Prevalence of Mental Health Problems Among Three Cohorts of U.S. Veterans

The health of U.S. veterans is at an inflection point, shaped by demographic shifts, changing health care needs, and evolving federal policy. The total number of veterans and the median age of the veteran population will decline as the large cohorts of veterans who served in the 20th century pass away and are replaced by younger cohorts, including those who served in the Gulf War era and more recent conflicts (1). The suicide rate among veterans is about twice that of nonveteran U.S. adults, making mental health and suicide prevention top priorities for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (2).