Category: VA

This year brought many changes to the federal job application process, transforming how candidates navigate applying to careers in public service. In this edition of the Year in Review, we’re taking another look at 2025’s biggest application changes and what they mean for job seekers.  Merit Hiring Plan reforms  In 2025, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced the Merit Hiring Plan in hopes of addressing inefficiencies in the federal hiring process…

Life-changing relief Orlando VA Healthcare System’s (OVAHCS) Pelvic Health Physical Therapy program is transforming the lives of Veterans by addressing a sensitive but common issue: pelvic floor dysfunction. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of the pelvis that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. When those muscles are too…

I don’t know about you, but for me this year has had many ups and downs, and I try to lean on reflection and meditation practices to help me get through it. At the end of the year, I like to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. I think…

A bond forged in service At 63, recently widowed Army Veteran Lee Thomas was navigating the heavy burden of medical and mental health challenges. From neck and shoulder injuries to third-degree frostbite and PTSD, he had endured much. After losing his wife to cancer, he felt completely alone. Though he had built strong bonds with…

Harm reduction saves lives Harm reduction—a proven public health strategy—minimizes the negative health, social and legal effects of injection drug use, giving people who inject a better chance of achieving abstinence by preventing fatal drug overdoses or new infections from HIV or hepatitis C virus (HCV). It recognizes that while some individuals may not yet…

A toolkit co-designed by Veterans to address respiratory health concerns Army Veteran Freddy Allen, For Army Veteran Freddy Allen, making sure Veterans know about airborne hazards and have the resources they need is top priority. Allen served overseas for 13 months with a field artillery unit. He understands why Veterans would be concerned about exposure…

“I’m a living witness” For nearly 20 years, Darryl Lynch led Environmental Management Service (EMS) at Oklahoma City VA Medical Center (OKCVAMC). His team ensured the hospital was clean and safe for Veterans every day. Before joining VA, Lynch spent 22 years in the Army as a logistics specialist. He deployed to Panama, Bosnia and…

Learn how to navigate the season when you’re already experiencing challenges The holidays are a fun and joyful time of year, but the season can also bring many challenges, especially for those already coping with depression, stress, anxiety or alcohol misuse. As a Veteran, you might feel on edge in crowds, find your usual activities…

With almost a quarter of all Veterans in the United States residing in rural communities, ensuring they receive quality health care close to home is more important than ever. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) actively works to meet these Veterans in their own communities and promote opportunities to live happy and healthy lives.  Let’s take another look…

Empowering Veterans with knowledge for prostate health decisions At VA, we strive to make sure you are well-informed. That way, you can take charge of your health. You can also make confident decisions about your care. VA offers many preventive health services, including screening for cancers. Screening for prostate cancer is done with a blood…

VA offers many ways to manage your care Did you know that you can check-in for your appointments from your phone?    How to complete pre-check-in (for some appointments) 1. Confirm your appointment by text message and wait for a pre-check-in text if available. If your appointment is eligible for this option, you’ll receive a…

From pain to purpose through digital health tools After serving in the Army, one Veteran’s personal challenges made his transition to civilian life more difficult than many, including undergoing multiple back surgeries and experiencing depression after losing both his father and son in the same year. “I felt like I had lost purpose, meaning, and…