Veterans

Blind Veteran Deanna Callender is making her sixth trip to the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic this week. She tells Veterans to focus on what you can do and then do it. Read the full story

Army Veteran Nicole Bundas has the strength to talk about something which would have made the upstairs folks at Downton Abbey swoon. She's more than willing to tell her story to help other Veterans. Read the full story

VA researchers are looking for better treatments for Veterans with Gulf War Illness, a group of symptoms found in about one third of Veterans deployed in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Read the full story

Dr. Seth Holst believes Veterans are true heroes, and he is honored to help care for them. An ophthalmologist at VA Pittsburgh, he considers his time with VA rewarding professionally and personally. Read the full story

Bay Pines VA has performed over 2,000 LDCT lung cancer screening exams and they're saving lives. If you ever smoked and are over 55, you should have a screening every year. Read the full story

Want to avoid the flu? Dr. Jane Kim, VA's Chief Consultant for Preventive Medicine, shares some quick and easy ways to increase your chances of staying healthy during this nasty flu season. Read the full story

VA's Tennessee Valley Healthcare System has a new system that lets doctors find harmful microorganisms in blood samples in just a few hours vs. three days with the old method. Read the full story

All this week, VA medical centers across the country are saluting our Veteran patients with valentines, musical performances and special ceremonies. You can salute Veterans all year by volunteering. Read the full story

If you feel sad in the winter, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is sometimes called winter depression. Here's information on treatment, including light therapy, from a VA psychiatrist. Read the full story

Betty Cunar served as a nurse in the Vietnam war. During American Heart Month, she shares her story of care she receives from VA to remind Veterans of the importance of knowing your heart numbers. Read the full story

VA's TeleHealth service utilizes health informatics to care for Veterans and helps them live independently and stay out of the hospital — essential for their overall health care and personal goals. Read the full story

Modernizing is one of VA's top priorities and the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System is in the vanguard of medical centers which are modernizing their facilities and services for the Veterans it serves. Read the full story

Minneapolis VA opens new “Integrative Center for Health & Healing, part of VA's new emphasis on “Veteran-Centric” care. Once considered “alternative” therapy. Read the full story

Thanks to innovative research at the Baltimore VA, older Veterans are making strides — literally — in their ability to move about, stay balanced, prevent falls and get up from a fall if they do have one. Read the full story

All this month, VA medical centers across America celebrate the holidays with Veterans and employees. At the Memphis VA, there are six Holiday Open House events to greet the season. Read the full story

Veterans use art as a means of expression on the road to recovery, developing goals while gaining hope and a sense of accomplishment, which are critical to the recovery process. Read the full story

Women Veterans attend Healing in Nature Retreat which promotes whole health and wellness to help women Veterans explore personal wellness goals. “My best six days since coming home.” Read the full story

The VA is employing a relatively simple fix — known as the Rapid Access model — to make sure Veterans receive the follow-up care they need after being treated in an emergency room. Read the full story

A joint study by VA and Boston University School of Medicine has found that women Veterans with depression had a 60 percent greater chance of having coronary artery disease than those without depression. Read the full story

Compassionate counselors at the Huntington VA proved to be a lifeline for a woman Veteran in deep trouble, and desperately in need of someone to listen. Need help? Call the Women Veterans Call Center at 1.855.VA.WOMEN. Read the full story

You can now manage your primary care and certain specialty care VA appointments online at participating VA facilities. You will need a Premium My HealtheVet Account to use online scheduling. Read the full story

Veteran Jack Lyon reminds us that Veterans come from a culture of “us” rather than “me.” Team players accomplish the mission as a team. A lesson that all people in this country need to understand. Read the full story

Veteran Clinton Lanier was “sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Read how the Savannah VA Medical Center's STAR program taught him skills to help cope with addiction and how to set realistic goals. Read the full story

VA uses the creative arts as rehabilitative treatment. This Army Veteran says art and VA helped him “get it together.” Read more about the national festival being held all this week. Read the full story

The Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center's Women's Clinic has acquired a new state of the art 3D imaging mammography unit which allows superior imaging leading to earlier detection. Read the full story

Here's one Veteran's story about finding a “good place to be” thanks to VA's Aspire Center in San Diego, a 40-bed facility aimed at promoting recovery in Veterans returning from combat. Read the full story

The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center and clinics in Michigan and Wisconsin cared for over 1,100 women Veterans in 2016, providing a full continuum of care for women Veterans. Read the full story

During an emergency, Veterans enrolled in My HealtheVet can access their medication refills, health records and other valuable tools when medical centers and other facilities are inaccessible. Read the full story

It's more than therapy. The Veterans Summer Sports Clinic offers many exciting recreational opportunities for Veterans accepting the challenge to strengthen their bodies and improve their self-worth. Read the full story

The National Disabled Veterans TEE Tournament, being held this week in Iowa City, Iowa, gives disabled Veterans an opportunity to learn new skills and strengthen their self-esteem. Read the full story

Afghanistan Veteran Daniel Glanz has a brand new prosthetic hand, an iLimb Quantum, with functions that are programmable with a smartphone app and can change functions with a simple gesture. Read the full story

Combat Veteran Alexandrea Gries shares her experiences with Veterans to help them overcome their obstacles and issues. “VA is probably the single biggest reason why I'm still alive.” Read the full story

At the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, the new cardiac catheterization suite offers state-of-the-art care for area Veterans close to home. Less travel and loved ones by their side. Read the full story

An Iraq war Veteran tells his story of post-combat struggles and how Veterans Affairs health care professionals helped him commit to a better life and share his green thumb hobby. Read the full story

After Mary experienced Military Sexual Trauma, she was afraid to report it. She thought she was alone. She got help at VA and now wants to get the word out to other Veterans about MST coordinators. Read the full story

Veterans across America travel to McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond for treatment of moderate to aggressive forms of prostate cancer using “brachytherapy” a much better option for Veterans. Read the full story

Here's all the information about the Veterans Choice Program. Find out if you are eligible to receive health care from a community provider. How is the 40-mile calculation determined? And other FAQs. Read the full story

For Veterans with physical disabilities, the National Wheelchair Games help Veterans become aware of their abilities and potential. And there is a great spirit of healthy activity and camaraderie. Read the full story

Jennifer Siilata is a VA clinical pharmacist and she knows how dangerous the Hep C virus is if left untreated. She knows it is curable. Her goal? Find high-risk homeless Veterans and get them tested. Read the full story

Independence Day parade at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center honors Veterans living in the Community Living Center. Third year for performers who call it the “highlight of their year.” Read the full story

Meet Doca Merdjanoska from Macedonia, one of VA's top nurses. Our continuing series of outstanding VA employees features a surgical department nurse at the Fresno VA Medical Center. Read the full story

Veterans: Do you know the difference in Ultraviolet B and Ultraviolet A sun's rays? And what is a safe decibel (dB) level of noise? Here are a few quick handy answers just in time for summer. Read the full story

Carol Graves, wife of Army Veteran C.A. Graves, said her 76-year-old husband received the utmost respect and kindness during the last few days of his life at the VA hospital in Shreveport, La. Read the full story

When the transition to civilian life left an Air Force Veteran in a dark place,” he turned to VA and nature for help. “There is so much healing that goes on when you are alone surrounded by nature.” Read the full story

For some Veterans coping with depression, post-traumatic stress and even physical pain, spending some quality time with a horse (also known as equine therapy) might just be the perfect remedy. Read the full story

Pregnant Women Veterans have an increased likelihood of a mental health issue and a higher risk for postpartum depression. Learn the symptoms and treatment options from VA's Women's Health Services. Read the full story

VA nurse Deb Lamberton knows how stressful it is for families during a Veteran's final days so she volunteers on her own time to provide them with stress relieving massages. Read the full story

Air Force Veteran Willie DeWayne Raulerson had been drinking for 50 years. But when he finally decided to ask VA for help he found not only sobriety, but a purpose in life. Read the full story

Marine Corps Veteran David Miller has been volunteering at VA for over 25 years and has been named the 2017 National Male Volunteer of the Year. Miller served in Vietnam during the TET II offensive. Read the full story

Dale Herb's life came to a grinding halt about a year ago when he lost the use of his legs and couldn't leave his home. Today, thanks to a little help from the VA, he's completely mobile again. Read the full story

Woodrow Wilson was President when Veteran Volunteer Vincent Savarino was born. This month he will celebrate birthday number 100 during National Volunteer Week at the Wilkes-Barre VA medical center. Read the full story

Thirty-year-old Stephen Jacinto survived two tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. It was only after he returned home to Waco, Texas, that the Air Force Veteran discovered his own mortality. Read the full story

It's called an Exoskeleton and it uses motion sensors and a computer control system to allow Veterans with spinal cord injuries to stand and take steps, with a little help. Read the full story

A researcher associated with the Augusta VA in Georgia is conducting a survey to see if Veterans coping with PTSD might be interested in having spirituality introduced into their therapy. Read the full story

VA's National Center for Patient Safety is dedicated to preventing inadvertent harm or injury to Veteran patients. It's the engine under the hood that keeps things running smoothly and safely. Read the full story

VA encourages Veterans to focus on healthful eating. You don't need to change the way you eat overnight. Take your time, make small smart changes in your diet and you'll feel better and be healthier. Read the full story

David Isaacks served in the Marine Corps from 1998 to 2005. Today he continues to serve his country by serving Veterans as director of the Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Mo. Read the full story

A clinical research psychologist with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Indiana is exploring the effects Yoga might have on Veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder. Read the full story

Concerts, Valentines, and a lot of Americans saying Thank You, all part of VA's National Salute to Veteran Patients. Along with a chance for you to learn how you can volunteer to help our heroes. Read the full story

In December 2016 a group of Veterans along with VA providers and academics from around the country met in Vietnam to jointly experience a spiritual pilgrimage to facilitate recovery from the war. Read the full story

Nine years ago Julian Scadden, a 67-year-old Vietnam-Era Veteran who works as a housekeeper at the Denver VA, found his true calling in life: comforting dying Veterans on the hospital's hospice unit Read the full story

The Baltimore VA's Strength at Home program is designed to help Veterans who are experiencing physical or verbal abuse in their relationships, but don't know how to end the circle of violence. Read the full story

My Life, My Story. A unique VA project that lets Veterans tell their VA care team about their life and careers, who they are as a person and then have their story added to their VA medical record. Read the full story

Army Veteran, 65, lost more than 30 pounds and got in shape with VA's MOVE! program - lifting weights and attending fitness classes for cardio three times a week. Also, a little yoga and boxercise. Read the full story

Are you a transgender Veteran? The VA provides gender transition counseling, evaluations for hormone therapy, and evaluations for gender transition surgeries, along with a healthy dose of respect. Read the full story

Dr. Eloise Harman follows in her parents' footsteps in providing care for America's Veterans. And spends most of her free time volunteering to help others. Meet another one of VA's Top Doctors. Read the full story

Veterans who had exposure to burn pits and other airborne hazards during deployment are encouraged to join the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. Almost 100,000 Veterans have so far. Read the full story

Gus Albritton has spent 25 years and 23,000 hours volunteering at the Dublin VA in Georgia. The 66-year-old Vietnam Veteran began volunteering as a way of coping with his PTSD. Read the full story

Michael Williams’ personal scorecard was goal oriented, a plan he put together while living on the streets. Homeless for three years, he conquered alcoholism and regained the trust of his family. Read the full story

Researchers at the Department of Veterans Affairs find both herbicide exposure and military service are associated with high blood pressure (hypertension) among Army Chemical Corps Vietnam era Veterans. Read the full story

Army Veteran Major Jeffrey Weinstock is very thankful this week for VA Telehealth. It saves him a 300-mile round-trip from Key West to Miami for a comprehensive hearing exam and new hearing aids Read the full story

Veterans in Wisconsin spend a weekend at a special camp designed to help them learn about and deal with their diabetes. Veteran Steve Biever lost 56 pounds and thanks a VA nurse for saving his life. Read the full story

All this week, we will be posting articles and blogs by Veterans talking about “What Veterans Day Means to Me.” Kicking off the week with a salute from a former Navy SEAL very proud of his service. Read the full story

VA has a six-week online interactive workshop that offers training in how to provide better care. It also helps caregivers learn how to manage their own emotions, stress and physical health. Read the full story

Are you ready to make your choices? Advance Care Planning: Your preferences for future health care. Advance Directive: Tell others your preferences and who you have chosen to be your Health Care Agent. Read the full story

Introducing Heather Frank, one of VA's and Iowa's, Top Nurses, whose extra effort has helped Vietnam Veterans in her Iowa Veteran Affairs hospital, receive awards for their service. Read the full story

Vietnam Vet, given grave cancer prognosis, says his top priority is family and his 11-month-old spirited grandson. “When my dad lies down next to him, Jayden just falls asleep.” Read the full story

There is an alternative to a nursing home for eligible Veterans. VA's Medical Foster Home Program is for Veterans no longer able to safely live independently. Here are two couples who participate. Read the full story

He reminds his patients of “those doctors from 50 years ago where they sit down and talk to you and are like your best friend. ”Meet Dr. James Michelson of VA San Diego. Read the full story

VA has great employees and some of the best are our nurses. Drema Bratton, a VA nurse for 37 years, was recently named Nurse of the Year at her Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Read the full story

