings are preliminary at this time, the number of non-fatal 

events appears to be decreasing. This observed decrease may represent a true decline in 

Veteran suicide behaviors, but could also be due, in part, to reporting lag or systematic policy 

changes regarding the types and number of events reported. This decrease is also observed 

when considering overall annual trends (Figure 8). In 2012, non-fatal suicide events were 

reported for almost 11,000 VHA users. As some VHA utilizing Veterans experience multiple 

reported events, this corresponds to nearly 15,000 suicide suicide events reported in FY2012 

compared to more than 16,000 in FY2011. This is unique data and cannot be compared to 

non-veteran data since population level non-fatal event data on the general population does 

not exist.
29

Figure 8: Number of Reported Suicide Events and VHA Users by Fiscal Year

Main finding: Preliminary evidence suggests that the number of non-fatal suicide events for VHA utilizing 

Veterans has been decreasing since September, 2011.

Considering unique individuals with one or more non-fatal suicide events(s), the suicide event 

rate increased slightly from 2009 to 2011 and decreased slightly in 2012 parallel to that 

observed for the absolute number of events in figures 9 and 10. As shown in Figure 9, clear 

gender differences are apparent with more females than males with report of a suicide event 

each year, yet the annual trends are the same for both genders. Furthermore, the gender gap 

appears to be closing.
30

Figure 9: Rate of Non-Fatal Suicide Events by Sex and Fiscal Year

Main Finding: Although gender differences exist, they appear to be decreasing.

Age-specific event rates clearly differ with a consistent patern emerging for 2009-2012. Rates 

are highest among younger Veterans and appear to decrease consistently with increasing age. 

Suicide event rates for Veterans 60 and older have remained comparatively stable since 2009, 

but fluctuations have been observed for younger Veterans. When considering rates by age 

group, we again see an increase from 2009-2010 for those less than 60 years of age, but a 

clear decline is noted beginning in 2011 and continuing in 2012. When considering Veterans of 

all ages, this decline was not apparent until 2012. This trend may be due to the fact that 

although rates are lower among older Veterans, there is a larger number of older Veterans 

utilizing VHA services and this group. Therefore, patterns in suicide event reports among older 

adults may disproportionately influence obseved trends in overall frequencies and suicide 

event rates. Among the older Veterans, no change in suicide event rates was observed 

between 2010 and 2011. Non-fatal event rates by age group and gender have been provided 

as Appendix C.
31

Figure 10: Rate of Non-Fatal Suicide Events by Age Group and Fiscal Year

Main Finding: Rates of non-fatal suicide events decrease with age.

Figure 11: 12 Month Re-Event Prevalence by Sex and Fiscal Year

Main Finding: The 12 month re-event prevalence decreased in FY2012.

Repeat report of an addiitonal suicide event within 12 months of a non-fatal sucide event 

occurs in approximately 15% of cases for both males and females. Although we cannot yet 

report on 2012 reattempt rates, it does appear that the 12 month repeat report prevalence

decreased slightly from 2010 to 2011. Repeat report prevalence by age group and gender 

have been provided in Appendix D.
32

Figure 12: Prevalence of Non-Fatal Events by Time since Last Service Use

Main Finding: Among those at risk, the first four weeks following service require intensive monitoring 

and case management.

Figure 12 clearly demonstrates that the majority (80%) of non-fatal events occur within four 

weeks of recieving VHA services. An additional 10% of events occur in the second month 

following last VHA service visit. These findings have important implications for treatment and 

prevention efforts as the majority of those with report of a suicide event are active, recent VHA 

users. 

Furthermore, nearly 50% of the individuals with a VHA service visit in the year preeceeding the 

suicide event were last seen in the outpatient primary care setting (Figure 13). This implies that 

primary care should be an integral component of VHA suicide prevention programs and 

primary care clinicians should continue to receive support and training on the identification and 

management of those experiencing distress. Another 40% of those with report of one or more 
33

suicide events were last seen for mental health services indicating a need for continued 

assessment and risk management following use of VHA services among those with known risk 

factors (i.e. mental health diagnosis).

Figure 13: Prevalence of Last Point of Care Prior to a Non-Fatal Event

Main Finding: The majority of Veterans who have a suicide event were last seen in an outpatient setting.

