VA relied on five-year old suicide data

The Department of Veterans Affairs has not provided updated statistics on veteran suicide rates and is still relying on statistics from five years ago to evaluate the effectiveness of their mental health and suicide prevention programs, according to testimony from lawmakers and a veteran advocacy group.

“I am disappointed that VA was not able to release updated veteran suicide statistics in time for this hearing,” Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., who chairs the House Veteran Affairs Committee, said at a hearing Thursday.