VA Reports Record Levels of Veteran Suicide Risk Screening and Follow-Up Evaluations

Key Takeaways:

• New record for veteran suicide risk screening: Among veterans who received US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) care in the past 12 months, 88% completed an annual suicide risk screening, the highest level of veteran engagement since 2021.
• New record for follow-up evaluation: Among the veterans identified as at risk of suicide, 96% received and completed a follow-up evaluation and support plan within 24 hours, the highest follow-up rate for veterans since 2021.

On May 6, 2026, the VA announced high achievements in its work to prevent veteran suicide. As of March 2026, the department has hit new records in suicide prevention screening and comprehensive evaluations for at-risk veterans.

In March 2026, 88% of all VA veterans who received treatment in the last year completed an annual suicide risk screening. The 12% of those who did not complete the screening either completed it at a later date or refused the screening.

Out of the veterans deemed to be at risk of suicide, 96% completed a comprehensive evaluation and support plan within 24 hours of the screening. The veterans who did not either completed the follow-up after 24 hours or declined the evaluation.

Both these goals reflect the highest veteran engagement and follow-up rates since the VA began collecting data in 2021. They also highlight the VA’s ongoing efforts to improve veteran outreach and reduce incidences of veteran suicide.

Reference

VA boosts veteran suicide risk screening, evaluations to record levels. Press release. US Department of Veteran Affairs. Published May 6, 2026. Accessed May 19, 2026. https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-boosts-veteran-suicide-risk-screening-evaluations-to-record-levels/