The majority of nonfatal events were the result of an overdose or intentional poisoning. 

However, nearly 11% of non-fatal attempts were made with a firearm. Additional research on 

the characteristics and outcomes among this group is needed. However, it is important to note 

that this number may include both Veterans who held a loaded gun but never discharged the 

firearm and those who suffered a non-fatal injury. Given the high case-fatality for firearm 

events in general, this finding highlights an opportunity and need to understand more about 

this group including risk factors, future suicide event rates and re-attempt methods in order to 

direct effective prevention and treatment services.
34

Figure 14: Prevalence of Method Indicated in Non-Fatal Event, FY2009-FY2012

Method Indicated for Non-Fatal Event

02.1% - Sequelae of intentional self-harm - 970

02.3% - Jumping - moving object - 1,106

06.5% - Hanging, strangulation, suffocation - 3,045

10.3% - Sharp object - 4,842

10.9% - Firearms - 5,148

11.5% - Intentional self-harm by unspecified means - 5,425

51.0% - Poisoning - 24,058

OTHER

Main Finding: A majority of non-fatal events were the result or overdose or other intentional poisoning.

Veterans Crisis Line

The Veteran Crisis Line application collects information related to calls from Veterans, their 

families and their friends in need. Calls are mainly received from callers to the National 

Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK), where the caller pushed “1” for Veteran services. The Veteran 

Crisis Line is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by trained Veteran Affairs employees with 

backgrounds in mental health services. The information collected during each call includes 

date and time of call, history of suicidal ideation and events, access to means, substance use, 

social support, and perceived intent of suicide event. The majority of information is based on 

the flow of the call, and the number of mandatory fields is kept at a minimum. Most callers are 

anonymous (i.e. they do not provide identifying information) and do not result in a 

rescue. Information on outcome of the call and referrals for VHA services are collected and, 
35

when available, can be used to identify outcomes among callers to the Veterans Crisis Line 

(VCL).

Prevalence and Characteristics of Calls to the Veterans Crisis Line

Since 2009, calls to the Veterans Crisis Line have continued to increase with a noticeable 

spike in call volume beginning in or around May 2011 (Figure 15). Around this same time, the 

VA re-branded the hotline from the “Veterans Suicide Prevention Line” to the “Veterans Crisis 

Line” and launched the ‘It’s Your Call’ media campaign promoting the newly named crisis line 

to Veterans and their family and friends. The evaluation of this campaign highlights this type of 

messaging as a viable method to encourage help seeking and promote the use of VA mental 

health services to Veteran populations. However, in order to support and sustain help seeking 

behaviors and maintain an upward trend in call volume the continuation of messaging activities 

should be considered. 

Figure 15: VCL Calls by Month

Main Finding: Calls to the Veterans Crisis Line continue to increase and this increase may be associated 

with efforts to enhance awareness of VHA services through public education campaigns.
36

The percentage of repeat callers (i.e., callers from a single phone number or who have 

received a referral/rescue within 30 days of another call) has consistently increased over the 

past four years. For some, the Veterans Crisis Line may be instrumental in providing support 

and care and prompt individuals to access it more than once. As shown in Figure 16 below, the 

percentage of repeat callers has steadily increased over time from 17.25% in FY 2009 to 

almost 19.6% reported in FY 2012. These numbers may reflect change in the type of help 

individuals are seeking (e.g. rather than calling in crisis, calls may be for help with symptoms 

such as insomnia) or are indicative of the expansive role the Veterans Crisis Line may play in 

the provision of care to Veterans. 

Figure 16: Percentage of Repeat Callers by Year

Females accounted for approximately 20% of calls each month (Figure 17), however, the 

majority of callers to the Veterans Crisis Line were male (almost 80% per month). Despite 

identification as a group less willing to seek psychological help, males more often connected to 

the Veterans Crisis Line, a trend that was relatively stable between 2009 and 2012.
37

Figure 17: Percentage of Callers by Sex and Month 

Main Finding: The majority of all callers to the Veterans Crisis Line are male.

