Utility of biochemical verification of tobacco cessation in the Department of Veterans Affairs

► The validity of self-report tobacco use varies depending on the population studied. ► Little is known about the validity of self-report tobacco among Veterans. ► Sensitivity and specificity of self-report tobacco use was high among veteran smokers. ► However, the misclassification rate among self-reported quitters was about 1 in 5. ► Biochemical verification of tobacco use is helpful in determining true quit rates.