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December 16, 2010 - Suicides among soldiers and veterans has become a serious problem for the military population. Contrary to popular belief, however, new information reveals a strange trend. Older veterans are more likely to commit suicide than the general civilian population. This is true even if they haven't been in combat for years.
The study provides information showing veterans are taking their own lives of a rate of 2:1 over the civilian population. Worse, as veterans get older, they are more likely to commit suicide, according to the study. The VA has been hiring mental health professionals to help with suicide prevention programs over the last few years. Those mental health case workers have seen their cases grow since the day they took their office. Younger veterans, such as those from Iraq and Afghanistan, are more prone to hurting themselves, whereas the older veterans are unfortunately completing suicide at a higher rate.
One of the problems with the information on older veterans committing suicide is that the numbers do not include those veterans who never received care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Additionally, less than 50% of veterans returning from deployment sign up for VA medical care. More times than not, the veterans not signed up for help are the veterans who need the most help.
There are more Vietnam veterans who have died as a result of suicide than the 60,000 soldiers who died during the war, and the number of veterans who have committed suicide is likely underestimated. This is because many veterans commit suicide by causing their car or motorcycle to crash so their families are still provided with insurance money.
The aftermath of war is something that cannot be disregarded. In 30 years, today's soldiers will be middle aged and facing the same issues the older veterans are facing today, if they are not given treatment. If they do not seek help, the trend of older veterans committing suicide will continue to exist.
Soldiers can return home with a number of conditions, injuries, and aggravated preexisting conditions. If you believe you have a service-connected physical or psychological injury you may be entitled to Veterans’ Disability Compensation.
At LaVan and Neidenberg, we are determined to secure veterans their rightful disability compensation and disability rating. We wrote this book for you! In it you will find valuable tips on how to navigate the claims process and avoid common pitfalls. Request your FREE copy today!
Or, complete our short contact form or call us directly at 1.888.234.5758 to schedule your FREE case evaluation.
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