OBJECTIVES: Population-based approaches to improving health are critical to controlling rising healthcare costs. US Veterans represent an identifiable population of significant interest due to their unique occupational exposures. The objectives of this study is to characterize the mental health of a representative US sample specifically comparing:  non-Veterans, Veterans receiving VA benefits and Veterans not receiving VA benefits. METHODS: A representative (U.S.) sample of 2,000 individuals completed an online survey assessing their mental health (PHQ-2), Veteran status and receipt of Veteran Administration healthcare benefits. We conducted bivariate analyses among the entire population and multivariate logistic regression among 352 Veterans to assess the relationship between ones mental health (PHQ-2 score >=3) and Veteran benefit enrollment status controlling for ones self-reported physical health, history of combat, awareness of Veteran Crisis Line and sociodemographic factors.  RESULTS: Overall 28% of Veterans scored positive for depressive symptom based on a score of 3 or greater on the PHQ-2 compared to 11% of non-Veterans. However, breaking Veterans into those enrolled and those not enrolled revealed that 38% of enrolled Veterans were positive compared to just 17% of non-enrolled Veterans.  After removing insignificant and/or collinear variables from the logistic regression model, the final set of independent variables included Vets enrolled in VA benefits OR=3.91 (1.93- 8.44), poor/fair physical health OR=4.32 (1.98-9.68), age OR=0.93 (0.91-0.95) and awareness of Veteran crisis line 3.12 (1.69- 5.97). CONCLUSIONS: Younger veterans in poorer physical health whom are receiving VA benefits and are aware of the Veteran Crisis line are more likely to have depressive symptoms. Population based approaches to identifying Veterans at risk for poor mental health may be working to provide healthcare benefit coverage but the persistence of symptoms, amongst those enrolled, may suggest a need for improved treatment or surveillance.