American Veterans

American veterans represent one of the most diverse populations in the nation, reflecting every race, gender, background, and era of military service. Their experiences, both during and after service, shape a wide spectrum of needs—from physical and mental healthcare to housing, employment, and long-term stability. Understanding who veterans are is essential for providers, agencies, and community partners committed to supporting their transition into civilian life.


Title 38 of the United States Code defines a veteran as an individual who served in the active military, naval, or air service and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Veterans include those who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and certain Merchant Marines. While 6.2% of the adult U.S. population are veterans, their demographic makeup continues to shift.


Women veterans—now 1.7 million—represent a rapidly growing group with distinct needs. Additionally, many veterans have experienced homelessness, incarceration, trauma, or marginalized identities, increasing the importance of targeted outreach and culturally competent care. This section expands on the varied identities within the veteran community to help providers connect veterans with the right services, benefits, and opportunities.

American Veterans

  • Combat Veterans

    Combat veterans served in direct conflict zones and often return with unique challenges, including PTSD, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, and difficulty reintegrating into civilian life. They may require specialized mental health services, crisis intervention, disability support, and peer-based programs that address trauma exposure and combat-related stress.

  • Peacetime Veterans

    Peacetime veterans served during non-conflict periods but may still have service-connected injuries, health conditions, or long-term effects of training, deployment cycles, and military culture. They often benefit from employment programs, educational resources, and access to VA healthcare.


  • Women Veterans

    Women veterans—now comprising nearly 11% of all veterans—frequently encounter barriers in care, including gaps in women’s health services, childcare limitations, and under-recognition of their service. Many also experience higher rates of homelessness and require gender-specific transitional support.


    Women Veterans

  • Minority Veterans

    Minority veterans, including Black, Latino, Asian, Indigenous, and multiracial veterans, face disparities in healthcare access, disability ratings, housing placement, and employment opportunities. Addressing systemic inequities is essential to ensuring equitable outcomes across VA and community programs.

  • LGBTQ+ Veterans

    LGBTQ+ veterans may encounter discrimination, lack of affirming care, or unresolved discharge issues related to past policies. They benefit from culturally responsive services, legal assistance for discharge upgrades, and mental health programs that acknowledge the impact of identity-related trauma.

  • Homeless and Transitioning Veterans

    Veterans experiencing homelessness or leaving incarceration and active duty face major barriers, including missing documentation, limited income, and housing discrimination. They require intensive case coordination, reentry services, housing navigation, and access to supportive programs such as HUD-VASH, GPD, and SSVF.