Families of Veterans with problems have a remarkable confidential VA program designed to assist them in finding the help they need with compassion, patience and understanding. Read the full story

September is Suicide Prevention Month and VA is asking for the entire nation’s help in reducing Veteran suicide and calling on everyone to Be There for Veterans and Service members. Read the full story

VA's Gerofit fitness and health promotion program reduces the risk of the need for nursing home care by developing individually tailored, functionally-based exercise for America's older Veterans. Read the full story

VA Audiologist Dr. Erica Bush lost her hearing as a child and understands the challenges of Veterans with hearing problems. Read her inspiring story of turning her experiences into helping Veterans. Read the full story

It's called the Million Veteran Program and we're half way there. A Veteran from Alabama became the 500,000th Veteran to voluntarily enroll in the program which may help to prevent and treat diseases. Read the full story

Some of America’s best doctors work for VA. We would like you to meet them. After the tragic event in Orlando, a VA doctor led a team of VA employees to help the families of the victims. Read the full story

19,000 VA employees and 8,000 Veterans donated clothing and other items worth more than $384,000 for homeless Veterans. And took a healthy walk along the way: VA’s Annual VA2K Walk & Roll. Read the full story

VA chaplains help Veterans in many ways, including invisible injuries. Read how one New York VA chaplain works with Veterans dealing with moral injury, helping them cope with memories they push away. Read the full story

The Women Veterans Call Center has a new online, one-to-one chat function. Women Veterans can chat online anonymously via text with a trained woman representative, many of whom are Veterans. Read the full story

Golden Age Games - it is about the rehabilitation value that wellness and fitness provide in the lives of older Veterans and a good time, competition and fellowship with other Veterans. Read the full story

Paralyzed by a bullet to his spine in Vietnam combat, Roberto Gonzalez still found many things to enjoy in life. His favorite was his horses. Near the end of his life, he had one last request. Read the full story

All this week VA and the Paralyzed Veterans of America are hosting the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. Veterans will participate in 18 wheelchair sports events in Salt Lake City. Read the full story

In early May about 30 patients and staff gathered on the front patio of the Milwaukee Veteran Affairs Spinal Cord Injury building to witness a special ceremony: the release of hundreds of butterflies. Read the full story

After 17 months in Iraq he came home and felt he was drifting through life. After he was diagnosed with PTSD, he entered a VA treatment program called Cognitive Processing Therapy. It worked for him. Read the full story

Warren, an Army Veteran, had surgery for a cancerous tongue tumor. He spent only three days in the hospital. Read how VA surgeons solve complex problems with minimally invasive procedures. Read the full story

Vietnam Veteran Mike Doherty was homeless and addicted to pain killers and alcohol. He had hit bottom with no place to turn. But then a good friend drove him to the Pittsburgh VA. Read the full story

Read the inspirational words of an Air Force Veteran who eloquently describes how he lives every day with Multiple Sclerosis. His courage and resolve serve as a valuable example to us all. Read the full story

Among the many remarkable advances being studied by VA researchers is a “smart home” for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury. Technology tracks the Veterans and helps them relearn basic skills. Read the full story

VA is ready to care for older Veterans. By 2017, almost 10 million of our 21 million Veterans will be over 65. Here's some information about VA's Geriatric Patient Aligned Care Teams. Read the full story

A year ago, the Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program was launched at the Beckley VA Medical Center in West Virginia. The state ranks 13th in domestic homicides and suicides. Read the full story

When a VA doctor read a letter in the paper that it was almost impossible for a primary care doctor to truly connect with patients and their families, he shares VA is able to do just that. Read the full story

One of the most important things we give each other is our attention. VA’s Volunteers have been doing this for 70 years. This week we salute and thank them for their dedication. Read the full story

As key team members in Home Based Primary Care, VA's Occupational Therapists make it possible for home-bound Veterans with complex health care needs to enjoy meaningful lives. Read the full story

VA is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the final withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam on March 29 with Vietnam Veterans Day. It is a long-overdue opportunity to honor and thank our Vietnam Veterans. Read the full story

Over 300,000 US soldiers have been diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury since 2000, many at risk for epilepsy. New VHA online videos show how Vets with epilepsy are able to live full, successful lives. Read the full story

If you have experienced respiratory symptoms or health conditions that may be related to exposure to burn pits while deployed, you should register in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. Read the full story

The Department of Veteran Affairs Traumatic Brain Injury Registry monitors Veterans who may have a traumatic brain injury in order to provide early medical intervention. March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Read the full story

Army Veteran Maria Beltran, one of six outreach coordinators at the Phoenix VA, spends her days trying to get homeless Veterans off the street and into a place they can call home. Read the full story

VA will not rest until we fix our system to better meet the health needs of those who need help the most. On February 27, VA will host “Stand Down #2: Road to MyAccess” at all VA Medical Centers. Read the full story

Every year around Valentines Day, VA invites you to help us salute our Veteran patients with cards and visits learn how you can volunteer to help at your local VA medical center. Read the full story

Last year there were over 300 million Recreation and Creative Therapy activities for Veterans, such as special events and therapeutic outings. Changing the focus from disability to ability. Read the full story

The number one killer of women is heart disease. Every February, Heart Health Month, VA reminds Veterans that early detection can make all the difference in a successful battle against heart disease. Read the full story

Army Veteran Shaun Castle has a message for wheelchair Veterans: Come to The Games this summer in Salt Lake City. It changed his life, it will change yours. Read his powerful remarks and sign up now. Read the full story

VA has many ways to help keep you healthy, even if you can't fit into your old uniform. Find out here about Well-Being. It's about mental, physical and spiritual health for older Veterans. Read the full story

Mike Twigg was 38 years old when he decided to join the Army. It was 2007, and the war in Iraq was going full tilt. Sounds like a solid plan. Still, isn't 38 a bit old to be joining the Army? Read the full story

Welcome to 2016! VA has developed a free, online, confidential tool kit to help you fight "brain overload," along with relaxation exercises, videos and stress management tools. Read the full story

One thing we all hope for in a New Year is good health. For America's Veterans, that's our job. At our VA hospitals and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, we are here to serve you. Read the full story

World War II Navy Veteran, 98, looks back on a century of Christmas celebrations and her recent adventures parasailing and motorcycle riding. Next on her list, computer classes. Read the full story

At the Bedford VA in Massachusetts, peer support specialists known as 'Bridgers' are helping Veterans successfully reintegrate into their communities following rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Read the full story

VA has free, confidential online courses to help Veteran parents connect with their children. Helpful anytime, but especially during the holidays which can bring a lot of stress. Totally! Read the full story

The Ramos family of California is very thankful that a kind and persistent man in Austria went to a lot of trouble to find their grandfather and return his wallet ... 70 years after he lost it. Read the full story

VA appreciates religious groups and other organizations that wish to celebrate the holidays with our Veterans. Here are the guidelines to help you observe the season with our patients and residents. Read the full story

Respite care provides a break for a Veteran's regular caregiver, and VA offers professional respite care to caregivers. Eligible Veterans may be eligible to receive 30 days of respite care per year. Read the full story

From a body bag to a black belt. After being hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, Anthony Smith was presumed dead and placed in a body bag. Today, after 100 surgeries, he has a martial arts black belt. Read the full story

Over half of America's Veterans are over 65. It's estimated 70% of them will eventually need long term care. Have you and your family made any plans? Here's what one Veteran did ... and you can too. Read the full story

At the Fargo VA in North Dakota, a team of dietitians is dedicated to teaching Veterans how to prepare quick, easy meals that are nutritious and healthy (and taste good too). Read the full story

Milwaukee VA Medical Center protects the health and safety of Veteran patients with new robots that kill numerous micro-organisms in about 15 minutes. It scrambles the DNA of bacteria. Read the full story

Over 100 Veterans are gathering in North Carolina this week for VA's national annual Creative Arts Festival. It's music, painting, dancing, sculpture ... and it's therapeutic. Read the full story

Army Veteran April Rencher didn't plan on becoming homeless. But after watching her world fall apart, she's now building a new life for herself with a little help from her friends at the Tuscaloosa VA. Read the full story

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women, but early detection saves lives, which is why mammograms are so important. VA's 3D technology is improving cancer detection rates. Read the full story

Whether from high noise in military operations or during training, hearing loss and tinnitus account for the two most prevalent service-connected disabilities among Veterans. Many do not realize it until too late. Read the full story

Prostate Cancer is one of the most common cancers in American men. If you're a Veteran over 40, you should learn about it and ask your VA health care provider if you should be screened. Read the full story

One is a powerful number when it translates to what one person can do to help a Veteran in crisis. One conversation, one phone call, one small act could save a life. The Power of One. Read the full story

What is a CRRC? It's a lifeline for thousands of homeless Veterans and their families. VA and local communities are partners in the effort, working together to provide needed services. Read the full story

Know this: If you are a woman who served in the active military service, you are a Veteran. People may think your military experience was less challenging than that of male Veterans. They're wrong. Read the full story

Wesley McFarland, combat Veteran, doctor for 55 years, charged his patients $3.00. Wiped out by Hurricane Katrina, he now lives in a VA Community Living Center ... and he loves it. Read the full story

Golden Age Games — it's all about the rehabilitation value that wellness and fitness provide in the lives of older Veterans ... and yes, a good time, competition and fellowship with other Veterans. Read the full story

Veterans who have psoriasis can easily describe the symptoms for you. It's ugly, itchy and painful. VA doctors can help Veterans treat psoriasis. Here's information on this chronic skin disease. Read the full story

It's called the Walk and Roll when over 23,000 Veterans, VA Employees and American citizens walk a mile for homeless Veterans, raising more than $325,000 worth of donations this year. Read the full story

If you are enrolled in VA health care, the Choice Program allows you to get health care from non-VA doctors. Here are the answers to ten of the most asked questions about the program. Read the full story

VA is offering a free online course to private sector health care professionals to help them better serve Veterans and Servicemembers. Hear from a social worker who thinks the course is a good idea. Read the full story

Across America, thousands of Americans are pitching in to help our Veterans. Learn about the “Summer of Service” and how you can volunteer at your local VA medical center ... no sunblock needed! Read the full story

About 20 couples learned how to strengthen their relationship during a two-day Warrior to Soul Mate retreat sponsored recently at the Salisbury VA Medical Center in North Carolina. Read the full story

Since 1981, co-presented by the VA and PVA, the goal of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games is to empower Veterans with disabilities to live more healthy and active lives through sports. Read the full story

You hear it all the time. Poor old Steve ... he fell down. Sometimes it’s just embarrassing and you get back up. Other times, you’re headed for the emergency room. Here’s how to prevent falling down. Read the full story

VA joins the U.S. Army in celebrating its 240th birthday. Here are just four short stories of the thousands of Army Veterans whose lives have intersected with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Read the full story

Have you ever wished your doctor knew “the rest of the story?” A unique program at some VA medical centers allows Veterans to add their life story to their medical record. Read the full story

Good listening skills and a cool head are prerequisites when you work at the Pittsburgh VA’s Suicide Prevention Office. “You always have to remain calm at this job,” says Veronica Lucious. Read the full story

For many years after he came home from serving in Vietnam, Army Veteran Ron Whitcomb thought the Viet Cong were surrounding his house. With VA PTSD therapy, he learned that he was safe. Read the full story

Some very generous students of fashion engineering at SUNY are working on designing comfortable and functional clothes for Veterans with prosthetics.        Read the full story

Skillful and compassionate care combined with a beautiful hospital and happy patients. VA’s Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System has been nominated for Most Beautiful Hospital in America. Read the full story

Once known as “Decoration Day,” Memorial Day is a time for remembering the people who died while serving in America’s armed forces. Here’s a list of ceremonies in your area. Read the full story

Did you know VA doctors performed the first successful liver transplant in 1968, and that VA doctors have received the Nobel Prize? Find out more as VA celebrates National VA Research Week. Read the full story

Veteran Roy Jeffers is marking Hepatitis Awareness Month by sharing his brave story with Veterans and their families in the hope that they will learn more and make an appointment to get tested…now! Read the full story

Of the almost 670,000 Women Veterans enrolled with VA, over 400,000 of them utilized VHA health care in 2014. Read here about how they can be role models for health for other women and young girls. Read the full story

The thousands of VA nurses who take care of America’s Veterans are skilled, caring professionals. During National Nurses Week, we say “Thank You” for taking care of our heroes. Read the full story

For ten years, VA’s Polytrauma System of Care has treated Veterans with multiple severe injuries. Two of the hundreds of Veterans who have received care tell their stories of strength and recovery. Read the full story

After one of the most emotionally challenging jobs in the military left her with PTSD, former sergeant Josie Beatty found help at a Vet Center and learned she did not “have to be super human.” Read the full story

Hundreds of Veterans share their experiences with mental health challenges and reaching out for support. On a unique website, you can hear how they started their journeys toward recovery. Read the full story

Hundreds of Veterans have found a safe haven for dealing with a variety of issues in a Walla Walla VA “Healing Ground” garden. Thinking about things with the “clarity of fresh air.” Read the full story

Veterans are seeing green as they join VA Medical Centers across the country in a variety of programs to celebrate Earth Day initiatives that help the planet and create a healing environment. Read the full story

With K-rations, you ate what you got. Today, Veterans can make smart decisions about the food they put in their body. Here’s a quick and easy summary of how to read those Nutrition Facts Labels. Read the full story