Figure 18: Percentage of Callers by Age Group and Month

Main Finding: The majority of callers to the Veterans Crisis Line are between the ages of 50-59.
38

Although people of all ages utilize the Veterans Crisis Line, the largest percentage of calls 

each month to the Veterans Crisis Line were made by individuals between the ages 50-59 

years old (approximately 30% of all calls each month). Rates of suicide among middle-age 

men in the general population have increased during the past three years. Therefore, use of 

the Veterans Crisis Line may be particularly important for members of this group. As shown in 

Figure 18, the comparatively high prevalence of callers between the ages 50-59 years was 

sustained over time and suggests that the Veterans Crisis Line may provide a resource and 

access to care for those belonging to high-risk subgroups of the larger population. Overall, the 

percentage of calls to the Veterans Crisis Line from adults aged 40 years and younger and 60-

69 years is similar, with a comparatively small percentage (less than 10%) of calls among 

those aged 70 years and older.

Figure 19: Percentage of Callers by Age Group, Gender, and Month

Main Finding: Age composition of callers to the VCL is distinct between genders.
39

Further analysis of monthly calls made to the Veterans Crisis Line reveal that the composition 

of callers’ age differs by gender. The majority of male callers each month are between the 

ages of 50-59 with the fewest calls made by those ages 70 and older. However, among female 

callers, the pattern is less distinct as trends in calls to the crisis line fluctuate over time with 

several age groups making the majority of calls (primarily those 59 and younger), and older 

females (70 and older) contributing less than 10% to calls per month.

A majority of all callers to the Veterans Crisis Line identified as Veterans (Figure 20). Overall, 

approximately 80% of all callers to the Veterans Crisis Line identify as Veterans and the 

remainder of other callers (including friends, family members, and all non-military others) 

contributed to less than 20% of total call volume each year.

Figure 20: Relationship to Caller by Month

Main Finding: Approximately 80% of callers to the Veterans Crisis Line identify as Veterans.
40

The percentage of Veteran callers to the Veterans Crisis Line has remained comparatively 

constant since the first quarter of 2010. The sudden rise in Veteran callers from 60% in early 

2009 to more than 80% in February 2010 may be attributable to a rebranding of the Veterans 

Crisis Line and the introduction of the Military Crisis Line in FY2011. While the Veterans Crisis 

Line is identified to active duty personnel as the Military Crisis Line, the percentage of active 

duty callers has remained constant since February 2009 at just over 1%. It is possible that

some active duty personnel may be identifying themselves as Veterans.

The percentage of repeat callers to the VCL has largely been relatively consistent across the 

past four fiscal years. (Figure 21) However, a notable drop in the percentage of repeat callers 

is observable in early 2009, with the number of repeat callers falling from approximately 19% 

to 13%. Since then, the percentage of repeat callers has continued to steadily increase back to 

approximately 19%, where is has remained fairly constant since the second quarter of 2011. 
41

Figure 21: Percentage of Repeat Callers by Month

Main Finding: Approximately 19% of calls to the Veterans Crisis Line call more than once each month.

Based on the prevalence of callers reporting thoughts of suicide at the time of the call, there 

currently seems to be a slight downward trend in the percentage of callers thinking of suicide 

(Figure 22). A sharp drop was first noted in early 2009, where this number fell from more than 

40% to approximately 30%. However, it is possible that this decrease was associated with 

implementation of the Veterans Crisis Line and characteristics of early adopters of this service. 

This drop was then followed by a steady increase which peaked in the third quarter of 2010 at 

approximately 35%. This number has again decreased, with the percentage of callers thinking 

of suicide presently approximating to the same prevalence observed in 2009. Research is 

recommended to determine possible causes and differences in caller characteristics or 

outcomes associated with this change.
42

Figure 22: Percentage of Callers Thinking about Suicide by Month

Main Finding: The percentage of callers to the Veterans Crisis Line who are currently thinking of suicide 

has decreased.

The number and percentage of rescues performed each month has also progressively 

declined (Figure 23). Following a sharp drop in early 2009, this percentage of all calls resulting 

in a rescue increased to approximately 7% in June 2010 and has consistently decreased, now 

totaling approximately 3% of all calls. This change may be indicative of fewer callers 

presenting with crisis states making them at imminent risk of suicide as well as more callers 

presenting with a greater diversity of problems. 
43

Figure 23: Number and Percentage of Rescues by Month

Main Finding: The percentage of all calls resulting in a rescue has decreased.

