On March 18, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (court) certified the Freund v. Collins lawsuit (Freund) as a class action. The court also appointed counsel to represent the certified class’s interests (class counsel). The Freund lawsuit’s parties have filed a proposed classwide settlement agreement (proposed class settlement), which the court will…
“I never let breast cancer disable me.”
Navy Veteran diagnosed at 31 speaks candidly Heather Elliott was 31 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, nearly three decades younger than the average age of diagnosis in the United States. Genetic testing showed no hereditary link, and with no family history to explain it, Elliott sought answers elsewhere. Years later, the…
Learn, lead, succeed: Education support at VA
Whether you’re just starting your career, advancing your professional skills or exploring new directions, education can unlock opportunity. At the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), employees, interns and trainees have access to some of the most comprehensive education support programs in the nation, helping you grow while serving those who served. These employee benefits not…
Vietnam Veteran finds new hope through VA support and cancer research
VA care coordination means focusing on treatment Army Veteran Jerry Rose in Vietnam in 1967. Jerry Rose joined the Army in July 1966. He trained as a radio repairman and deployed to Vietnam in 1967, serving with the 1st Signal Battalion. In the Mekong Delta, he experienced the intensity of the Tet Offensive as the…
Live Whole Health #313: When the body softens, the mind is at peace
Have you noticed at times of stress or intensity that you tense your abdominal muscles? Our bodies have a way of “bracing” us in times of stress. This is the fight-or-flight mechanism at work! Softening these muscles can let the brain know all is safe. Soft belly breathing is an excellent way to practice. It’s…
Montana Veteran’s art wins first place, earns national invite
First-time entrant wins Montana VA Health Care System’s creative arts competition “Grey Owl” is made from 525 individually cut and hand-sanded pieces of 4 types of wood. It won first place at the Montana VA creative arts competition and earned Earl Fred an invitation to the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. Earl Fred entered Montana…
Knowledge is power: Free online mental health courses
Self-paced mental health tools Veterans can use anytime Are you a Veteran facing common challenges like managing anger, insomnia or substance use? Discover VeteranTraining.va.gov, VA’s award-winning online mental health resource designed just for you. This innovative site offers a variety of self-help courses focused on practical issues such as problem-solving, parenting and healthy coping skills.…
New capsule endoscopy option for easier GI screening
A more comfortable, convenient screening experience at Durham VA Veterans at the Durham VA Health Care System now have access to a groundbreaking gastrointestinal (GI) screening technology, a capsule endoscopy that transforms the way GI testing is performed. Durham VA is proud to be the first VA facility nationwide to offer this innovative procedure, giving…
VA Research Wrap Up: New findings on chronic pain management, smoking and cardiac rehab
VA’s Office of Research and Development recently published three News Briefs highlighting research findings on a chronic pain management tool for rural Women Veterans, how VA can help Veterans quit smoking and home-based cardiac rehabilitation. New telehealth helps rural Women Veterans with chronic pain Researchers with the Office of Rural Health at the Iowa City VA created…
How preparation and teamwork saved a life during an emergency
When seconds counted At the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, caring for others is not confined to exam rooms or clinical spaces. Recently, that commitment came to life during an emergency that reminded everyone why preparation and teamwork matter. A split-second response It was an ordinary lunch break in a building that houses nearly…
Honoring sacrifice, connecting Veterans: CMV participates in Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon
Honoring those who endured Late last month, thousands of people gathered under the New Mexico desert sky to honor those who endured one of World War II’s most brutal events, the Bataan Death March. On April 10, 1942, approximately 78,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war were forced to march more than 65 miles under…
Health concern? VA Health Connect nurses are available 24/7
VA Health Connect triage nurses respond to general health concerns, acute symptoms, and chronic condition flare-ups It all started when an 80-year-old Veteran called VA Health Connect to say that his home health aide hadn’t shown up in a while. He was worried that he might take too many pills. It turned out, too, that…