Ninety-two-year-old Orville Swett, a retired optician, has been volunteering at the VA eye clinic in Daytona Beach for 25 years. His job? Adjusting glasses for Veterans who visit the clinic. Read the full story

Volunteering: the ultimate exercise in democracy. We may vote in elections once a year, but when we volunteer, we vote every day for the kind of community we want to live in. Read the full story

VA's occupational therapists help Veterans participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities and occupations. Read on to learn how they do it. Read the full story

Veterans, how many times do you exercise per week? Immunizations up to date? When was the last time you got tested for HIV? Here's VA's “Five Days to Health” challenge to help build a healthier you. Read the full story

Many Veterans struggle with sexuality in their relationships. Two VA psychologists assert that a satisfying sexual relationship strengthens the whole family and it needs to be addressed. Read the full story

VA's annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic has significantly changed the lives of thousands of disabled Veterans, reminding them of the wonder life still has to offer. Read the full story

Unique approach to rehab. At the Topeka VA, a new voluntary alcohol and drug rehab program called 'Fresh Start' requires patients to commit to 30 days of intense therapy in a locked unit. Read the full story

VA is working hard every day to help Veterans with PTSD, from World War II generals to Iraqi conflict corporals. Here are links to resources and courageous stories from Veterans who have been there. Read the full story

Hundreds of Veterans of all ages — and shapes — are losing weight every day with VA's MOVE! program and now there's an app to help you join this happy, healthy group. Check it out! Read the full story

It's not about what's the matter with you. It's about what matters most to you. There's a link to a form in this story that could help you enhance your overall well-being by focusing on these factors. Read the full story

VA's Polytrauma System of Care, a network of over 100 programs, provides world-class rehabilitation services for Veterans and helps them transition back to their homes and families. Read the full story

During Patient Safety Awareness Week, doctors, nurses and clinicians from VA and DoD will be 'United in Safety' as they discuss and analyze ways to make your hospital experience safer. Read the full story

You can have Multiple Sclerosis with limited mobility and still have passion for the causes that are meaningful to you. Read this story about Army Veteran Brian Pettyjohn who does just that. Read the full story

On March 3, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln signed a law establishing a national soldiers and sailors asylum. Today's VA evolved from that facility established for Civil War Veterans of the Union Army. Read the full story

Korean War Veteran Victor Ferentino, 81, was a runner for 60 years. After a spill in Manhattan he did his research and chose rehab at his VA Physical Therapy clinic over surgery. Read the full story

This week is the 70th anniversary of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. "Woody" Williams, 91, was there and received the Medal of Honor for his courageous action on that memorable day. Read the full story

We've answered more than a million-and-a-half calls from Veterans in crisis. And helped with 45,000 rescues. The Veterans Crisis Line helps prevent suicides by providing immediate crisis intervention. Read the full story

Do you know how many of our Presidents served in the military? As we celebrate President's Day, here is a list of Presidents who are Veterans. From George Washington to George Bush. Read the full story

The recent box-office hit American Sniper sheds light on how difficult the transition to civilian life can be. VA has in-person, online and telephone-based services that can help. Read the full story

At VA medical centers across the country, thousands of Americans will express their Valentine's wishes of love and gratitude to Veteran patients during VA's annual National Salute to Veteran Patients. Read the full story

VA is joining the American Heart Association to fight heart disease in women Veterans. Here's the story of one woman Veteran who received life-saving treatment at a VA Medical Center. Read the full story

Did they pick February to be Heart Month because of Valentine's Day and all those heart shapes? Whatever. It's a great time to remind Veterans of the everyday things you can do to stay heart healthy. Read the full story

Over the last nine years Joan Chambers, 67, has racked up over 6,000 hours of volunteer work at Huntington VA Medical Center in West Virginia. 'I like keeping busy,' she explained. Read the full story

VA asked hundreds of Veterans to tell us what they liked and didn't like about the labels on their prescriptions. We heard you. The results led to this new patient-centric prescription label. Read the full story

While treating a Veteran patient, Nurse Chuck Maulden noticed the Veteran's feet were in really bad shape with huge blisters probably due to worn out shoes. They both wore the same size shoe. So... Read the full story

For Volunteers who work every day to help our Veterans, the MLK holiday is one more opportunity to repay the men and women who have sacrificed so much for America. Find out how you can join in. Read the full story

An Army Veteran with not long to live decided it was time to marry his girlfriend of 17 years. The staff at the Buffalo VA, where he’s receiving cancer treatments, helped him turn his wish into reality. Read the full story

During one of the coldest weeks of winter, it’s difficult to imagine what it must be like to have no heat, no home, and no help. VA is working hard to get help to America’s Veterans who are experiencing homelessness. Read the full story

About 1,300 people are enrolled in the Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program where VA is looking at better ways to help people stricken with the disorder get the care they need. Read the full story

One-and-a-half million Veterans have a vision threatening eye disease, including 285,000 with glaucoma, which usually starts without any symptoms. Get tested now — it's quick and painless. Read the full story

VA Researchers are taking a close look at an issue threatening the health of many Veterans: binge eating. If you recognize this in yourself, follow the MOVE link at the end of the story. VA is here to help Read the full story

Each year, we post more than 100 stories about health topics on the VA Health Care and VA Medical Center home pages. Here are the Top 10 stories from 2014, based on our reader’s visits. Read the full story

Food, fun and gifts: At VA medical centers across the country, hundreds of volunteers, community organizations and VA staff come together to help America’s Veterans celebrate the holiday season. Read the full story

Holiday stress for Veterans can be especially difficult with unique challenges, like transitioning into civilian life or being separated from your family. Here’s a great online resource…with Apps! Read the full story

A VA employee thought if he could track the delivery of his gifts online, why not make it possible for Veterans to track the delivery of their prescriptions the same way? Now, they can. Read the full story

Seventy years ago this month, stubbornly brave American soldiers fought the Battle of the Bulge. Arthur Berkowitz, 91, was one of them. He recalls the battle and a bullet that later shattered his knee. Read the full story

Over 300,000 Veterans have joined the Million Veteran Program, a partnership between VA and Veterans to establish a database of information which may lead to preventing and treating illnesses in Veterans. Read the full story

Holidays should be about family, friends and fun. But what about all those demands and deadlines? Here are some tips to help Veterans and their families manage all that stress, now and all year long. Read the full story

Lonnie Cook, 94, is one of nine USS Arizona survivors still living. His plans for a day of liberty in Honolulu came to a halt just before 8:00 on Sunday morning, December 7, 1941. Read the full story

Since 2012, volunteers at the Cheyenne VA Medical Center in Wyoming have been spending hours sitting at the bedside of dying Veterans, keeping them company as they near their final journey. Read the full story

PJ Johnson knows about recovery. She was hit by a car while undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. During her rehab, the Veterans she usually helps encouraged her to get better and come back to them. Read the full story

A new brain bank in Vermont will help with understanding abnormal brain activity in PTSD and could pave the way for new approaches to diagnosis and treatment of individuals with PTSD. Read the full story

November 20th is the Great American Smokeout. Join the Smokeout by quitting or making a plan to quit smoking that day. Succeed with helpful tips from Dr. Timothy P. Carmody. Read the full story

Specialists at the VA in Charleston, South Carolina, have helped more than 400 patients ease off their chronic pain medications. How did they do it? The answer might surprise you. Read the full story

Over 60,000 Veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries have signed up for a dental insurance plan for Veterans with no dental coverage and those eligible for VA dental care who want more coverage. Read the full story

On Veterans Day, November 11, Americans pause to honor and salute the men and women whose service and sacrifice made our freedom possible – an annual day of thanks from a grateful nation. Read the full story

An orange tabby cat named Tom lives on the hospice unit of the Salem VA Medical Center in Virginia, providing comfort, amusement and companionship to dying Veterans and their family members. Read the full story

The job of caregiver is not easy. It can lead to frustration and burnout. That's why VA has developed two very helpful programs to make the task of caring for your loved one easier and healthier. Read the full story

Exposed to burn pits or other airborne hazards while deployed? Believe you have health conditions related to these exposures? Join VA's Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. Learn how here. Read the full story

VA's Annual Creative Arts Festival is a nation-wide talent competition that lets thousands of Veterans express themselves creatively while helping with their mental and physical health and recovery. Read the full story

VA partners with Walgreens to expand real-time sharing of medical information of vaccines provided by Walgreens to enrolled Veterans. VA is covering the cost of about 75,000 flu shots. Read the full story

VA has just made it possible for more of America’s Veterans living in highly rural areas to get free transportation to a VA medical center or other facilities that provide VA care. Read the full story

One minute, Army Veteran Robbie Myers was living in a tent. The next, he was winning a nationally-televised cooking competition. His amazing journey began when he walked into a VA Medical Center. Read the full story

96-year-old Veteran Irwin Hasen is the cartoonist who created the famous character Dondi, a war orphan. He recently sketched his famous creation reminding Veterans and VA staff to get their flu shot. Read the full story

In observance of Mental Illness Awareness Week, VA facilities will be sponsoring events designed to educate Veterans, their families and staff on mental health recovery concepts and practices. Read the full story

Weight loss in overweight adults with diabetes can improve blood sugar levels, decrease the need for some medications, reduce blood pressure, improve heart function, and improve cholesterol levels. Read the full story

Male breast cancer is rare, accounting for less than one percent of cancers in men and less than one percent of all breast cancer. VA researchers are helping to understand the phenomenon. Read the full story

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. VA wants to help Veterans learn more about breast cancer with the helpful tools listed in this story including a Breast Cancer Risk Calculator. Read the full story

Veterans and others who have lost a lower limb and need prosthetic feet have been limited in the footwear they can choose. A VA researcher in Minneapolis and his colleagues aim to change that. Read the full story

Read how one married couple — both Veterans — use VA’s online Personal Health Record, My HealtheVet, all the time and encourage Veterans to sign up and take advantage of its many great features. Read the full story

Tornados? Floods? Hurricanes? Are you prepared if one of those hit your home? Take advantage of these check lists during National Preparedness Month. Get your family ready for all emergencies. Read the full story

Annual tournament an opportunity for legally blind and physically disabled Veterans to develop new skills and enhance their self-esteem. Therapeutic format promotes rehabilitation and fellowship. Read the full story

Help spread the word about VA's mental health resources. We all have the power to take the first step to reach out and see how they're doing. Read the full story

Four members of a VA radiology team at the VA Southern Oregon Rehab Center, White City, Ore., teamed up in early August to provide needed help to an elderly Veteran living alone in a remote rural area. Read the full story

VA has strengthened the ID requirements to request the new Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC). Enrolled Veterans now will need two forms of ID. See the acceptable ID documents in this story. Read the full story

Cognitive rehabilitation researchers are testing new tools and strategies — from smartphone apps to online brain training — to help Veterans cope with the effects of mild traumatic brain injury. Read the full story

Veteran patients of VA doctor in Augusta, Georgia, tell why they “wouldn’t have any other doctor.” Dr. Jianhua Cheng replies that he just wants to do his best and praises the entire Augusta team. Read the full story

Stand Downs — Providing services to homeless Veterans, including health screenings, benefits counseling and other referrals. A collaborative effort by VA and other government and community agencies. Read the full story

We’ve put the contacts for almost all your health questions in one convenient health index. Add this site to your FAVORITES for a link to take you to VA websites with valuable information. Read the full story

VA’s Women Veterans Call Center has received over 11,000 incoming calls and made nearly 130,000 outbound calls, successfully reaching 76,000 women Veterans. The number is 1-855-VA-WOMEN. Read the full story

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games are designed to improve the quality of life for Veterans with disabilities and to foster better health through sports competition. Read the full story

Thousands of American Veterans have received the Purple Heart. We mark the anniversary of the creation of the award by George Washington with the story of John Reist, wounded three times in Vietnam. Read the full story

Protect you and your family by keeping your vaccinations current. Here are some helpful links to websites on immunization information. Read the full story

VA researchers are exploring the possibility of using a steroid pill to take the trauma out of traumatic memories by quieting the intense and sometime debilitating emotions associated with those memories. Read the full story

Dr. Dai Phan provides an accurate reproduction so that dental and nasal prostheses can be fabricated — a little known service provided to Veterans who have lost part of their oral cavity due to trauma or cancer. Read the full story

Formerly homeless Veteran James Mobley, 53, now works full-time as a social services aide at the same VA domiciliary in Dublin, Ga., where he spent nearly a year in recovery. Read the full story

After serving in the Army, mixed martial arts fighter Joe Duarte found his world spinning out of control. After VA PTSD therapy, he now finds peace at home and in the ring. Read the full story

Veterans should be cautious and protect their eyes from the sun. Good quality sunglasses are recommended when outdoors, even if it’s for a few minutes at a time. Read the full story

The web site for the Veterans Health Administration is a helpful gateway to numerous resources for Veterans and their families. Here are just a few of the most popular features posted this past year. Read the full story

For the second year in a row, VA has been named to the 2014 “Most Wired” hospitals list, a national survey ranking hospitals leveraging health information technology in new and innovative ways. Read the full story

Hospitals can be a maze. That’s why Joan Stewart and Debera Charlton are amazing. The Nurse Navigator steer patients through the treatment systems at Montana’s VA Medical Center. Read the full story

