VA Develops 'Game Changer' For Helping Doctors Predict Veteran Suicide Risks

Using a range of factors, including age, gender, medical conditions and homelessness, the Department of Veterans Affairs came up with a computer formula for identifying groups of vets likely to be the most suicidal. The goal is to target those at risk with aggressive treatment and aid. Meanwhile, the family of an Iraq war veteran who killed himself after seeking help from a VA hospital is calling a government report on the incident a "whitewash."

The Department of Veterans Affairs has developed computer formulas that allow doctors to predict which veterans are most likely to commit suicide, according to a study published Thursday. "I think this is a game changer in terms of suicide prevention overall and not just for the VA population," said Caitlin Thompson, deputy director of the VA suicide prevention program. "I think other large medical systems are going to be able to really learn from what we're doing." (Zoroya, 6/11)

The family of veteran Richard Miles, who killed himself after visiting a Veterans Affairs hospital in February, tells CNN that an Office of Inspector General report exonerating the VA of any poor judgments in his case a "whitewash." (Tapper, 6/11)

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