Physical inactivity is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and depression. Veterans are a physically inactive population with a higher risk of developing CVD and depression than the general population. Whether objectively measured physical activity is associated with CVD risk and depressive symptoms in veterans has not been widely studied. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between accelerometer measured moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and novel measures of CVD risk (estimated aortic stiffness and systemic inflammation) and depression in older veterans. METHODS: 152 older male veterans (mean age 71.9±9.2 years) from the 2005-2006 NHANES were used in this analysis. Valid accelerometer data and MVPA were determined using standard NHANES procedures. Cardiovascular disease risk was determined by calculating estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) from a regression equation using age and mean blood pressure. Systemic inflammation was determined as C-reactive protein (logCRP). Depression score was determined through the Depression Screener Questionnaire (DPQ). One-tailed Spearman correlations were conducted to determine associations between variables. RESULTS: Physical activity guidelines were met by 17% of the veterans in this analysis. There was a significant, inverse relationship between MVPA and ePWV (r=-0.34, p<0.01), MVPA and logCRP (r=-0.24, p<0.01), and MVPA and depression score (r=-0.16, p<0.05). In addition, a significant positive association between ePWV and depression score (r=0.17, p<0.05) was noted. CONCLUSION: Decreased moderate-vigorous physical activity levels in older male veterans are associated with elevated aortic stiffness, systemic low-grade inflammation, and depressive symptomology. This suggests that veterans who do not meet recommended physical activity guidelines may be at higher risk for CVD and depression.