Hundreds of VA employees and volunteers at VA Medical Centers across the country spend their July 4th holiday hosting special events for the men and women we serve — America’s Veterans. Read the full story

Hundreds of Veterans are heading to the Ozark Mountains for the Golden Age Games, designed to improve the quality of life for older Veterans with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Read the full story

Finding it hard to be home alone or feel comfortable in public places, Laura Hendrixon is determined to get better for her family and her career. Read the full story

The relationship between patients and the health care system will dramatically change with telehealth. High levels of patient satisfaction and positive outcomes say this is the right direction. Read the full story

VA researchers are looking at how Veterans with PTSD react to their own mistakes. The results could reveal clues as to why some Veterans are more resilient to traumatic events. Read the full story

On Father’s Day this past Sunday, one family with a proud military tradition marked the day with memories of military service by three generations of Veterans, one a VA employee. Read the full story

An online self-help training program called Moving Forward provides tools, videos and interactive quizzes to teach skills that will enable you to better address life’s problems and daily dilemmas. Read the full story

Josh Hansen, an IED Hunter, recovers from a traumatic brain injury only to be hit with PTSD. Treatment helps him reclaim his life. Read the full story

A VA patient for 65 years, Robert Royce is grateful he lived through the D-Day invasion — it has had an impact on his entire life. And the 89 year old Army Veteran would enlist again…if he could. Read the full story

VA Health Benefits include all the necessary inpatient hospital care and outpatient services to promote, preserve, or restore your health with a wide range of services. Learn how to apply here. Read the full story

The muffled drum’s sad roll has beat the soldier’s last tattoo. No more on life’s parade shall meet that brave and fallen few. On fame’s eternal camping-ground, their silent tents are spread. Read the full story

Many people don’t know that VA does research. We do…in a major way, playing a vital role in advancing medical science and providing high quality care for America’s Veterans. Read the full story

VA marks Mental Health Awareness Month with a special Showcase event highlighting Mental Health programs VA provides for America’s Veterans. Takeaway? Treatment works and VA provides the best care. Read the full story

During National Women’s Health Week, VA is promoting Women and Maternity Care to make more women Veterans aware of VA’s prenatal benefits and pre-pregnancy services. Read the full story

Outreach workers are going into communities in rural Alabama to find Veterans and engage them in conversations about enrolling in VA health care. A study shows the approach is paying off. Read the full story

VA Nurses serve and honor the nation’s Veterans and their families with concern and compassion. We salute them for their important contributions to the VA health care system, today and every day. Read the full story

VA researchers are locked in battle with an enemy that is quietly maiming and killing thousands of Americans who have served their country. It’s not PTSD, depression or TBI. Read the full story

Getting help starts with a conversation. Veterans with mental health problems: VA is here to listen…and to help…in numerous ways. Asking for help is not weakness — it is a sign of strength. Read the full story

Caregivers for Veterans of all eras are eligible for respite care, education and training on what it means to be a caregiver, how to best meet the Veteran’s care needs and the importance of self-care. Read the full story

New Polytrauma and Rehabilitation Center in Tampa to open soon. The first stop for Veterans on the road to recovery and home, the state-of-the-art facility provides home-like, healing environment. Read the full story

Knowledge learned by VA in treating Traumatic Brain Injury helped develop Concussion Coach, a mobile app with tools to assess symptoms and help with coping strategies. Read the full story

Occupational therapist Sarah Scalia assesses Veterans (105 so far) to ensure they are able to maintain the affordable housing provided them through the HUD-VASH program. Read the full story

Peer specialist program: Veterans who have recovered from mental illness serve as role models for other Veterans. Veterans will connect better with those who have experienced the same things. Read the full story

Take charge of your health care. It’s never too late to get back on track and start taking steps towards a healthier you by getting informed, developing healthy habits, and enrolling in health care. Read the full story

VA to launch study of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction this year to determine if it can help relieve symptoms of PTSD in women vets who have experienced military sexual trauma. Read the full story

Four hundred Veterans are participating in the Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. It’s the world-leader in adaptive winter sports for Veterans, active duty servicemen and women with disabilities. Read the full story

Veterans and others with disabilities can lose weight through a program that involves phone calls and a Web-based remote coaching tool. The approach is low-cost and effective, say researchers. Read the full story

VA wants to help you get in shape, think about nutrition, live longer and have a healthy, energetic life. VA registered dietitians are here to assist you with your nutrition and health concerns. Read the full story

At the VA in Madison, Wis., the life histories of patients are written down and included in their medical charts. This gives caregivers a better understanding of the human being they are treating. Read the full story

Veteran Paralympians are incredible role models. They share the same passion as Olympians to excel in their sport and inspire those who share the unique experience of representing America at the games. Read the full story

Researchers at the Cleveland VA Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University are working to develop an artificial hand that provides something similar to a sense of touch. Read the full story

The names of these women may not be immediately recognizable but these are women who opened the way for millions of women in the American military who followed their lead. Read the full story

Up to 50 percent of heart patients fail to take their medications correctly after they leave the hospital. VA’s solution? A simple one: persistent, friendly reminders from your health care professionals. Read the full story

During Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 2-8, we invite you to learn how VA is committed to patient safety with a systems approach to problem solving, focused on prevention, not punishment. Read the full story

James L. Hill, a 61-year-old Army Veteran, received his new heart 30 years ago at the VA Medical Center in Richmond. He is one of the longest living heart transplant survivors in the world. Read the full story

VA is issuing a new identification card called the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC). Your Social Security number and date of birth have been removed. It also has a branch of service emblem. Read the full story

Veterans with online access to their health records reported better communication with their doctors and higher levels of overall satisfaction with their care, according to a VA-sponsored study. Read the full story

George and Dorothy Boggess have been married for seven decades. Awarded a Silver Star and a Purple Heart in WW II, Army Veteran Boggess has seen a century of African-American history. Read the full story

For the last five years the good folks at the Palo Alto VA’s Menlo Park have been helping Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while the Veterans were helping train service dogs. Read the full story

It’s National Salute to Veteran Patients Week as VA facilities across America salute the men and women in our care with Valentines and free concerts and an invitation to you to volunteer. Read the full story

Natalie Dell, a medal winner at the 2012 Summer Olympics, conducts mental health research for VA. As the next Olympics approach, here are 20 questions about her Olympics experience and her work for Veterans. Read the full story

VA is Going Red for Women. Join VA and the American Heart Association in encouraging women Veterans to live heart healthy by wearing red on February 7. Read the full story

There are 11 peer support specialists at San Diego and roughly 800 at VA sites nationwide. They represent VA’s promising new strategy to get Veterans struggling with mental issues to come in for help. Read the full story

VA surgeons in Houston recently performed groundbreaking surgery on two Veterans, implanting a new type of stent graft, custom-made from a 3-D computer model of the patient’s anatomy. Read the full story

Are you a Veteran over 60? 285,000 Veterans have Glaucoma, a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve becomes damaged over time and may lead to vision loss or even blindness. Read the full story

The Atlanta VA Medical Center holds special activities honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including a coat drive for homeless Veterans and new trees planted around the medical center on January 20. Read the full story

Women are up to five times more likely than men to have a thyroid condition. One survey found that about 13 million women ages 18 years and older received treatment for a thyroid disorder in 2008. Read the full story

Extreme wintry conditions can make walking on wet or slippery surfaces unavoidable. Slow down, take smaller steps and wear appropriate footwear. Read the full story

MOVE! classes on television helped Veterans lose weight…and they kept it off! VA used videoteleconferencing technology to help 60 Veterans in South Dakota and Iowa have a new, healthier life in 2014. Read the full story

Over 600 Veterans took part in a VA-sponsored trial which showed that Vitamin E helped slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in Veterans with mild to moderate symptoms. Read the full story

One thing we all hope for in a New Year is good health. For America’s Veterans, that’s our job. At our 151 VA Hospitals and 825 Community Based Outpatient Clinics, we are here to serve you. Read the full story

After you’re discharged from the hospital, wouldn’t it be nice if your favorite nurse called you every week to see how you were doing? The VA thinks that’s a pretty good idea, too. Read the full story

Every holiday season, the folks who work for the VA join with Volunteers, Veteran Services Organizations and other generous groups to ensure America’s Veterans have a happy holiday season. Read the full story

The Department of Veterans Affairs is conducting a two-year study to see if a device called the ‘Anklebot’ can help stroke survivors retrain their brain and muscles, thus improving their gait. Read the full story

Dr. Ron Pekala, a VA researcher, helps his patients find happiness and is concerned about how the holiday blues affect them. He helps them understand happiness and what it takes to be happy. Read the full story

Researchers at VA’s National Center for PTSD have identified a quick and easy screening tool that detects if a female patient has recently experienced Intimate Partner Violence. Read the full story

Over 8 million enrolled Veterans can now purchase an affordable dental plan. It’s for Veterans with no dental coverage or those eligible for VA dental care who want to purchase additional coverage. Read the full story

Having…or anticipating…challenges reconnecting with your kids? VA and DoD have created a free online course called Parenting for Service Members and Veterans, including areas you WILL recognize. Read the full story

Flu is no common cold. Thousands die from it. Are you in a high risk group? Over 50? Diabetes? Read about it in this article and learn how to protect yourself and your family. Read the full story

What Thanksgiving Day is all about…thanks to the health care he has received at the VA…and his photography…Veteran Brian Fleming is a much happier person. He finds comfort in coming to the VA. Read the full story

It’s a good thing Larry Kerr finally decided to answer his phone, which had been ringing all morning. It was the VA, calling to tell him he had a life-threatening heart condition. Read the full story

VA is bringing health care closer to Veterans who don’t live in town. New technologies like telehealth and mobile clinics are increasing health care options for rural resident Veterans. Read the full story

VA researchers find that women Veterans with social support from their peers have better physical health. More than 3,600 women Veterans, Vietnam and OIF and OEF Veterans, were in the study. Read the full story

The Wade Park Domiciliary is a unique partnership between the Cleveland VA Medical Center and Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio, a marriage that may be the first of its kind in the entire country. Read the full story

Here’s a Veteran who quit smoking for ten years, then started again. A doctor herself, she knew she knew better and has now stopped…with VA’s help…forever. Read the full story

A Veteran who lost a leg in combat in Iraq is now — at 31 — the Chief of Prosthetics at the San Diego VA Medical Center. He will spend Veterans Day remembering friends who paid the ultimate price. Read the full story

The flu shot rolls around every year, just like taxes. Getting the flu is easy but it’s easier to get the flu shot. Read the full story

My HealtheVet was launched on Veterans Day, November 11, 2003. The website lets Veterans access information in their VA health care records and gives them greater control over their health care. Read the full story

There is now an online “Coach” — developed by VA’s National Center for PTSD — which Veterans can access from their personal computers to help them manage PTSD symptoms. Read the full story

VA is preparing to launch a study that will examine the two leading forms of treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Read the full story

Annual Veterans Creative Arts Festival — this year in Reno — helps to promote healing and enhance the quality of life for thousands of Veterans treated in VA’s national health care system. Read the full story

Kellie Lafave, a VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator, crisscrosses Montana in her Ford Escape, teaching people how to detect the warning signs of suicide in Veterans they care about. Read the full story

National Physical Therapy Month reminds us how important VA physical therapists are to so many Veterans on the road to managing their conditions with unique treatment interventions. Read the full story

As a unique component of their training, student nurses work with Veterans to help prepare the nurses to care for Veterans in the real world — a VA and Emory University School of Nursing partnership. Read the full story

Women Veterans are reminded that early detection can save lives. It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Learn about early detection and talk with your health care provider. Read the full story

VA is introducing a new kind of nurse at its medical centers across the country, and it’s making a big difference in the level of care patients are receiving. They’re called Clinical Nurse Leaders. Read the full story

Too many Veterans are dependent on alcohol and drugs which can lead to physical and mental health problems. VHA has programs which assure Vets they do not have to try to stop on their own. Read the full story

As part of a nationwide effort to end Veteran homelessness by 2015, VA will convert five old buildings at Fort Snelling, Minn., into 58 apartments for homeless Veterans and their families. Read the full story

Homeless Veteran Stand Downs — VA and community partners working together to ensure basic needs and assistance for our most vulnerable and disenfranchised homeless Veterans. Read the full story

More than 70,000 soldiers from World War II remain unaccounted for. After Vietnam, over 2,500 soldiers were missing. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Read the full story

VA’s annual summer sports clinic in San Diego helps Veterans battling back from injury learn that having a physical or visual disability is not an obstacle to an active rewarding life. Read the full story

More than 200 blind and disabled Veterans are in Iowa City this week for the National Veterans TEE Tournament, an opportunity to develop new skills and strengthen self-esteem. Read the full story

There is help out there. VA’s Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis with responders through a confidential toll-free hotline. Veterans can call to receive confidential support. Read the full story

Natural language processing technology could help VA detect suicide risk among Veterans. A study used the technology to find past suicide attempts in VA’s electronic medical record system. Read the full story

September is National Preparedness Month. VA reminds Veterans receiving health care that they need to be prepared. Check out this story for great online links to valuable check lists! Read the full story

At VA’s MyHome, a simulation home near Pittsburgh, seriously injured Veterans learn independent living skills prior to being discharged from the hospital. The idea is to reduce hospital re-admissions. Read the full story

