What Do Veterans Suffer From?

Veterans are not all alike, and service does not cause one universal set of problems. Some veterans face PTSD, depression, substance-use concerns, suicidal thoughts, housing instability, unemployment, or difficulty readjusting after service. Others do not experience these challenges. If you are struggling, support is available—and asking for help is a practical step, not a failure.

What are common challenges veterans face?

Mental health is one important area. Trauma during deployment, training accidents, military sexual trauma, and other experiences can contribute to PTSD. Depression, anxiety, sleep problems, substance-use concerns, and suicidal thoughts can also affect veterans. A diagnosis cannot be made from an article, and symptoms can look different from person to person. A qualified clinician can help determine what is happening and which treatment options fit.

Veterans may also need practical support. Finding civilian work, translating military skills for an employer, securing stable housing, managing finances, and reconnecting with family can all take time. These challenges are not proof that someone did anything wrong; they are reasons to connect with a counselor, Veterans Service Officer, housing program, employment service, or other qualified support.

How common is PTSD among veterans?

PTSD prevalence depends on the service era, the population studied, and whether researchers measure symptoms, a diagnosis, past-year illness, or lifetime illness. The VA National Center for PTSD reports that, in one large study, 15% of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom Veterans had PTSD in the past year and 29% had PTSD at some point in their lives. Those percentages should not be converted into a current headcount without the study's population, date, and method.^[1]

PTSD can involve unwanted memories, avoidance, changes in mood or thinking, and feeling on guard. Treatment can include trauma-focused psychotherapy, medication, or a combination. A primary-care clinician, mental-health professional, Vet Center, or VA provider can help you discuss next steps. You do not have to wait until symptoms become unbearable to ask for care.^[4]

Employment and readjustment after service

Employment statistics depend on the period, age group, and definition being measured. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 3.1% unemployment rate for veterans in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with 3.2% for nonveterans; the national rate for people age 16 and over was 3.5%. Rates vary by period, age group, and service era, so check the latest BLS data before using a comparison.^[6]

A transition program, resume assistance, skills translation, education benefits, or a veteran-focused employment organization may help. If mental-health symptoms, disability, caregiving responsibilities, or discrimination are affecting work, consider discussing those concerns with a qualified professional or an appropriate benefits representative.

Veteran homelessness and housing needs

HUD's January 2023 Point-in-Time count identified 35,574 Veterans experiencing homelessness nationwide. A Point-in-Time count is a one-night estimate; it should not be described as the total number of people who experience homelessness over a year. The report also said 22 of every 10,000 Veterans were counted as experiencing homelessness that night.^[2]

VA homeless programs connect eligible Veterans with housing and supportive services, and availability varies by location. A VA homeless-program contact, community partner, local housing authority, or 2-1-1 resource line may help identify options. Saying that every VA hospital provides a shelter would be too broad: programs and services differ by community.^[3]

What can veterans do to get support?

1. Start with safety If you may hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. For a Veterans Crisis Line connection, call or text 988 and press 1, or text 838255.^[5]
2. Choose a qualified starting point Contact a VA provider, Vet Center, primary-care clinician, licensed therapist, or substance-use professional. Ask what care is available for your symptoms and circumstances.^[4]
3. Add practical support If housing, food, work, transportation, or benefits are part of the problem, ask a VA social worker, Veterans Service Officer, or local community program about referrals. Eligibility and availability vary.
4. Build a support routine Sleep on a regular schedule, move your body in ways that are safe for you, stay connected with trusted people, and avoid using alcohol or drugs to manage symptoms. These steps can support treatment but are not a substitute for it.

A note for families and friends

Listen without minimizing what the veteran is experiencing. Encourage professional help, offer practical assistance with an appointment or transportation, and take statements about suicide seriously. You can also contact the Veterans Crisis Line for guidance when you are worried about someone else.

This article is general education, not a diagnosis or a promise that a particular program will be available. For veteran-specific information, use VA.gov and local qualified providers. You can also read our overview of veteran mental illness, ways to help homeless veterans, and VA health care and Medicare guide. Veterans Advantage Financial® is an independent insurance agency, not part of or endorsed by VA, Medicare, or any other government agency.

This is general education, not personal advice, and it isn’t a recommendation of any specific plan. Veterans Advantage Financial® is a licensed insurance agency, not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, Social Security, VA, TRICARE or any government agency. Plan availability, costs and benefits vary by plan, county and year. Check your own situation with the agency or plan before making changes.

About the author

Christopher Duncan

Certified Medicare Insurance Planner™ · Retirement Income Certified Professional®

Christopher founded Veterans Advantage Financial® and has helped people with Medicare since 2006. He is a licensed insurance agent in all 50 states and DC (NPN 8613503). His dad, Wallace, is a Vietnam-era veteran.

More about Christopher →How he writes about Medicare →