Uncounted Vet Suicide Attempts
Video: First, a recap: CBS News exclusively obtained VA data that shows how many VA patients have tried to take their own lives. Veterans between the ages of 55 to 59 and 20 to 24 had the biggest growth in suicide attempts from 2000 to 2007. (The growth in self-inflicted injuries in both these groups outnumbered the growth in patients of the same ages according to experts who analyzed the data for CBS.)
CBS also discovered that in 2005 there were nearly 1,800 veterans (treated by the VA) who died of suicide. Click here to see the VA's study which has never been made public. In a statement, the VA said the vet suicides are "consistent with national trends" despite recent studies showing veteran suicide rates are higher than non-veterans.
However, Harold Pendergrass – a 57-year-old Vietnam combat veteran from Georgia who suffers with post traumatic stress – believes many suicides and attempts go uncounted. Mr. Pendergrass has attempted suicide at least 3 times in the last 35 years or so since serving in Vietnam and has constantly struggled with thoughts of suicide. Click on the video box above to see him tell his story.
Mr. Pendergrass spoke with CBS News in the hopes that it will help other veterans and their families.
If you know a veteran who is struggling with suicidal thoughts, the VA has a toll free suicide hotline that may be able to help – the number is 1-800-273-talk.