A free online workshop is designed for family Caregivers of Veterans. It helps them learn a variety of skills and how to care for Veterans with PTSD and other serious illnesses. Read the full story

All Veterans should know about the benefits and risks of immunization, how vaccines are monitored for safety, answers to common questions, what is in vaccines, and who should be vaccinated. Read the full story

Over three million men and women enrolled in the VA Health Care System are defined as “rural” Veterans. VA has an office dedicated to improving access to quality health care for them. Read the full story

The Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System has given the RN a major role in an ongoing effort to find, treat, and house the area’s homeless Veteran population. Read the full story

$300 million more for a VA program called Supportive Services for Veteran Families which is helping prevent and end homelessness among tens of thousands of homeless Veterans and their families. Read the full story

Members of the media viewed VA’s “Connected Health” technologies at the Press Club in Washington in July: The delivery of health care when and where Veterans need it. Read the full story

The National Veterans Small Business Conference in St. Louis is VA’s largest nationwide conference. It’s designed to help Veteran-Owned Small Businesses compete for and win new business. Read the full story

VA’s End of Life program has received an award from the American Hospital Association for providing compassionate care and helping patients and families facing complex health challenges. Read the full story

Veterans and their families should be involved in making health care decisions today that will affect their treatment in the future. VA’s “Shared Decision Making” makes that possible. Read the full story

He was a descendant of a Revolutionary War soldier. He was a member of: Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Military Order of the World War. Name this president. Read the full story

Secure Messaging lets VA Veteran patients talk to their health care providers online…privately, confidentially. They can ask questions and talk about their treatment options. Read the full story

The VA Medical Center in Houston is using Telehealth technology called ‘Telesleep’ to treat Veterans in rural areas suffering from sleep-related breathing disorders. Read the full story

The Department of Veterans Affairs has been named to the 2013 ‘Most Wired’ hospitals list — the first time all VA medical centers have achieved the honor. Read the full story

Army Veteran Kimberly Walters works for the VA Crisis Line and she really understands when Veterans call. Paralyzed for 20 years, she can explain to Veterans why they should not give up. Read the full story

2013 Wheel Chair Games in Tampa welcome 600 Veterans to the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world. Games improve the quality of life and foster better health for Veterans. Read the full story

July 4 — America’s birthday. Time to remember our history and our freedoms. And the men and women who sacrificed years of their lives to guarantee those freedoms. Benjamin Clarke Jr. was one of them. Read the full story

Ed was homeless. He called the VA Homeless Hotline. Now he’s working for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He shared his story at a resource fair for Veterans and community partners. Read the full story

If you have a question about PTSD, we have the answer. June 27 is PTSD Awareness Day and we thought you should know 27 Things about Posttraumatic Stress Disorder from VA’s National Center for PTSD. Read the full story

VA was among the first responders after a tornado hit Moore, Okla. So far, we have helped more than 4,400 Veterans and their families, active duty soldiers and other Oklahomans affected by the storm. Read the full story

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) ranked 25th out of the top 50 employers selected this year by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) as a “Best Employer for Workers Over 50” Read the full story

The mission of the VA is to serve Veterans with the highest-quality health care available anywhere in the world. Here is an introduction to benefits and links to find out more and how to apply. Read the full story

Dr. Tim Cordes, a psychiatrist at the William S. Middleton VA Hospital in Madison, Wis., has a unique way of seeing patients: he doesn’t see them at all. He’s legally blind. Read the full story

A new tool to help Veterans take charge of their health: the Veterans Health Library. Find information on diseases, conditions, and medications. It’s where to go for reliable health information. Read the full story

During PTSD Awareness Month, join VA in promoting public awareness and understanding of PTSD. We invite you to "Take the Step" and help the men and women who have experienced PTSD. Read the full story

Hundreds of senior Veterans are off to Buffalo to participate in VA’s Golden Age Games, a showcase for the value that wellness and fitness provide in the lives of older Americans. Read the full story

An Army Veteran suffers a stroke and puts the Houston VA Medical Center Stroke Team into action, a team which recently earned a Gold Seal from the Joint Commission. Read the full story

Memorial Day — a time for the nation to pause and remember the service of deceased Veterans and military members who died on active duty, a time when Americans honor the fallen. Read the full story

The Department of Veterans Affairs has a new hotline to respond to questions from Veterans, their families and caregivers about the many VA services and resources available to women Veterans. Read the full story

Can you name the three VA medical centers named for United States presidents? Here’s a story on the Franklin Delano Roosevelt campus of the Hudson Valley Healthcare System in Montrose, New York. Read the full story

May 13-17 is National VA Research Week with the theme “VA Research Inspires.” VA Research has been part of advances in treating heart disease, diabetes, spinal cord injury and mental health disorders. Read the full story

VA is making it possible for Veterans to access PTSD information in mobile friendly formats. Check out the mobile self-help apps and “treatment companion” apps. Find “Where to Get Help for PTSD.” Read the full story

VA salutes our 80,000 nurses during National Nurses Week…and every week. Every day, VA’s nurses provide state-of-the-art, cost-effective nursing care to America’s Veterans and their families. Read the full story

Moving Forward is an online program that helps overcome life’s challenges. Designed specifically for Veterans and Military Service Members, but can anyone can use it to make problems more manageable. Read the full story

VA, with help from Veterans, has created a more patient-friendly statement that is easier to understand. The improved statement has a concise layout and several new features that Veterans wanted. Read the full story

When a Veteran’s life hung in the balance, two volunteers worked together calmly and efficiently to render aid. Their efforts may have made the difference between life and death. Read the full story

In an effort to develop PTSD treatments that are geared more precisely to the unique needs of men and women, VA researchers have begun to investigate how men and women learn to fear. Read the full story

An Occupational Therapist talks about VA’s Wellness Program and how Tai Chi helps Veterans and their families with memory, improved sleep, decreased stress and overall health. Read the full story

Military sexual trauma (MST) refers to sexual assault during military service. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, time to talk about services VA has available for Veterans who experienced MST. Read the full story

Catharine’s story is a familiar one for anyone with aging parents. Her dad, an Air Force Veteran, and her mother, needed full time care. “It would have been easier if they had a game plan for aging.” Read the full story

Veterans! It’s National Public Health Week, time to think about changing our behaviors so we all can live healthier, safer, and better lives. And maybe give your 2013 resolutions a second chance? Read the full story

The National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colorado, provides adaptive sports instruction for about 400 Veterans and active duty servicemen and women with disabilities. Read the full story

A new VA program is sending teams of health care providers into the streets to find and help an invisible army of sick, discouraged Veterans who spend their nights under bridges, on park benches, or on the sidewalk. Read the full story

VA’s Telehealth lets doctors and patients meet for health services without physically being in the same place, providing greater access through the use of telecommunications and videoconferencing. Read the full story

VA has over 800 Community Based Outpatient Clinics throughout the United States providing a variety of services to eligible Veterans, saving them that long drive to a VA medical center. Read the full story

My HealtheVet is an online personal health record which hundreds of Veterans are using every day, finding it the most efficient way to keep track of all their health and medical information. Read the full story

Veterans suffering from PTSD or other mental health challenges are being offered a new and innovative form of therapy at the VA in Palo Alto, Calif. They’re taking pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. Read the full story

There are social workers at all VA medical centers. How do you know if you need a social worker? Read about some of the ways VA social workers can help you or refer you to the right person for help. Read the full story

Veteran “Jersey Jeanne” has not let multiple sclerosis slow her down — adaptive sports have changed her life in a positive way. Her life’s motto is: “I got ‘ta’ keep on movin’!” Read the full story

VA’s National Center for Patient Safety is responsible for developing a culture of safety throughout the Veteran’s Health Administration. One of VA’s top priorities is reducing and preventing inadvertent harm to VA patients. Read the full story

March is Women’s History Month, and VA is celebrating by taking a closer look at three of its women employees who are making a difference in the lives of veterans every day. Read the full story

From Viet Nam to Afghanistan, some Veterans are finding it hard to cope with their memories and experiences. The VA Crisis Line is here to help Veterans who are thinking about giving up. Don’t give up. Call for help Read the full story

Dr. Mary Rorro, VA psychiatrist, shares her love for music with Veterans in group therapy sessions. She gets positive results from Veterans with just “A Few Good Notes.” Read the full story

Here are links to the ten most popular articles of 2012 which appeared on the VHA Health home page. They cover a wide range of helpful information from Benefits and PTSD to Women’s Health and Vet Centers. Read the full story

From George Washington to George W. Bush, 26 of America’s presidents served in the military before becoming Commander in Chief. From all of the soldiers in uniform today, is there a future president of the United States? Read the full story

Time for Valentines! Every year, a group of entertainers and volunteers present the Salute to Veteran Patients program when we pay tribute to our hospitalized Veterans. And a chance for you to become involved as a volunteer. Read the full story

Michael Johnston, a Navy Veteran amputee, is featured in a VA video that encourages disabled Veterans to get involved in sports or activities, an important step to help them “redefine their mission” and see what’s possible. Read the full story

Veteran Alyce Dixon has seen a century of changes in her 105 years. She reflects on African American History Month and the transitions in her life as a Veteran. She was born with a resiliency that told her she would overcome. Read the full story

Veterans! American Heart Month is a great time to begin your journey to healthy living. Your VA health team will work with you on your eating habits, weight control, and exercise program. Learn your risks for heart disease. Read the full story

A shorter stay in the hospital can actually be more beneficial to you than a longer stay, according to a recent VA study that appeared in the December 18, 2012 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine. Read the full story

Are you uncomfortable around people? Don’t like crowds? Is it PTSD? You can learn about PTSD from Veterans who live with it every day. Listen to their stories and find out how PTSD affects the people who love you. Read the full story

Preventing and treating the flu is a top priority at VHA medical facilities around the country. VHA has delivered over 1.62 million influenza vaccinations since September of 2012. It is not too late to get your flu shot. Read the full story

VA encourages all women Veterans to have regular screening tests which can help to prevent cervical cancer or detect it early. Most deaths from cervical cancer are among women who are screened infrequently or not at all. Read the full story

It’s Glaucoma Awareness Month, time to remind Veterans to take action to prevent this sight-stealing disease. Over a million Veterans have an eye disease which can threaten their vision and 285,000 Vets have Glaucoma. Read the full story

There are a lot of pieces to the Long Term Care puzzle. VA puts them together with an online Guide to Long Term Care. See descriptions of Home and Community Based Services, Nursing Homes, Residential Settings, and much more. Read the full story

VA has a program that can help Veterans successfully lose weight and change their lives. It’s called MOVE! Find out how it can help you lose weight and keep it off Read the full story

Parades, presents, music and special visits. VA staff, young soldiers, generous volunteers and an appreciate community made this holiday season a wonderful time for the Veterans at the VA Medical Center in Dublin, Ga. Read the full story

Over 100 Veteran residents of the San Francisco VA Medical Center Community Living Center enjoyed a special holiday celebration lunch on December 14. VA’s Community Living Centers: Care for Vets in a home-like environment. Read the full story

From the VA Community Living Center at Cheyenne, Wyo. to the Texas Veterans Health Care Systems, VA staff, volunteers and communities bring holiday cheer to America’s Veterans during the 2012 holiday season. Read the full story

A new report shows that homelessness among Veterans was reduced between January 2011 and January 2012. We are on track to meet the goal of ending Veteran homelessness in 2015, a top priority at VA. Read the full story

For some Veterans, the holidays are a time of loneliness and anxiety. Many things can cause the “holiday blues.” It could be stress or fatigue. The demands of family reunions can lead to tension. VA can help. Read the full story

Women Vets don’t realize their risk of heart disease. Through an outreach and patient education initiative, VA is raising awareness of the risks associated with heart disease and the importance of regular screenings. Read the full story

Veterans! Did you get your flu shot? They are available for Veterans enrolled in VA health care. Influenza, or “flu,” is a contagious respiratory virus. Anyone can catch the flu virus. Get the shot, not the flu! Read the full story

As national recommendations propose HIV tests for all Americans age 15 to 65, VA is ahead of the curve. We have recommended routine HIV testing for all Veterans since 2009. Mark World AIDS Day by saying Yes to the Test! Read the full story

VA presents an ongoing portrait project entitled Strong at the Broken Places which tells stories of courage and strength by Veterans who have moved forward in positive and constructive ways. Read the full story

Hundreds of Veterans enjoyed an early and free Thanksgiving Day dinner at the VA Ambulatory Care Center in Columbus, Ohio. Voluntary Services organized the meal in space donated by American Legion Post 144. Read the full story

With a mound of mashed potatoes in your immediate future, you may not want to think about diets and nutrition. At least promise you will read this article so important to the health of our Veterans after Thanksgiving’s over on Friday. Read the full story

Mike had tried to quit for years. He did a VA smoking cessation clinic three times with no success. Then he decided to quit for himself. And it worked! Join Mike during the Great American Smoke Out. Read the full story

CDC estimates that nearly 26 million people in the US have diabetes. Nearly one in four Veterans receiving care from VA has diabetes. Many Veterans are at risk for diabetes due to being overweight. Read the full story

VA Medical Centers across the country are marking Veterans Day with special ceremonies. Here’s just a few examples with a link that will help you find out what the VA Medical Center in your area is doing. Read the full story

