Category: VA

Sarah Rosetta Wakeman was a woman who served under the name Lyons Wakeman in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Born in Afton, New York, on Jan. 16, 1843, she was one of nine children raised on the family’s farm. Wakeman moved to Chicago, passing as a man in 1862, to work as…

At VA, safety and inclusivity are driving factors as we strive to provide equitable health care for all Veterans. This month, VA places a special focus on women service members as we acknowledge Women’s Equality Day Aug. 26. This date marks the celebration of the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment which allowed women the…

Mary Louise Castro was born on Nov. 26, 1917. She became the first Mexican-American woman from San Antonio to serve in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) during World War II, in the Signal Corps. After her service in the WAC, Castro worked as a Department of the Army civilian, eventually completing 34 years of government…

At the end of July, El Paso VA welcomed several hundred Veterans and their families to its first Summer VetFest and PACT Act Claims Clinic. Signed into law August 2022, the PACT Act expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances. “We will not rest…

VA, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations, hosts a series of monthly job fairs across the country for service members and Veterans. Whether you are looking for a job or considering a change in career path, attending one of these fairs in-person or virtually can be an excellent way to start or advance your civilian job…

VA is currently undergoing modernization efforts and using technology to improve the disability claims process. When a Veteran files a clam for VA benefits, there are several administrative actions needed before a decision can be made, such as gathering medical records and military service records. VA is automating many of these administrative tasks, allowing claims…

Here’s how Bay Pines VA responded in a mass-casualty exercise. The sound of sirens followed by multiple ambulances backing up to the Emergency Department (ED) at Bay Pines VA placed employees on alert the morning of Aug. 2. Minutes earlier, Bay Pines VA received a notification from first responders that an errant boat had crashed…

A career in primary care offers a lot, and when you choose a career caring for Veterans at VA, you’re taking part in a mission that matters, a mission of service unlike any other in health care. There’s no greater calling for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and more than working directly with Veterans and…

For many Veterans, military service was a life-changing time that provided the kinds of experiences that few in the civilian world can possibly understand. One of the most enduring aspects of serving is the strength of relationships formed with those who shared those same experiences, often under dangerous and challenging conditions. Re-establishing those bonds by…

VA’s national cemeteries will host a National Day of Service on September 11 to honor our nation’s service members, police officers, fire fighters and first responders on the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. This day of service will take place at more than 60 national VA cemeteries and include opportunities for volunteers to clean…

When was the last time you checked in with yourself and your body to see how you were feeling physically and emotionally? We are often so busy that we really aren’t even aware of what is happening in our own body and mind. Luckily there are many different short practices and tools we can use…

Veterans and service members experience PTSD at higher rates than the general population. But many Veterans are unaware of the resources available to them. Or they’re hesitant to seek treatment. VA provides mental health services for PTSD, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and more. VA’s TeleMental Health program remotely connects Veterans with a VA mental health…