The Veterans Readiness and Employment program has long used Vocational Rehabilitation Panels (VRP)—a panel typically made up of vocational rehabilitation counselors, medical professionals and other specialists—to craft individualized rehabilitation plans for Veterans. The process can be slow and cumbersome because it involves gathering a group of professionals who may not know the Veteran or have…
A guide to VA pregnancy benefits: prenatal to postpartum
What pregnant Veterans need to know about their health care, supplies and support If you’re a pregnant Veteran, VA has you covered from your first positive pregnancy test through delivery and postpartum care, including initial care for your newborn. VA’s goal is to support a safe, healthy pregnancy while reducing the stress of managing your…
VA loan repayment program applications now open
Physicians do incredible work to care for their patients, but the road to clinical practice is often long and expensive. Years of medical school can lead to a mountain of student debt that may feel overwhelming. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several loan repayment programs to ease this financial burden while offering participants…
How effective hand hygiene helps keep everyone safe
World Hand Hygiene Day highlights the importance of clean hands to prevent infections Like so many advancements in medicine, the modern history of hand hygiene to prevent infection can trace its way to battlefield medicine. During the Crimean War, the groundbreaking nurse Florence Nightingale made a discovery that hand washing, and basic hygiene, can save…
Live Whole Health #316: Finding deep rest
May is National Meditation Month, and whether you’re brand new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this is a great time to connect with your body and mind through mediative practices. Meditation is an ancient practice that may support relaxation, improvements in focus and overall well-being. There are many different styles of meditation, which may…
Veterans get real about their mental health journeys
Candid talk about recognizing challenges and finding solutions Are you having a hard time deciding whether changes in your feelings or behavior are temporary or a cause for concern? Do you hesitate to ask for help? Ever wonder if mental health care could really make a difference? For Mental Health Month this May, VA is…
Mobile Medical Unit team rescues injured Veteran in need
Homeless Veterans patient aligned care team uses Mobile Medical Unit for lifesaving welfare check In VA, health care means more than just appointments and prescriptions. It is about building relationships, trust and having people who notice when something seems off. Recently, a small team from the Birmingham VA Health Care System’s (BVAHCS) Homeless Veterans Patient…
How to get suicide crisis care now, even if not in VA care
You don’t have to be enrolled in VA health care to access life-saving suicide prevention support. Emergent suicide care services covered by VA can help. If you or a Veteran you know is facing a crisis, help is available right now. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or VA health care to…
Our on-demand career fair is ready when you are
Looking to take the next step in your career without leaving the comfort of your home? You’re in luck! From resume reminders to open opportunities, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has compiled all the resources you need to organize your job search right here in a virtual “on-demand career fair.” Check out the tips…
Army Veteran benefits from robotic spinal surgery
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center pioneers first VA use of MAKO robot for spinal surgery For Denetra Dale, back issues have been part of her daily life for years. The Army Veteran spent years ruck sacking her way through military exercises, ultimately returning home after a tour in Germany with chronic back pain. Years…
Veteran finds motivation and transformation with MOVE!
From weight struggles to marathon success: Jarrod Lockwood’s journey through VA’s Weight Management Program Jarrod Lockwood had struggled with his weight before his daughter was born and had “found it increasingly difficult to keep up with her” afterward. While he tried losing weight on his own, he found it difficult to maintain progress. After discussing…
Better together: How the VetResources Community Network supports Veterans after service
The sharing of non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products or services by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans should always verify information with the organization offering the program. The first year after leaving the military can be one of the toughest transitions a Veteran faces, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)…