Category: VA

Save time by letting pharmacies submit your prescription claims for you. If you are enrolled in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), the easiest way to get reimbursed for your prescriptions is to let the pharmacy electronically file your claim for you. Pharmacies know what is required, and…

When I hear phrases like “being under pressure” in a negative context, I tend to think of it in the reverse, about how some pressure can be good for us and to help motivate or get us going. If you’ve ever had a headache or found yourself in a stressful situation, you may have rubbed…

The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) is now in its 12th season of PGA HOPE, coaching local Veterans enrolled with VA Battle Creek Health Care about the sport. HOPE, an acronym for Helping Our Patriots Everywhere, introduces golf to Veterans and active duty military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The first session…

Holocaust Remembrance Day, observed in May, prompts solemn reflection on one of humanity’s darkest chapters. Among the countless tales of survival and liberation, Leah Graham, canteen service chief at Alvin C. York VA in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, shares a deeply personal story that links the horrors of the holocaust with the bravery of the American military.…

In the United States, an estimated 21.2% of adults have arthritis. That’s more than 53 million Americans. Arthritis refers to any disorder that affects the joints—with the most common types being osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Primary care providers may refer Veterans with arthritis to a rheumatologist, a specialist who treats arthritis and other autoimmune…

Hilda P. Griggs served during World War II in the 6888th Battalion, the first and only unit deployed overseas that consisted of all-Black or Hispanic female soldiers. While living in New Jersey, Griggs enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps in Philadelphia on Dec. 8, 1943, because she didn’t want her mother to find out. She…

In VA facilities around the nation, there are inspiring stories of selfless service and dedication to our mission of serving Veterans. VA nurses routinely give their time and talent to care for our Veterans, and it is through their efforts that we continue to provide the highest quality health care. Whether it’s taking their VA training into…

The following story includes discussions of sensitive topics like sexual harassment and sexual assault. VA acknowledges that it may be difficult to engage with this content. We encourage you to care for your safety and well-being while reading this content. May is Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage (AANHPI) month. Members of the AANHPI community have…

May is Mental Health Month and this means you may be seeing TV reports, articles and social media posts linking poor mental health to an increased risk for suicide. While it’s important to have conversations about mental health, mental health diagnoses are only involved with about half of those who die from suicide. So, even…

One hundred twenty-five gold medal-winning Veterans descended upon the Aurora-Denver area for the 2024 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, May 11-18, 2024.  Co-presented by VA and the American Legion Auxiliary, the festival is the culmination of VA facility competitions in art, creative writing, dance, drama and music for Veterans enrolled in the VA national health…

You never know what situation you may find yourself in, and VHA health care professionals know this all too well. That’s why the Simulation Learning, Evaluation, Assessment, and Research Network’s (SimLEARN) was created. One day, a VHA nurse named Megan attended a race that her boyfriend was running, and as she went to greet him…

To those who have never served, the transition from military to civilian life may look easy, but Air Force Veteran Nicalayae Buford would be the first to tell you it’s not. Adjusting to a life without structure, the camaraderie of a team and a daily mission left Buford feeling adrift and would eventually lead to…