This is National Family Caregivers Month when VA salutes the brave family members and friends who are taking care of our Veterans. We are here to provide you with the support and services you need. Read the full story

The VA Medical Center in Portland, Ore. has become the testing site for an interesting new approach to helping Veterans cope with thoughts of suicide: the self-soothing box, or “hope box.” Read the full story

New public service announcement reminds women Veterans that VA is ready to serve them. Too many women Veterans are unaware VA offers high quality women’s health care. VA’s Women’s Health Services intends to change that. Read the full story

A Department of Veterans Affairs study published recently in the journal Stroke reveals that starting yoga — even long after you’ve suffered a stroke — may noticeably improve your balance (as well as your confidence). Read the full story

Do you stay in that weight rut? Eat a lot, then lose a lot, then do it over again? VA has a program that can end that cycle and change your life. It’s called MOVE! and it can help you lose weight and keep it off. Read the full story

VA has a new goal to care for and heal our wounded Veterans. In addition to repairing their damaged bodies and minds, VA has embarked on a unique campaign to repair their crumbling intimate relationships. Read the full story

VA has numerous ways to help Vets. Many do not know our programs exist. You can help. Print out this story, put a few of them in your car, and hand them out when you meet a Vet, on the street, at church on Sunday, wherever. Read the full story

On August 23, the Bedford, Mass. VA Medical Center welcomed home Natalie Dell, a health research scientist who won a bronze medal during this summer’s London Olympics as a member of a four-woman sculls rowing team. Read the full story

Each year, Veterans compete in creative arts competitions. There are 120 categories in the performing arts — such as music, dance, drama and creative writing. Winners attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. Read the full story

VA pharmacists know medications, how they work, and their effects on Veteran patients. They work closely with health care providers to optimize Veterans’ drug therapy so Vets get the most benefit from their medications Read the full story

VA leads the nation in breast cancer screening rates and has outperformed non-VA health care systems in breast cancer screenings for more than 15 years, with 87 percent of eligible women receiving mammograms in fiscal year 2011. Read the full story

Surveys are essential to future health care policy for Veterans. Three current surveys focus on Vietnam-era Army, Gulf War, and OEF/OIF Vets. When you complete the survey, you are helping yourself and your fellow Veterans. Read the full story

For Veterans who live many miles from a VA medical center, Telehealth is the answer. With telecommunications and videoconferencing, Vets have greater access to healthcare without having to spend an entire day on the road. Read the full story

Veterans tell what it’s like to live with PTSD and how VA treatment turned their lives around. Website features candid videos of Vets sharing their PTSD experiences and how they dealt with them. It’s raw but it’s real. Read the full story

VA’s National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic in San Diego promotes life-changing, year round healing. It encourages Vets to be active and continue to participate in many activities they enjoyed in the past. Read the full story

VA’s annual TEE Tournament, held every year in Iowa City, Iowa, lets eligible Veterans participate in therapeutic adaptive sporting activities demonstrating that a disability is not an obstacle to an active, rewarding life. Read the full story

It’s Suicide Prevention Month. Get involved and help Vets who think there is no help. We are asking you to “Stand by Them: Help a Veteran.” Read how you can help make more people aware of this crisis. Read the full story

Veterans tell what it’s like to live with PTSD and how VA treatment turned their lives around. Website features candid videos of Vets sharing their PTSD experiences and how they dealt with them. It’s raw but it’s real. Read the full story

September is National Preparedness Month, reminding us that knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared and makes all the difference when seconds count. Do you have an emergency supply kit? Read the full story

VA has discovered that a brief therapeutic phone conversation called motivational interviewing is an effective way to convince Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans with mental health diagnoses to begin getting treatment. Read the full story

VA health care requires that we ask the Veteran, “How can we help you live your life fully?” Veterans committed their lives in defense of our country. We can help them with their health care focused on what matters to them. Read the full story

VA is providing health care for some Vets on active duty at Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987. You may have been exposed to contaminated drinking water. See if you have any of the medical conditions described in a new law. Read the full story

August is Immunization Awareness Month. Are you up-to-date with all of your vaccines? They protect you and your family. Make sure you’re up to date with shots you need and schedule the vaccinations you should get every year. Read the full story

Because 41% of all Veterans enrolled in the VA Health Care System live in geographically remote areas, VA has an Office of Rural Health dedicated to making sure they have access to quality care. Read the full story

In an effort to improve Veterans’ access to mental health care and perhaps lower the suicide rate among the Veteran population, VA hopes to provide 200,000 video conferencing consultations before the end of the year. Read the full story

Some Veterans will be hired temporarily this summer to help enroll other Veterans in My HealtheVet, VA’s Online Personal Health Record, where Vets can store health information, refill VA prescriptions online and much more. Read the full story

International Assistance Dog Week — Saluting hardworking dogs helping Veterans live more fulfilled lives. These dogs transform the lives of their Veteran partners, performing tasks the Veteran cannot do without assistance. Read the full story

Veterans who served in combat operations after 1998 are eligible for an extended period of eligibility for VA health care for cost free medical care for any condition related to your service in the Iraq/Afghanistan theatre. Read the full story

VA has numerous ways to help Vets. Many do not know our programs exist. You can help. Print out this story, put a few of them in your car, and hand them out when you meet a Vet, on the street, at church on Sunday, wherever. Read the full story

Women’s Health Research Network — designed to address important women’s health research questions. Example: heart disease — in a large VA study, there would not be enough women at one VA. The solution is banding together. Read the full story

VA, the largest provider of HIV care in the United States, will discuss how electronic health records have improved VA’s treatment of Veterans with HIV at the International AIDS Conference July 22-27 in Washington DC. Read the full story

The Department of Veterans Affairs now has the technology to enable Veterans with above-the-knee amputations to walk with a healthy, natural gait, just the way they did before they were injured. Read the full story

Looking for a job with a purpose? And a competitive salary, great benefits and flexible schedules? Check out the opportunities available at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our heroes need you…now! Read the full story

VA is combining new, high tech interventions with existing Evidence Based Treatments for PTSD — a ‘combination punch’ that could mean quicker relief for Veterans coping with stress-inducing memories. Read the full story

VA’s Paralympic Program encourages disabled Veterans to redefine themselves by competing in adaptive sports which are played by people with physical, cognitive and visual disabilities. Read the full story

VA has over 20,000 mental health clinical staff. We are adding about 1,600 clinicians to that workforce including psychiatrists and psychologists. In addition, 300 people will be added to support this new clinical staff. Read the full story

July 4th — It’s our birthday! Independence Day, when the new United States of America adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Picnics and parades, concerts and fireworks, and a great time to fly the American flag. Read the full story

Popular farmer’s market is a weekly stop at VA Palo Alto. The market lets Veterans and employees at the medical center find fresh, healthy foods and allows inpatients a chance to get out for a stroll with their families. Read the full story

Skin cancer can be prevented and, if caught early, is highly curable. Detected early, skin cancer is almost 100 percent curable. Almost 50 percent of people who live to age 65 will develop at least one form of skin cancer. Read the full story

During PTSD Awareness Month, VA encourages Veterans, their families, and all Americans to learn more about the disorder and discover ways you can help yourself and others. Learn from Vets with PTSD how treatment helped them. Read the full story

June 14 is Flag Day but Old Glory flies proudly at VA medical centers every day. The American Flag and Veterans go together like, well, Veterans and the American Flag. You can’t have one without the other. Read the full story

During PTSD Awareness Month, VA encourages Veterans, their families, and all Americans to learn more about the disorder and discover ways you can help yourself and others. Learn from Vets with PTSD how treatment helped them. Read the full story

VA collaborates with national campaign to help find permanent housing for 10,000 vulnerable and chronically homeless Veterans this year. Will help accomplish Secretary Shinseki’s goal of ending Veteran homelessness in 2015. Read the full story

Summertime — a lot of outdoor activities are planned. Vets should remember that ultraviolet radiation from the sun’s rays can be damaging to your eyes and potentially affect your vision. Every Veteran should wear sunglasses. Read the full story

VA’s National Golden Age Games are a national sports and recreation competition which introduces older Veterans to the benefits of sports and recreation. A chance for athletes to showcase their skills, mental and physical. Read the full story

Memorial Day is when we remember those who died in the service of their nation. At 3 p.m., Americans pause for the annual Moment of Remembrance to reflect on the sacrifice of America’s fallen warriors and honor their memory. Read the full story

Find out if you are eligible for VA health care benefits. Apply online, at any VA medical facility where VA personnel can answer your questions, or call toll-free at 1-877-222-VETS (8387) to apply over the phone. Read the full story

This is National Women’s Health week. VA knows women Vets and is best-equipped to meet their needs. Good health is a commitment you make to yourself. Let VA help you keep this commitment this week and beyond. Read the full story

Many Veterans don’t realize they have high blood pressure. It often has no warning signs or symptoms. That’s why it’s important for Vets to get their blood pressure checked regularly. Read the full story

Got motivation? Need some? Read how Veterans Joe, Sonya and Ernie lost big weight big time with VA’s MOVE! program. Come on! You can do it! MOVE! can help you lose weight, keep it off and improve your health. Goodbye Couch! Read the full story

With more than 77,000 nurses, the Department of Veterans Affairs has one of the largest nursing staffs of any health care system in the world. Join us in saluting them this National Nurses Week. Read the full story

On the home page of every VA Medical Center, there is a direct connection to information about the many benefits OEF/OIF Veterans have earned. Look for the yellow ribbon and click to start applying for your benefits. Read the full story

May is Mental Health Month. VA is dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of all Veterans. We are adding 1900 health care professionals to the many programs VA has to help achieve mental wellness for all. Read the full story

Vets should know the difference in a food allergy that occurs when a food you eat abnormally triggers your body’s immune system and a food intolerance which is different from a food allergy. Read the full story

VA Research Week: Dedicated to the achievements of VA research and its importance in providing quality care for Veterans. An opportunity to focus on research and its impact on preventing disease and disability. Read the full story

Job Fairs are being held at VA Medical Centers across the county with VA employees and service providers helping Vets find job opportunities and assisting with application submissions, resume preparation, and tips on how to get hired. Read the full story

Eighteen-year-old Elizabeth Leneski has racked up over 1,200 volunteer hours at the VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., doing everything from answering phones to organizing entertainment programs for patients. Read the full story

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), giving VA an opportunity to share information about the impact of sexual trauma and the services VA has available for Veterans who experienced military sexual trauma (MST). Read the full story

VA’s Occupational therapists help Veterans perform meaningful and purposeful activities. Therapists help Vets improve basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, and also to compensate for permanent loss of function. Read the full story

The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is coming to Boston in October. Thousands of Vets across America combine therapy and competition in the annual VA program that recognizes progress and recovery through therapy. Read the full story

Over eight million Vets enrolled in VA’s health care system can contribute to a healthier America. It’s National Public Health Week when we promote healthy habits and safe practices. Join the movement by making good choices. Read the full story

VA Medical Centers across the country have tobacco cessation support programs for veterans. Get tips on preparing to quit, how to overcome roadblocks, and settling into life as a tobacco-free person. Read the full story

The 26th National Disabled Winter Sports Clinic — motivating Veterans to live life to the fullest by experiencing Miracles on a Mountainside. Read the full story

New Health Benefits Handbook provides personalized listing of health benefits based on each Veteran’s specific eligibility along with information on your local VA medical facilities and appointment scheduling information. Read the full story

VA has many resources to help with recovery from Military Sexual Trauma, including free treatment for related mental and physical health conditions. Veterans do not need to be “service connected” to receive services. Read the full story

Throughout U.S. history, women have heeded the call to serve our country. Their strength and determination are an inspiration. VA works hard to keep women Veterans healthy. Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month. Read the full story

Learn how the Veterans Health Administration is delivering health care to victims of Traumatic Brain Injury and read how we are working to improve the treatment of America’s Veterans. March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Read the full story

MaketheConnection.net — a website that lets Veterans and their families connect with the experiences of other Veterans and connects them with resources to help confront the challenges of transitioning from service. Read the full story

VA is training young residents — tomorrow’s doctors — that it’s OK to report their mistakes and even their ‘near misses.’ At VA, mistakes are regarded as teachable moments. Read the full story

In fulfilling its responsibility to provide the best care for every Veteran, VA is moving away from problem-based disease care toward something very different: patient-centered care based on relationships. Read the full story

Veterans who served in any combat zone can find support at one of 300 Vet Centers, including counseling, outreach, and referral services that can help you make a satisfying post-war readjustment to civilian life. Read the full story

The Department of Veterans Affairs is now offering marriage retreats to help returning Veterans heal themselves, and their relationships. Research shows that 70 percent of combat Veterans are experiencing marital problems. Read the full story

The Department of Veterans Affairs is determined to end Veteran homelessness in five years. A 12 per cent decrease in homeless Vets in 2010 is a good sign the program is working. Read the full story

Veterans Treatment Courts were developed to avoid unnecessary incarceration of OEF/OIF Veterans who develop mental health or substance abuse problems. Vets charged with non-violent crimes are eligible. Read the full story

This is “National Salute to Veteran Patients” week when you can visit your local VA Medical Center and meet America’s Veterans and thank them for the sacrifices they have made. Read the full story

February 12-17 is “National Salute to Veteran Patients” week, a chance for the public to visit their local VA Medical Center, meet America’s Veterans and learn about the sacrifices they have made. Read the full story