Figure 24: Percentage of Callers Receiving a Referral by Month

Main Finding: The percentage of callers receiving a referral for follow-up care is increasing.
44

The percentage of callers receiving a referral has been steadily increasing from approximately 

31% in early 2009 to more than 40% in FY2012 (Figure 24). This increase may be due to 

callers to the VCL presenting more distally in the risk continuum or a shift in caller preferences, 

with more callers demonstrating willingness to accept referrals for clinical services.

Figure 25: Percentage of Callers Receiving a Referral with Previous VHA Service Use by 

Month

Main Finding: Approximately 93% of all Veterans Crisis Line referrals are made to callers with a history of 

VHA service use in the past 12 months.

The percentage of callers receiving a referral with history of VHA service in the 12 months 

preceding a referral rose from approximately 92.5% in FY2009 to just over 93% in FY2010

(Figure 25). This number then slightly dropped in FY2011, only to return to just over 93% in 

FY2012.

Callers who receive more than one referral in a fiscal year have consistently between FY2009 

– FY2012; with approximately 3% of all callers to the Veterans Crisis Line receiving more than 

one referral for care in FY2012 (Figure 26).
45

Figure 26: Percentage of Callers with Repeat Referrals by Year

Main Finding: Slightly more than 3% of callers receive more than one referral each year.

Figures 27-29 demonstrate patterns of VHA service use before and following a referral for 

service and are largely consistent across years. Between 61-90 days before the referral, 

mental health residential/domiciliary stays averaged 20 days per stay, decreasing to 

approximately 15 days per stay at 0-30 days after a referral. The length of a stay for residential 

and domiciliary care then increases to 22-23 days per stay at 61-90 days post-referral. In 

contrast, inpatient mental health stays averaged 7-8 days per stay at 61-90 days before and 

after a referral. Other inpatient stays slightly increased at 90 days following a referral, from 

approximately 5 days in FY2009 to 6-7 days in FY2010-FY2011. Other inpatient stays would 

then decrease to approximately 5 days per stay around the time of the referral, rising to 6-7 

days per stay at 61-90 days after a referral. Overall, there was an average of 4 outpatient 

mental health encounters between 31-60 days after a referral, rising to an average of 5 

encounters between 61-90 days following a referral.
46

Figure 27: Service Use Before and After Receiving a Referral, FY2009

Figure 28: Service Use Before and After Receiving a Referral, FY2010
47

Figure 29: Service Use Before and After Receiving a Referral, FY2011

Main Finding: Service use continues to increase following a referral for care.

Patterns of service use among Veterans with history of VHA services that were rescued 

following a call to the Veterans Crisis Line were consistent with increases noted following a 

referral. Overall, mental health residential/domiciliary stays showed little variability between 

FY2010-FY2011, ranging from approximately 20 days per stay at 61-90 days before the 

rescue to 15 days per stay around the time of the rescue, rising to 21-22 days per stay at 61-

90 days following a rescue (Figures 30-32). The number of inpatient days and encounters

varies from FY2009, where these stays rose to 25 days per stay at 1-30 days before a rescue, 

falling to 15 days in the 0-30 days following a rescue, rising to 20 days per stay at 61-90 days 

after the event. Between FY2009-FY2011, inpatient mental health stays averaged 8 days per 

stay at 30-90 days before the rescue, rising approximately 25% to about 10 inpatient days 31-

90 days after the rescue. Other inpatient stays averaged 6 days per stay at 31-90 days before 
48

and after the rescue in FY2009 and FY2011. In FY2010, other inpatient stays averaged 6 days 

per stay at 31-90 days before a rescue and rose to an average of 8 inpatient days between 61-

90 days after a rescue. 

Figure 30: Service Use Before and After a Rescue, FY2009

Figure 31: Service Use Before and After a Rescue, FY2010 
49

Figure 32: Service Use Before and After a Rescue, FY2011

Main finding: Between FY2009 – FY2011, use of inpatient and outpatient services increased following a 

rescue.

