More than 2,200 of those deaths have comes since July 1.
Roughly 70 percent of veteran suicide deaths in 2019 involved a firearm.
He is believed to be at least the 13th sailor to die from COVID-19.
Tens of thousands of staffers either have not started the vaccine regiment yet or have not filed paperwork showing their vaccine status.
About 17 veterans a day died by suicide in 2019, the latest year for which data was available.
The 3.6 percent unemployment rate for veteran job seekers was the lowest mark in 18 months.
The plan is included in the House Armed Services Committee's version of the annual defense authorization bill.
VA leaders are warning they need congressional help to keep housing stipends moving if students are forced back into online-only classes.
The Navy's top medical officer shared his thoughts on sailors and Marines' who might refuse the mandate.
More than 500 VA patients have died from COVID-related illnesses since the start of August.
