1-2 Extra Chained Energised Hits and 2.5-10% Impact on Energised Hits.
5-8% Strength for 4.5s on Kill. Stacks 5 times.
Suppress Enemies within 5-8 Radius on Close Range Kill.
Immune to Ranged Attacks for 0.7-1s on Close Range Kill.
To preface this build, this is just a guideline for the current build I have had the most success with in Damnation difficulty.
The power swords continues to be the best for horde control and dealing with larger enemies, which is the veteran's natural enemy. The Munitorum MK III Power Sword specifically has heavy attacks that sweep horizontally, perfect for hitting multiple enemy weak spots. Sweeping (heavy) energized hits should defeat multiple flak armored and mass horde enemies when you find yourself being overrun, while the Agripinaa Mk I Infantry Autogun is great for mowing down specials and bosses.
The play style of this build relies on having your allies deal with squishies and horde control so that you can use your ranged weapon to easily take out shooters, elites, and stay out of melee range. I have played with some other ranged weapons in this build, but the burst dps this weapon can provide can take out more powerful enemies like mutants and reapers easily and quickly (combined with the Deadshot perk, the weapon has very manageable recoil) compared to alternatives. I find the Agripinaa Mk I Infantry Autogun is easy to use and better especially for snipers and gunners. Perks and blessings are based on preference, but having more damage against carapace and flak is nice to have. Most weaker enemies and shooters will be 1-hit headshot, 2-3 hit body shot.
There are a lot of bolter gun builds out there, but a single Psyker on your team can defeat crushers and the enemies the Veteran struggles against. Having a more all-round gun that you can ADS for taking out bombers, snipers, and gunners at range, is more impactful with a balanced team composition.
Demolition Stockpile is a must for dealing with crushers and ogryns, or using grenades for ally res or to escape hordes.
For curios, toughness and toughness regen speed is the veteran's best friend when running Unwavering Focus and Confirmed Kill. You can alter this based on your play style; if you find yourself needing to rely on your melee weapon more, more health is better. Exhilarating Takedown is also a good alternative if you are not able to take out enough specials to keep your toughness full.
Overall, I find this build to be the most functional for the veteran's ranged playstyle, but you will need to offer support from the backline to be most effective.
