OPINION:
On Memorial Day, alongside Congresswoman Kelly Morrison, D-Minn., I introduced the Justice for America’s Veterans and Survivors Act to enhance data collection on the causes of death among veterans with the goal of preventing veteran suicide.
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to annually report on the cause of death among veterans with a specific focus on whether suicide was a primary or secondary factor. Requiring an accurate reporting of cause of death allows for more precise solutions for reducing veteran suicides, while also ensuring access to benefits for surviving family members. This bill not only honors veterans who have fallen, but ensures we care for those who are still with us.
North Carolina is home to 650,000 veterans and the third largest military presence in the country. In the 11th District, there are more than 48,000 veterans who have earned the best care that our nation can provide as they transition to civilian life. Research from America’s Warrior Partnership shows that between 40 and 44 veterans lose their life to suicide every day, with nearly 15,000 veteran lives lost every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for veterans under the age of 45.
Mental health is a crisis not only experienced by veterans, but by millions of Americans. Mental health struggles often go unnoticed, with individuals bearing the weight of their pain in silence every day. Veterans face unique challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that can stem from the intense stress, violence, and loss many have witnessed or endured during their time in service. Additionally, many veterans also face service-connected physical injuries that further complicate their recovery and reintegration into civilian life.
We cannot intervene or invest properly without understanding the full scope of the crisis, which is why better data matters. Currently, the VA lacks accurate data on the cause of death of deceased veterans, which directly affects our ability to draft policy and create effective interventions. This is a gap we cannot afford to ignore. By prioritizing data reporting, the VA can identify patterns, create effective pathways for healing and prevention, and better serve the families that have been affected by tragedy.
Underreporting and misclassification have in some instances prevented family members from accessing survivor benefits. The VA actively supports 506,000 surviving spouses but does not know the percentage of veteran deaths that are due to suicide, illness, combat, or training accidents. This information is critical to ensure that the VA and other organizations provide the necessary care, benefits, and programs for surviving family members.
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The tragic consequences of untreated mental health conditions in the veteran community are not limited to those who serve; they extend to the family that is left behind. When a veteran is lost to suicide, the emotional and financial toll on loved ones can be devastating. Systemic failures such as underreporting, misclassification, or bureaucratic red tape can prevent families from receiving the benefits and support they are entitled to. Accurate and transparent data collection is not merely a matter of recordkeeping, it is essential for honoring the truth of each veteran’s story and in shaping the policies that impact surviving spouses and children.
We owe it to every veteran who has served, and to every veteran still struggling, to act with urgency and compassion. Honoring our heroes means not just remembering their service but caring for their lifelong well-being. It means creating systems that are transparent and accountable. It means improving data accuracy and ensuring family benefits are available and reliable. Most of all, it means living up to the promises made to those who risked everything in defense of our nation.
• Rep. Chuck Edwards has served North Carolina’s 11th District since 2023. He serves as vice chairman of the House Appropriations National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee, and also sits on the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee and House Budget Committee.
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