June 21, 2018
WASHINGTON – For years, the Department of Veterans Affairs reported an average of 20 veterans died by suicide every day — an often-cited statistic that raised alarm nationwide about the rate of veteran suicide. However, the statistic has long been misunderstood, according to a report released this week. The VA has now revealed the average daily number of veteran suicides has always included deaths of active-duty servicemembers and members of the National Guard and Reserve, not just veterans. Military.com breaks down the details here.