VA sets records for veteran suicide screenings

The Department of Veterans Affairs says it has set new records this year for both veteran suicide prevention screening and comprehensive evaluations for at-risk veterans – two critical elements of its ongoing work to prevent veteran suicide.

In March, 88% of all veterans who received VA care over the prior 12 months completed an annual screen for suicide risk.

According to VA, that’s the highest veteran engagement rate since it began collecting those records in 2021. Veterans who did not receive this screen in the 12 months ending March 2026 either completed it later or declined the option.

“VA care and benefits are key to reducing veteran suicide, and under President Trump, the department is redoubling its efforts to reach those most at risk,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins in a release.

Also as of March 2026, 96% of veterans deemed to be at risk of suicide completed a comprehensive follow-up evaluation and support plan within 24 hours.

That’s the highest follow-up rate since VA started collecting those records in 2021, it said. Veterans who did not receive this follow-up evaluation in 24 hours received it shortly thereafter or declined it.

VA’s failure to provide risk screening and timely follow-up evaluations to veterans was highlighted in a 2024 report from VA’s Office of Inspector General that was released during the Biden administration. VA’s improvements allowed OIG to acknowledge VA’s implementation of this recommendation in April.

VA has also stepped up efforts to connect with unenrolled veterans, as statistics show more than 60% of veteran suicides involve people who were not in VA care in the two years before their death. This is one of several efforts VA has made that helped attract more than 125,000 additional VA health care enrollees in 2026 alone.

Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.