OBJECTIVES: The current study examined chronic pain prevalence in the U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) population.  METHODS: The study sample was based on the VHA Medical SAS Datasets from fiscal year 2008 through 2012. All patients diagnosed with chronic pain throughout the study period were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9^th Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes 338.2 and 338.4. The variation in the prevalence of chronic pain was assessed and categorized according to the pain scale. Pain score was determined using a scale ranging from 0 to 10 as reported by patients using the following categories: 1 to 4: mild, 5 to 6: moderate and ≥7: severe pain. To identify prior prevalence cases, we restricted continuous enrollment throughout that fiscal year and at least 2 years prior.  RESULTS: In 2008, patients aged 45-64 had the highest percentage of patients with mild (56.4 %), moderate (60.7%) and severe (65.4%) pain. This trend was found for all study years. In 2008, white patients had the highest prevalence of mild (64.29%), moderate (62.07%) and severe (59.06%) pain. Similarly, in 2008, patients who resided in the South U.S. region had the highest prevalence of mild (32.89%), moderate (33.68%) and severe (36.39%) pain compared to other regions. This trend continued through all study years. Utah had the highest prevalence of chronic pain in 2008 (4.9%) and 2012 (24.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Among VHA beneficiaries with chronic pain, patients who were age 45-64 years had the highest prevalence of chronic pain. Also, white patients and those who resided in the South U.S. region had the highest prevalence of chronic pain.