80 years of VA volunteer dedication Every year, the VA Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) joins the nation to observe and celebrate National Volunteer Week. This special occasion is a time to formally recognize and honor the profound impact and contributions of VA volunteers for their service to Veterans, their families, caregivers, and…
Kansas City VAMC clinicians embrace ambient scribe technology
Enhanced patient engagement and reduced documentation time improve provider and veteran experience After three months of using ambient scribe, providers at the Kansas City VA Medical Center (KCVAMC) report spending less time on documentation and more time with Veterans. One provider notably shared that it is the first tool “that allowed me to both reduce administrative work…
VA Pittsburgh chaplains provide holistic support for Veterans
Compassionate care from suicide prevention to end-of-life services From suicide prevention to end-of-life care, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) chaplains deliver compassionate, holistic support that strengthens the well-being of Veterans and staff. Chaplains provide more than spiritual guidance—they offer hope, comfort and connection when Veterans need it most. Whether it’s supporting someone through a mental…
VA Research Wrap Up: New results on Technology Transfer, blast exposure and telehealth
VA’s Office of Research and Development recently published three News Briefs highlighting VA’s Technology Transfer Program winning awards, the effects of blast exposure and tele-emergency care. VA wins two Technology Transfer awards VA’s Technology Transfer Program (TTP) is scheduled to be recognized at the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer (FLC) 2026 awards May 13 in Seattle.…
Eastern Oklahoma VA takes health care to homeless Veterans
Mobile medical unit bridges gaps in care, providing vital services and support for Veterans in Tulsa Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System (EOKVAHCS) is taking health care on the road for Veterans who are homeless in Tulsa. Its mobile medical unit provides staff with exam space, equipment and supplies so they can bring health care…
Digital G.I. Bill updates and 3 Millionth enrollment
VA processed the 3 millionth enrollment for education benefits in the Digital G.I. Bill (DGIB) system. The new DGIB system allows VA to process more than 60% of education claims in one day. That speed helps VA provide critical benefits to beneficiaries who have dreams to further their education. Sarah Martinez-Hanson is just one of…
Notice of proposed settlement agreement for VA benefits claimants whose timely, substantive appeals have not been processed
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…