Callers to the Veterans Crisis Line who receive a referral for follow-up care or who result in a 

rescue represent two groups that may be at increased risk for suicide. Increased risk for repeat 

suicide attempts has been identified among those who survive an initial suicide event and, 

among callers to the Veterans Crisis Line, may be greatest among Veterans who have 

attempted suicide before the time of their first referral or rescue resulting for a call to the 

Veterans Crisis Line. The suicide reattempt prevalence rate in FY2009 was approximately 19, 

increasing to 20 in FY2010, and decreasing to 18 in FY2011. (Figure 33) This change in 12-

month reattempt prevalence rates may be due to a decrease in the number of non-fatal suicide 

attempters who call the Veterans Crisis Line as well as a sign of effective identification and 

management of risk following a rescue or referral.
50

Figure 33: 12 Month Suicide Re-event Prevalence among Those Receiving a Referral or 

Rescue

Main finding: The 12 month re-event prevalence has decreased among those who have been rescued or 

received a referral for follow-up care.
51

Conclusions

The report contains prevalence data and characteristics of suicide among Veterans and 

evidence of change in outcomes among Veterans at risk for suicide. Included in this report are 

an overview and analysis of information collected through collaborative data sharing 

agreements with U.S. states, reports of non-fatal suicide events among Veterans using VHA 

services and analysis of data obtained from the Veterans Crisis Line. Data collected through 

the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) initiatives identify opportunities for the continued 

support and development of new prevention programs. Major findings of the report include:

While the percentage of all suicides reported as Veterans has decreased, the number of 

suicides has increased 

A majority of Veteran suicides are among those age 50 years and older. Male Veterans 

who die by suicide are older than non-Veteran males who die by suicide.

The age distribution of Veteran and non-Veteran women who have died from suicide is 

similar.

The demographic characteristics of Veterans who have died from suicide are similar 

among those with and without a history of VHA service use. 

Among those at risk, the first 4 weeks following service require intensive monitoring and 

case management (which verifies the importance of the Enhanced Care Package for 

those at high risk).

There is preliminary evidence in 2012 indicating a decrease in the rate of non-fatal 

suicide events for VHA utilizing Veterans.

Decreasing rates of non-fatal suicide events are associated with increasing age.

The data show a decrease in the 12 month re-event prevalence in fiscal year (FY) 2012.

The majority of Veterans who have a suicide event were last seen in an outpatient 

setting. A high prevalence of non-fatal suicide events result from overdose or other 

intentional poisoning.

Continued increases in calls to the Veterans Crisis Line may be associated with efforts 

to enhance awareness of VHA services through public education campaigns.
52

The majority of callers to the Veterans Crisis Line are male and between the ages of 50-

59.

Differences in the age composition of callers to the Veterans Crisis Line are associated 

with gender.

A large percentage of callers to the Veterans Crisis Line are identified as Veterans.

Approximately 19 percent of callers to the Veterans Crisis Line call more than once 

each month.

The percentage of callers to the Veterans Crisis Line who are currently thinking of 

suicide has decreased. 

The percentage of all calls resulting in a rescue has decreased, indicating that the calls 

are less emergent and callers are using the Crisis Line earlier.

The percentage of callers receiving a referral for follow-up care is increasing.

Approximately 93 percent of all Veterans Crisis Line referrals are made to callers with a 

history of VHA service use in the past 12 months.

Service use continues to increase following a referral for care.

Between FY 2009 – FY 2011, use of inpatient and outpatient services increased 

following a rescue.

The 12 month re-event prevalence has decreased among those who have been 

rescued or received a referral for follow-up care.

Although this was not a research-based analysis and there are significant limitations in the 

data that are available, as described in the report, this first attempt at a comprehensive review 

of Veteran suicide does provide us with valuable information for future directions in care and 

program development. While the numbers of Veterans who die from suicide each day has 

remained relatively stable over the past 12 years (varying from 18 -22 per day), the percentage 

of people who die by suicide in America who are Veterans has decreased slightly. At the 

same time, the number of Americans who die by suicide each day has increased. This 

provides preliminary evidence that the programs initiated by VA are improving outcomes. VA 
53

must continue to provide a high level of care, and recognize that there is still much more work 

to do. As long as Veterans die by suicide, we must continue to improve and provide even 

better services and care. This report provides us with valuable information about opportunities 

to do even better work. 