February is American Heart Month. Talk with your health care team about changes you can make to help you reduce your risk and improve your heart health. Read the full story

The theme of African American History Month is “Black Women in American History and Culture.” VA encourages Americans of all backgrounds to honor the countless critical roles black women have played in shaping America. Read the full story

Getting help for a mental health problem should not be hard. VA provides numerous ways for Veterans to get the help they may need to keep mentally healthy. The best place to start looking is the VA Mental Health web page. Read the full story

Bruce, a black Labrador retriever donated to VA by a nonprofit organization called Vets Helping Heroes, spends his days brightening the lives of residents at the VA West Palm Beach Community Living Center. Read the full story

It’s easy. It’s quick. Just a few clicks and you will get regular updates on the latest information about VA’s health programs and the numerous services available to Vets. Sign up for email updates from VA! Read the full story

After 41 years of teaching, a college professor retires and begins a new career volunteering at the VA clinic in his home town. Read the full story

VA has deployed 20 new Mobile Vet Centers which will increase access to readjustment counseling services for Veterans and their families in rural and underserved communities across the country. Read the full story

On January 16, VA will commemorate the 26TH anniversary of the National Federal holiday established in Martin Luther King Jr.’s honor. The national theme is: “Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not a Day Off!” Read the full story

One-and-a-half million Veterans have a vision threatening eye disease. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month and a perfect reminder to all Veterans to take action now to prevent this sight-stealing disease. Read the full story

VA is training young residents — tomorrow’s doctors — that it’s OK to report their mistakes and their near misses. At VA, mistakes are regarded as teachable moments and an opportunity to improve the entire system. Read the full story

VA encourages all women Veterans to have regular screening tests which can help to prevent cervical cancer or detect it early. Most deaths from cervical cancer are among women who are screened infrequently or not at all. Read the full story

VA is here to help you keep your resolutions, maintain your motivation and avoid common pitfalls. Make this the year you make good on your New Year’s resolutions and get on the path to good health in 2012. Read the full story

An annual checkup may help you stay healthy longer. It provides your physician with valuable information should you become ill. It can also help diagnose disease early and give you important advice on disease prevention. Read the full story

Here come the holidays with all that food. Read these great suggestions from VA’s MOVE! program to get you through the end of the year without overindulging. It’s much easier to start on all those resolutions in 2012! Read the full story

All of the 152 VA medical centers are now actively represented on Facebook, the world’s largest social networking site. Read the full story

For some Veterans, the holiday season is a time of loneliness and anxiety. VA can help you get through the Holiday Blues. Our Mental Health professionals are ready to help you deal with your stress and depression. Read the full story

The programs and services that focus on older as well as younger Veterans with chronic illness and/ or significant functional impairment are overseen by the Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care. Read the full story

It’s easy to indulge during the holidays, but these health tips will make it even easier to keep a watchful eye on your waistline; just remember these physical activity and nutrition tips from VA. Read the full story

Flu shots are now available for Veterans enrolled in VA health care and VA health care personnel. Flu vaccination is your best protection against the flu, which occurs mostly between October and May. Read the full story

Pro sports figures join VA to help end homelessness among Veterans in Chicago. Major community effort: “One Team Chicago…Joining Forces to Defeat Veteran Homelessness” Read the full story

VA’s Caregiver program has recently rolled out enhanced services for eligible seriously injured Post 9/11 Veterans, including a monetary stipend, health insurance, expanded training and other support services. Read the full story

Veteran Roger Beasing has lost 230 pounds since joining VA’s MOVE! program. He’ll be going back for seconds on Thanksgiving but with a new approach. The MOVE! program is tailored to meet the individual needs of each Veteran. Read the full story

Medical simulation training provides learning conditions that imitate real-life situations without putting patients at risk. It lets VA medical staff develop sharper skills, improving the quality of health care for Veterans. Read the full story

CDC estimates that nearly 26 million people in the US have diabetes. Nearly one in four Veterans receiving care from VA has diabetes. Many Veterans are at risk for diabetes due to being overweight. Read the full story

Stefanie Dević served as a combat soldier in Kuwait and Qatar in nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare readiness. Today, she runs cooking labs for school children and trains cafeteria workers to prepare healthy food. Read the full story

Vietnam Veteran went from sleeping under carports to working as Resident Case Manager at the transitional housing facility where he once received help, thanks to VA’s Homeless Program. Read the full story

What is My HealtheVet? It’s VA’s online Personal Health Record for Veterans, where you can manage your health and wellness. It’s for Veterans, active duty service members, dependents and caregivers. Read the full story

Assistant police chief at Muskogee VA Medical Center, Captain of “Team VA,” raised $6,000 dollars for Multiple Sclerosis research by riding their bicycles 150 miles from Tulsa to Oklahoma City. Read the full story

Vets who were deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan over the last 18 months, and were bitten or had contact with saliva of a dog, cat or other animals, could be at risk for rabies. Talk to your VA provider as soon as possible. Read the full story

Compensated Work Therapy — a VA vocational rehabilitation program that endeavors to match Veterans to jobs. A program for Veterans who have suffered setbacks and wish to regain control of their lives. Read the full story

National Veterans Creative Arts Festival — a week of learning, exploring, and celebrating the healing power of the arts, a form of rehabilitative treatment to help Veterans recover from physical and emotional disabilities Read the full story

The professional buyers at VA recently figured out a way to buy quality merchandise for a lot less, and it’s already saved the Department big bucks in 2011 alone. It’s called the ‘reverse auction.’ Read the full story

VA’s Paralympic Program encourages disabled Veterans to redefine themselves by competing in adaptive sports which are played by people with physical, cognitive and visual disabilities. Read the full story

The Veterans Transportation Service in Salt Lake City provides transportation for enrolled Vets in rural areas. The service provides transportation for Veterans with special needs and Vets who don’t have transportation. Read the full story

Women Vets should think “early detection,” during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for the rest of the year. And follow up with regular mammograms. Early detection makes a big difference in a woman’s chance of surviving. Read the full story

VA’s Polytrauma System of Care is designed to treat the most severely wounded and injured soldiers with complex, multiple injuries to multiple body parts and organs occurring as a result of blast-related injuries. Read the full story

For homeless Veterans, a Stand Down is a break from the street, an opportunity to find out what’s available to help them get back to life. VA is working hard to get as many homeless Veterans to Stand Downs as possible. Read the full story

September 2011 is National Preparedness Month, “A Time to Remember, A Time to Prepare.” Ready.gov provides Vets a list of the things Veterans and their families can do to prepare for emergencies. Read the full story

VA’s Summer Sports Clinic promotes rehabilitation of body and spirit by teaching summer sporting activities — surfing, sailing, kayaking, cycling — to Veterans with significant physical or psychological impairments. Read the full story

National Veterans TEE Tournament is a rehabilitation program for legally blind Vets, amputees, those using wheelchairs and Vets with other disabilities. The tournament promotes rehabilitation, fellowship and camaraderie. Read the full story

VA is reaching out to ensure Veterans receive the care they’ve earned. For the first time, VA has implemented a program to travel to Okinawa, Japan, to provide compensation and pension examinations to U. S. Veterans. Read the full story

America’s answer to the attacks of 9/11 saw thousands of men and women off in search of the terrorists who attacked our country. VA’s response to soldiers coming home with multiple injuries is the Polytrauma System of Care. Read the full story

Suicide Prevention Week…an opportunity to remind America about the problems some of our wounded warriors face. But, really, at VA, every week is Suicide Prevention Week. That’s why VA has the Veterans Crisis Line. Read the full story

Two OIF combat Veterans are on the Combat Care Team at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where their experiences enable them to relate to Veterans entering the VA health care system. Read the full story

Homeless Veterans received an extra meal thanks to the Nutrition and Food Services Department at the Hefner VA Medical Center and the employees at the hospital. Donated food was distributed to local charities. Read the full story

A new Department of Veterans Affairs report shows a decrease in reported adverse events, helping to improve patient safety record. At all VA medical centers, doctors and nurses are required to report medical errors and near misses. Read the full story

The farmer’s market at VA Palo Alto Health Care System lets Veterans enjoy healthy choices and a social gathering place. It provides Veterans healthy food options and the benefits of locally grown and organic foods. Read the full story

During National Immunization Awareness Month, Veterans and their families should catch up on their vaccinations. For the flu season, sure, but it’s important for Vets to get all the right vaccines at the right time. Read the full story

VA is using Telehealth to closely monitor the health and well being of thousands of patients nationwide — many of them older Veterans living in highly rural areas. Read the full story

VA is developing a new tool — called the Daily Plan — that will allow patients to see exactly what’s going to happen to them on any particular day of their hospitalization. It’s just one more way VA is encouraging patients to get more involved in their own care. Read the full story

Playing ball with Jäger isn’t just a game for the either the dog or the Veteran. The canine-patient bond formed during Animal Assisted Therapy sessions encourages the patient through the tough physical and emotional rehabilitation exercises. Read the full story

Guitars for Vets is giving Veterans in Asheville, N.C. a guitar and a chance to reconnect with their community. The therapeutic music program is a creative outlet for Veterans of all ages. Read the full story

Veterans rolled into Pittsburgh for the annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games, a multi-event sports and rehabilitation program for military service Veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition. Read the full story

San Francisco VAMC celebrates its 11th year of “Pets for Vets,” providing pets to Veterans at no cost. The program has given out certificates for 169 four-legged companions, an effort in which everyone benefits. Read the full story

VA has figured out a way to reduce central line infections by more than half at all 174 of its intensive care units. How’d they do it? The answer might surprise you. Read the full story

July 21 is the 81^st Anniversary of the “Veterans Administration.” A 1930 executive order authorized the consolidation of Veterans programs and created a new independent administration within the federal government. Read the full story

UV Safety Month — time to learn about ultraviolet rays and melanoma and carcinoma — why too much sun is dangerous. Read the full story

A 28-year-old Marine suddenly collapses half-way through a routine physical training exercise at Camp Pendleton. The accident landed Sgt. Jose Patino at VA’s Polytrauma Center in Richmond, Va., on a long and frustrating road to recovery from brain damage. Read the full story

For America’s Veterans, therapeutic recreation promotes health and wellness along with reducing or eliminating activity limitations and restrictions caused by an illness or disabling condition. Read the full story

Unique wheelchair accessible outdoor exercise facility at the VA Palo Alto lets Veterans in wheelchairs perform high-impact exercises using distinctive integrated angles and platforms that permit easy access for wheelchairs. Read the full story

Two volunteers walk alongside women Veterans throughout their pregnancies and the early days of being a mom to ensure these Veterans remain connected to their VA Medical Center through pregnancy and beyond. Read the full story

Veteran Melvin Shick will celebrate the 4th of July remembering that “I fought for this land, to keep it free.” Even with PTSD and borderline Traumatic Brain Injury from combat in Iraq, he “has no regrets. We did our job.” Read the full story

Women service members are experiencing increased exposure to combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, but a study by the National Center for PTSD has found that they are handling the stress as well as their male counterparts. Read the full story

Late life depression: an important problem for older Veterans with devastating consequences such as suicide. Family members and caregivers should watch for symptoms and notify their VA health provider as soon as possible. Read the full story

As part of a national collaboration between VA Medical Centers and area Offices on Aging, the Syracuse VA Medical Center is participating in the pilot program that allows Veterans to direct their care and keep their independence. Read the full story

A 90-year-old Veteran, receiving care for glaucoma at the VA Medical Center in New York City, entertains fellow members of his support group with jokes and stories from his show business career. Read the full story

Men’s Health Week is raising awareness of preventable health problems and encouraging early detection and treatment. VA has tips and treatment programs to promote healthy living for all Veterans. Read the full story

Conducting a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a critical aspect in the process of improving patient safety. Multidisciplinary RCA teams investigate matters ranging from medication errors, to suicides, to wrong site surgeries. Read the full story

Nursing Crew Resource Management: a training program that helps nurses enhance patient safety by minimizing distractions, building teamwork, improving performance, and managing human error. Read the full story

Already in school to become an oncology nurse, Sue Sivess-Franks was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her fight to live and hope for the future impacted her career in helping Veterans facing the same battle. Read the full story

Patient Advocate makes surprising discovery visiting an elderly Korean War Veteran, resulting in emotional reunion of two brothers. Teamwork and compassionate care from the Pacific Islands Health Care System at work. Read the full story

VA’s national ceremonies prepare to honor their military dead. Read the full story

Veterans of war become veteran athletes at the National Veterans Golden Age Games. The rehabilitative senior sports program includes competitions in 14 different sports. Read the full story

Tinnitus is a symptom that can’t be cured, but it can be lived with. The Progressive Tinnitus Management program teaches Veterans how to cope with the ringing in their ears through sound therapy and coping techniques. Read the full story

Homeless Vets prepare puppies for training as explosive detection dogs in program designed to make a positive difference in the lives of Veterans and provide America with highly trained dogs in the fight against crime and terrorism. Read the full story

Veterans with mental illness at the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Centers choose from a wide variety of activities on their way to attaining a meaningful self-determined role in the community. Read the full story

Prolonged Exposure Therapy asks Veterans to face their traumatic memories and the negative impact those events had on their lives. With the help of a therapist, PTSD sufferers can find relief. Read the full story

