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ABSTRACT
Male veterans are at increased risk for suicide. This study used data from the 2010–2011 California Electronic Violent Death Reporting System to examine precipitating circumstances associated with Los Angeles County suicide decedents by military status. Results from a logistic model indicated recent family death (having a family member pass away in the last 5 years prior to decedent's own death) and suicide ideation (distinct from disclosed intent) as circumstances that were more likely to be associated with suicide decedents who were veterans than civilians. Subsequently, chi-square analysis was used to identify points of intervention for younger and older veterans, respectively. Veterans younger than 45 were likely to experience alcohol and substance use (p = 0.003) problems, whereas those older than 45 were likely to have physical health problems (p < 0.001). These results suggest socioecological implications for understanding and preventing veteran suicides, such as the need for additional social and emotional support and services to integrate veterans back into society once returned from war.