A taskforce designed to provide recommendations for innovating Mental Health care in VA has 

been established and will be given this report to help guide its work. A report from this interagency group will be forth-coming to the inter-agency task force developed to implement the 

Mental Health Executive Order which is highly focused on suicide prevention. The work of this 

group includes developing action plans to address risk in a broader sense for all patients in 

both mental health and non-mental health settings. This includes reassessing the value of

traditional suicide risk assessments and screening (which is done now extensively in VA), and 

adding ways to identify life stressors and concerns earlier. Improving risk identification through 

these alternative approaches and increasing the numbers of Veterans who are engaged in the 

enhanced follow-up program may address that identified sensitive time period following VA 

contact as an outpatient as well as for inpatients. 

Population groups indentified in the report that require additional interventions and 

engagement include women Veterans and Vietnam Era Veterans. Additional VA training 

programs will be developed targeting providers of these groups of patients and Suicide 

Prevention Coordinators will be provided materials to do “refresher” training on suicide risk 

awareness and risk assessment for all staff.

Outreach remains critically important. Knowing that VA treatment strategies are effective 

provides an impetus to get more Veterans involved in treatment programs earlier. Maintaining 
54

the availability of the Veterans Crisis Line to address all areas of concern for Veterans is 

valuable. Our communication and outreach strategies appear to be effective in this area – we 

should continue our work and expand in this area. 

VA recognizes its role and responsibility in maintaining the safety and well-being of our 

nation’s Veterans of all eras. We will diligently continue to pursue successful and effective 

interventions for those Veterans at risk for suicide and those suffering from mental health 

related concerns through research and practice using all available information and data. We 

will continue to add to this information base as data continues to become available and provide 

updates to this on-going report.
55

Appendix A: Veteran Status on Death Certificate by State and Year

State/Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Alabama K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Alaska K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Arizona A, NK A, NK A, NK A, NK A, NK A, NK A, NK A, NK A, NK K K K K

Arkansas K K K K K K K K K K K K K

California A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK K K K K K K K

Colorado K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Connecticut A,NK A,NK K K K K K K K K K K K

Delaware A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK K K K K K

Florida K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Georgia A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK K K K K K K K K

Hawaii K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Idaho K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Illinois A,NK A,NK K K K K K K K K K K K

Indiana K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Iowa K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Kansas K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Kentucky A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK K

Louisiana K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Maine K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Maryland A, NK A, NK A, NK A, NK A, NK A, NK A, NK A, NK A, NK A, NK A, NK A, NK A, NK

Massachusetts K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Michigan K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Minnesota K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Mississippi A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK K K K K K K K K

Missouri K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Montana K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Nebraska A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK K K K K K K K

Nevada K K K K K K K K K K K K K

New Hampshire K K K K K K K K K K K K K

New Jersey K K K K K K K K K K K K K

New Mexico A,NK A,NK A,NK K K K K K K K K K K

New York K K K K K K K K K K K K K

New York City K K K K K K K K K K K K K

North Carolina A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK

North Dakota K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Ohio K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Oklahoma A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK K K K K K K K

Oregon K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Pennsylvania K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Rhode Island K K K K K K K K K K K K K

South Carolina K K K K K K K K K K K K K

South Dakota K K K K K K K K K K K K K

State Department NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

Tennessee A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK K K K

Texas K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Utah K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Vermont K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Virginia K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Washington K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Washington, DC K K K K K K K K K K K K K

West Virginia A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK K

Wisconsin K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Wyoming A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK A,NK K K K K K K K K

A=asked, NA=not asked, K=keyed, NK=not keyed
56

Appendix B: Timeframe for Updated to Mortality Data by State

State Timeframe of Data Availability

Alabama Fall of following year

Alaska Fall of following year

Arizona Late Fall of following year

Arkansas Spring of following year

California Late Fall of following year

Colorado Spring of following year

Connecticut December of following year (last year finalized 2010)

Delaware Late Fall of following year

Florida Summer of following year

Georgia Spring of following year

Hawaii June of following year

Idaho April 30th of following year

Illinois Irregular, 2009 by Dec 2012, 2010 by Jan 2013, ongoing by 3rd Qtr

Indiana Late Fall of following year

Iowa June/July of following year

Kansas Fall plus 1 year (last year finalized 2010)