Ellen Ballard, recipient of prestigious nurses’ award, works with patients and teaches cancer survivors about the need for ongoing surveillance. Her father, a World War II Veteran, had prostate cancer. “I learned that people who survive cancer have special needs.” Read the full story

Tuscaloosa VA staff and volunteers provide emergency assistance to community after tornados, collecting and delivering donations of clothing, personal care items, and other things needed for citizens who were seeking shelter at the VA. Read the full story

Following a history making All-Veteran-Amputee softball game hosted by the University of Arizona in Tucson, the Vets will take the field against an able bodied softball team from the FBI on May 6. Read the full story

Recent VA research shows the benefits of peer support, a smart way to leverage a powerful social force — the ability of peers to motivate one another — that no medical system can replicate on its own. Read the full story

VA will soon take applications for a new Family Caregiver Program that provides additional services including a stipend, mental health services and access to health care insurance. Read the full story

Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health — is being implemented at VA sites nationwide to provide much-needed support for a beleaguered caregiver population. VA researchers tested a six-month intervention designed to ease caregiver stress. Read the full story

Sexual assault survivors put their experiences and emotions on display, thanks to the Clothesline Project. The project brought healing and education through awareness to the San Diego VA Medical Center. Read the full story

Homeless, addicted to drugs and living with a terrible secret; it took one Veteran more than twenty years to recover from a sexual assault during her time in the service. Read the full story

With rural Veterans using both VA and private health care providers, VA is testing how to securely share Veterans health records for better continuity of care. Read the full story

Veterans at ten VA facilities are participating in a research study that will allow them to be directly involved in developing a single standardized prescription label for use VA-wide. Read the full story

VA is honored for their We Honor Veterans Campaign, a collaboration with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization to improve the quality of care provided to Veterans who are dying. Read the full story

As the Nation remembers the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, we take an in-depth look at the care that was afforded the Veterans who sacrificed life and limb on the battlefield. Read the full story

Over 88,000 volunteers donated over 12 million hours of service to support the needs of hospitalized Veterans and their families in 2010. VA says “Thank You” during National Volunteer Week April 10-16. Read the full story

85-year-old South Carolina Veteran among hundreds honored on “Former POW Recognition Day.” President Obama proclamation reminds us that, “We may never know the full extent of their burdens…but neither shall we forget their selfless sacrifice and unshakeable resolve.” Read the full story

In Oregon, VA is working with other federal agencies, non-profit groups, local businesses and private citizens to help give homeless Veterans like Kay Waldrop, who had hit bottom, a second chance, and a place to call home. Read the full story

Coping with loss is a very personal, sacred experience, but it’s not something that has to be experienced alone. That’s where the Vet Center’s bereavement counselors can help. Read the full story

350 Vets take part in the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic which promotes rehabilitation for Veterans fighting to win back their independence. Annual event introduces Vets to adaptive recreational activities and sports. Read the full story

For rural Veterans, bad weather and long distances can make a trip to their local VA medical center impossible. How technology and commitment help a VA rural health program be ready and adaptable for any situation. Read the full story

Pulmonary Rehabilitation may be beneficial for Veterans with respiratory symptoms that result in diminished functional capacity or decreased quality of life. This includes patients with obstructive lung diseases and patients with interstitial lung disease and neuromuscular diseases. Read the full story

Kevin Byrne, a Veteran army helicopter pilot with multiple sclerosis, credits “the amazing medical treatment that I receive from my doctors at the VA Hospital” with helping him maintain his daily life. Along with love and guidance from friends and family Read the full story

From drugs to medical devices, when there’s a product recall, VA has an efficient and effective system in place to quickly get the products off the shelves. Read the full story

Rehabilitation therapy can be a long road for some Veterans, but the journey is constantly evolving with each new goal that is set. One Veteran shares his story of trust and progress. Read the full story

Hubert Wright’s recovery from traumatic brain injury has been a journey marked from being self-described “lost puppy” to a college student. His story is an inside look at how the team approach has helped him overcome his hidden wounds. Read the full story

Dedicated caregivers offer Veterans more than medical attention; they provide a second family and a home. The new choice for high-need and end-of-life care places Veterans in Medical Foster Homes. Read the full story

February is National Cancer Prevention Month. One third of most cancer deaths could be prevented by the proper lifestyle changes and by following cancer screening recommendations. Read the full story

Twenty-six of our forty-four Presidents served in the military. The core values of decision-making and inspiring leadership prove to be valuable both in the service and in the eyes of the American public. Read the full story

The Veterans Health Administration is celebrating African American History Month this February. The 2011 theme is “African Americans and the Civil War,” which urges all Americans to study and reflect on the value of their contribution to the nation. Read the full story

During “National Salute to Veteran Patients Week,” February 13-19, VA medical facilities across America are honoring their men and women Veteran patients with salutes and ceremonies, featuring musical concerts and Valentines…and inviting the public to join in the recognition. Read the full story

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in American women yet often the threat is underestimated. The risk is equal, if not greater in some cases, for women who are dealing with health problems such as high cholesterol or diabetes. Read the full story

Feeling the weight of a carton of eggs in your hand is something you have probably never taken notice of before. For rehab patients, Independence Way is an opportunity to re-learn life’s everyday chores. Read the full story

Thomas Day took the challenge to move and lose weight. While not easy at first, with perseverance, patience and passion, 20 months later he is taking incredible strides. Read the full story

Homelessness can be a trigger for suicidal thoughts; The National Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline launched an expansion of hotline services over the phone and online for homeless veterans. Read the full story

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as “winter depression,” is not pure seasonal depression, but seasonal worsening of pre-existing depression. It is defined as “recurring depression with seasonal onset and remission,” mostly affecting people who already have depression. Read the full story

VA Distinguished Medical Research Scientist Dr. Andrew Schally has made an important advance in the study of congestive heart failure. Schally and his University of Miami colleagues have found a compound that sparked major recovery in rats after heart attack, which often leads to heart failure. Read the full story

The Atlanta VA Medical Center celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by answering his question: “What are you doing for others?” Veteran patients will be given donated books in honor of the day. Read the full story

While cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide, early detection can save lives. VA has the resources and is committed to help women Veterans take those steps. Read the full story

New Mexico’s women Veterans help keep their cholesterol levels under control by taking advantage of a full range of services offered through the Women’s Comprehensive Care Clinic at the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque. Read the full story

Saddle up! The Lexington VA Medical Center launched a new equine therapy program for Veterans with mental and physical disabilities. Learning to ride is keeping Veterans engaged in therapy and introduces them to support from an unexpected source, a horse. Read the full story

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month — a timely reminder for all Veterans to take action now to prevent this sight-stealing disease. The best resolution a Veteran could make for 2011 is to get an eye check-up this month. Read the full story

About 15,000 Veterans suffer a stroke each year. Family members and friends unexpectedly become a loved one’s caregiver and are caught unprepared for this new role. VA has a valuable website to assist caregivers. The RESCUE website has easy-to-understand information on 44 easy-to-read fact sheets. Read the full story

Many Veterans need help admitting or realizing they need help. “Families At Ease” program was developed by VA to work with family members and friends of Veterans to help them access VA facilities for services and benefits they have earned. Read the full story

VA has added the ability to maximize how Veterans function with prosthetic devices with new high tech “Gait and Motion Analysis” lab at VA’s Manhattan campus. Decisions on how a prosthesis is functioning is based on very sensitive high tech equipment. Read the full story

It’s easy to indulge during the holidays, but these health tips will make it even easier to keep a watchful eye on your waistline; just remember these physical activity and nutrition tips from VA. Read the full story

In order to help the nation’s homeless Veterans off the street, VA participates in nearly 200 stand down events across the nation each year. Read the full story

Just like the falling leaves and snow, fall and winter are the time to get flu vaccinations. A look at how VA plans clinics and reach out to fight the season’s biggest health foes. Read the full story

VA wants HIV testing to become a part of every Veteran’s routine healthcare checklist. It is easier than ever to take the test and some VA facilities offer rapid testing with results available within 30 minutes. Get tested today! Read the full story

The holiday season can be a stressful time for diabetics trying to eat healthy and enjoy meals with family and friends. For staff at the Syracuse VA Medical Center, the holidays provide an opportunity to educate Veterans about diabetes and their treatment options. Read the full story

Sarah Nowitzke has assisted dozens of Veterans in navigating the system, understanding the paperwork and taking advantage of the many services available to them. Her personal experiences help her empathize with OEF/OIF Veterans and their transition process Read the full story

“If I could push a button and quit smoking, I would push it. Intellectually I want to quit. But, physiologically and psychologically, it’s much harder.” John Borlik has smoked for 30 years and has tried to quit… Read the full story

How one student Veteran uses his education and his passion for service to daily honor his fellow Veterans. Read the full story

Following one Veteran’s return from Afghanistan, through the VA enrollment process. Read the full story

A Native American Veteran walked into the Wagner, S.D. VA clinic knowing he was sick, but he soon had the support of an entire community. Read the full story

Stacy Pearsall, a Purple Heart OIF Veteran, uses her camera to create dramatic images of men and women who have served America as soldiers in all eras…from World War II to those coming home today from Iraq and Afghanistan. Read the full story

A guide to the changes on VA Medical Center websites nationwide. Read the full story

VA has placed a large emphasis on treating substance use or psychiatric issues within its homeless programs, given the large majority of homeless Veterans with these problems. Importantly, the majority of Veterans report significant improvement in these areas upon leaving VA homeless programs. Read the full story

Joy W. Hunter, the Chief Learning Officer for the Veterans Health Administration is the first recipient of the Lifetime Learning Leadership Award from The Masie Center. Read the full story

Preventive screening is key in the battle against breast cancer. VA runs 32 digital mammography programs across the country. Read the full story

Thousands of Veterans compete for a chance to attend the Creative Arts Festival, a unique event designed to help Veterans use the creative arts as one form of rehabilitative treatment to help them recover from, and cope with, physical and emotional disabilities. Read the full story

Veteran wins four medals — two golds, a silver and a bronze at the the 30th Annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games on July 4 in Denver, Colorado. 63-year-old “Augie” Krieser receives care for his spinal cord injury at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center. Read the full story

How one VA Medical Center borrowed a great idea from another Medical Center across the country, and ended up sending 2,000 new Veterans applications for VA health care. Read the full story

Whether they are long-term residents or Veterans attending a VA for treatment, Vets are still able to exercise their right to vote thanks to the efforts of VA volunteers. Read the full story

The Hampton VA Medical Center and the National Alliance on Mental Illness have teamed up to provide classes that educate and support families of veterans dealing with mental illness. Read the full story

Veteran’s mother has worked with the VA to give her severely brain damaged son a home and a life as part of the cultural transformation under way in the Community Living Centers of the VA’s Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. Read the full story

Veteran Kyle Anderson travels a long road to recovery from Iraq via the Polytrauma program at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Read the full story

Responders use their unique personal and educational backgrounds to their advantage when dealing with Veteran callers on the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Read the full story

When Jason Poole arrived at a VA Polytrauma Treatment Center, he had been unconscious for two months. Six years later, Poole continues his struggle with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) assisted by VA doctors and therapists who are helping him learn to hear and speak and comprehend life again. Read the full story

Veterans aren’t the only callers at the Suicide Prevention Lifeline; responders also help friends and family reaching out on behalf of a Veteran they are concerned about. Read the full story

A look at how a phone call to the National Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline is only the first step in care from the VA nationally and locally. Read the full story

Meet Beth Olson, a responder with the National Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline as she helps veterans in distress get the help they need. Read the full story

Since its launch 3 years ago, the National Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline has been a lifeline for Veterans in emotional crisis across the nation and the world. It began with 4 phone lines but today has more than 19 lines. Read the full story

Taking care of Veterans during hurricane season requires year-round planning and education across medical centers nationwide. Check and see if you are prepared as well. Read the full story

Nobody at VA says 'nursing home' anymore; they are called Community Living Centers, where elderly Veterans will find employees taking a new approach to taking care of those men and women who served our country in the military. Read the full story

Eddie Dusick is a 100% disabled Veteran, and he had a problem with some of the arrangements for Vets who attend special events, like the 2010 National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic last April in Colorado. So, he went to see Bernadette Kern, a patient advocate at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven. Read the full story

Gulf War Army Veteran and former legal secretary Sandy Kemp had severe headaches for years. She also had blurry vision. Yet she put off going to the doctor -- until one day she found she could no longer read. Read the full story

When Veterans visit the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Youngstown, Ohio, they look forward to taking a stroll down the "Hall of Honor" and locating a medal they received while in uniform. Hundreds of military medals and badges in framed shadow boxes line the main hall, one of the most unique displays of military memorabilia among VA clinics in the country. Read the full story

For the fifth year in a row a physician at the Houston VA Medical Center has been named one of 'America's Top Doctors' by a leading health care company that rates physicians nationally. For his work in treating drug addiction, Dr. Thomas R. Kosten, senior advisor on substance abuse at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, was recently named one of 'America's Top Doctors' for the fifth time by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. Read the full story

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Sam Domino, 100-year-old Marine veteran who served as valet to Admiral Chester W. Nimitz,"loved the Corps." He spent 27 years in the Marine Corps including five years on Okinawa. Read the full story

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More than 500 athletes participate in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, largest wheelchair sports event in the world. Sports and rehab program is for military service Veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition. Read the full story