Kentucky Early Summer of following year

Louisiana End of following year

Maine June of following year

Maryland Late Fall of following year

Massachusetts Fall plus 3 years (last year finalized 2009)

Michigan Late Summer/Fall of following year (2011 delayed due to new system)

Minnesota Spring of following year

Mississippi June of following year

Missouri Late Spring/Early Summer of following year

Montana Fall of following year

Nebraska Fall plus 2 years (last year finalized 2010)

Nevada Fall of following year

New Hampshire Several Years behind in finalizing death files (last finalized 2007)

New Jersey Fall of following year

New Mexico June of following year

New York Late Fall of following year

New York City Late Fall of following year

North Carolina Mid-Summer of following year

North Dakota Fall of following year

Ohio Spring of following year

Oklahoma Several years behind in finalizing death files (last year finalized 2009)

Oregon Summer plus 1 year (last year finalized 2010)

Pennsylvania December of following year

Rhode Island July 1 of following year 

South Carolina Late Fall of following year 

South Dakota May/June of following year

State Department Ongoing

Tennessee April/May of following year

Texas December of following year

Utah May/June of following year

Vermont Winter plus 2 years (last year finalized 2009)

Virginia Summer of following year

Washington Fall of following year

Washington DC July/August of following year

West Virginia June of following year

Wisconsin Jan/Feb of following year

Wyoming June of following year
57

Appendix C: Non-Fatal Event Rates by Age Group and Gender (per 100,000 Users)

Appendix C: Non-Fatal Event Rates by Age Group and Gender (per 100,000 Users)

Unique 

Veterans 

With Event 

Report Users

Rate Per 

100,000

Unique 

Veterans 

With Event 

Report Users

Rate Per 

100,000

Unique 

Veterans 

With Event 

Report Users

Rate Per 

100,000

Unique 

Veterans 

With Event 

Report Users

Rate Per 

100,000

Unique 

Veterans 

With Event 

Report

Rate Per 

100,000

Total 8,823 5,448,058 161.95 11,377 5,638,263 201.78 12,309 5,795,165 212.40 10,764 5,896,509 182.55 43,273 189.98Under 30 1,311 214,387 611.51 1,551 247,840 625.81 1,804 291,978 617.85 1,579 305,135 517.48 6,245 589.5230-39 1,132 258,462 437.98 1,556 289,470 537.53 1,664 356,030 467.38 1,601 394,241 406.10 5,953 458.5640-49 1,918 459,153 417.73 2,405 489,755 491.06 2,337 548,441 426.12 1,960 554,337 353.58 8,620 420.1450-59 2,899 907,110 319.59 3,477 905,558 383.96 3,643 956,198 380.99 3,031 950,466 318.90 13,050 350.8760-69 1,208 1,461,232 82.67 1,865 1,620,883 115.06 2,137 1,775,373 120.37 1,893 1,829,412 103.48 7,103 106.2270-79 224 995,819 22.49 258 967,416 26.67 333 946,885 35.17 285 925,936 30.78 1,100 28.6880+ 125 867,030 14.42 169 889,362 19.00 196 919,767 21.31 222 936,140 23.71 712 19.71

Male Total 7,723 4,884,422 158.11 9,972 5,083,674 196.16 10,796 5,272,105 204.78 9,404 5,350,213 175.77 37,895 184.04

Under 30 1,076 172,018 625.52 1,280 200,575 638.17 1,513 222,188 680.95 1,326 233,000 569.10 5,195 627.5830-39 881 206,209 427.24 1,257 231,201 543.68 1,319 266,438 495.05 1,285 296,161 433.89 4,742 474.2040-49 1,604 386,712 414.78 1,995 412,540 483.59 1,953 438,461 445.42 1,616 443,065 364.73 7,168 426.4750-59 2,645 823,474 321.20 3,147 810,801 388.13 3,261 813,122 401.05 2,703 803,176 336.54 11,756 361.6660-69 1,167 1,424,438 81.93 1,802 1,575,324 114.39 2,061 1,704,487 120.92 1,809 1,751,686 103.27 6,839 105.9370-79 222 981,144 22.63 243 951,938 25.53 322 928,182 34.69 277 906,783 30.55 1,064 28.2480+ 123 847,219 14.52 162 869,672 18.63 191 899,227 21.24 216 916,342 23.57 692 19.59

Female Total 1,089 377,872 288.19 1,279 405,385 315.50 1,479 522,567 283.03 1,318 545,454 241.63 5,165 279.00

Under 30 232 40,364 574.77 233 47,265 492.97 278 69,790 398.34 237 72,135 328.55 980 426.9130-39 249 51,495 483.54 281 58,269 482.25 339 89,592 378.38 304 98,080 309.95 1,173 394.3740-49 314 71,610 438.49 383 77,215 496.02 377 109,980 342.79 336 111,272 301.96 1,410 381.0050-59 249 83,176 299.37 303 94,757 319.77 377 143,076 263.50 323 147,290 219.30 1,252 267.3560-69 40 36,527 109.51 55 45,559 120.72 74 70,886 104.39 84 77,726 108.07 253 109.6770-79 2 14,557 13.74 11 15,478 71.07 11 18,703 58.81 8 19,153 41.77 32 47.1380+ 2 19,733 10.14 6 19,690 30.47 5 20,540 24.34 6 19,798 30.31 19 23.82

2009 2010 2011 2012 FY09 - FY12
58

Appendix D: 12-Month Re-Event Prevalence by Age Group and Gender*

Total 

Count

Repeat 

Count Percent

Total 

Count

Repeat 

Count Percent

Total 

Count

Repeat 

Count Percent

Total 8,823 1,343 15.22% 11,377 1,816 15.96% 12,309 1,711 13.90%

Under 30 1,311 174 13.27% 1,551 248 15.99% 1,804 238 13.19%

30-39 1,132 189 16.70% 1,556 269 17.29% 1,664 220 13.22%

40-49 1,918 279 14.55% 2,405 400 16.63% 2,337 342 14.63%

50-59 2,899 477 16.45% 3,477 585 16.82% 3,643 576 15.81%

60-69 1,208 178 14.74% 1,865 257 13.78% 2,137 256 11.98%

70-79 224 25 11.16% 258 34 13.18% 333 38 11.41%

80+ - - 10.40% - - 6.51% - - 9.18%

Male Total 7,723 1,123 14.54% 9,972 1,566 15.70% 10,796 1,492 13.82%

Under 30 1,076 135 12.55% 1,280 199 15.55% 1,513 192 12.69%

30-39 881 145 16.46% 1,257 212 16.87% 1,319 175 13.27%

40-49 1,604 211 13.15% 1,995 327 16.39% 1,953 278 14.23%

50-59 2,645 423 15.99% 3,147 528 16.78% 3,261 521 15.98%

60-69 1,167 166 14.22% 1,802 249 13.82% 2,061 248 12.03%

70-79 222 25 11.26% 243 31 12.76% 322 38 11.80%

80+ - - 10.57% - - 6.79% - - 9.42%

Female Total 1,089 199 18.27% 1,279 213 16.65% 1,479 218 14.74%

Under 30 232 34 14.66% 233 44 18.88% 278 46 16.55%

30-39 249 40 16.06% 281 53 18.86% 339 45 13.27%

40-49 314 62 19.75% 383 60 15.67% 377 63 16.71%

50-59 249 51 20.48% 303 45 14.85% 377 55 14.59%

60-69 - - 25.00% - - 12.73% - - 10.81%

70-79 - . . - - 18.18% - . 0.00%

80+ - . . - . . - . 0.00%

* Counts for groups with less than 20 events suppressed

2009 2010 2011
59

Reference List

(1) Bahraini N, Gutierrez P, Harwood J et al. The Colorado Violent Death Reporting System 

(CVDRS): validity and utility of the Veteran status variable. Public Health Reports 2012; 

127(3):304-309.

(2) Census. SEX BY AGE BY VETERAN STATUS FOR THE CIVILIAN POPULATION 18 

YEARS AND OVER. 2012. United States Census Bureau. 12-17-0012. 

Ref Type: Report

(3) CDC. WISQARS. Web Based Interactive Statistical Query and Reporting System . 12-17-

0012. 12-17-0012. 

Ref Type: Electronic Citation