Category: VA

There’s a popular quote that maybe you’ve seen on social media: “Be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle.” Often, we may feel we are experience unusually difficult times, however, these words were penned in 1897 as, “Be pitiful, for every man is fighting a hard battle,” by Scottish author John Watson (AKA Ian…

Veteran trust in (89.0%) and satisfaction with (91.9%) VA telehealth have increased to new heights for the fifth consecutive year. Telehealth is breaking barriers to care by meeting Veterans where they are without regard to distance or location. These achievements are making a significant difference in the lives of Veterans. Telehealth Awareness Week, Sept. 14-20,…

Elias, a Marine Veteran, built a career in law enforcement, serving more than 20 years as a supervisory probation officer after leaving the military. About 15 years ago, he signed up for VA care, showed up to his initial appointment, discussed the trauma he’d been carrying and received a diagnosis. He never had any follow-up…

Every Veteran who wants to stop using tobacco finds their own motivation for quitting. For Dustin Johnson, a Navy Veteran who was smoking a half pack to a full pack of cigarettes each day, the biggest motivator was cash. Johnson estimates he was spending $60 to $70 each week on cigarettes. That adds up to…

When Ron and Joanne Gasper decided to put down roots, they purchased a charming ranch house on a quiet cul-de-sac in Papillion, Nebraska. The Gasper’s raised four children and spent 43 years together in that home until Joanne passed away in 2022. Now, Gasper’s family and a VA program are helping him live out the…

While visiting family in South Carolina, Marine Veteran Bobby Holt found himself in a tough spot. His eyeglasses broke and he was the only one able to drive his brother back to New England. Without his glasses, the trip wouldn’t just be difficult—it would be dangerous. “I didn’t have my prescription with me,” Holt thought…

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…

If you’ve seen ads for the Veterans Crisis Line, it’s because we want every Veteran to know: You can reach out anytime. Trained responders are ready 24/7—to listen, support and help you find a path forward, no matter what you’re facing. Real people, real support whenever you need it Established in 2007 with 14 responders…

Devon Lehman retired after 20 years in the Army and found a new mission at home as a TeleCritical Care (TCC) nurse educator. In this role, he teaches VA staff and curious Veterans about one of VA’s most innovative telehealth programs. The TCC program uses telehealth technology to provide an extra layer of support for…

The Rural WAVE (Wellness and Veteran Engagement) Initiative helps to provide a renewed sense of purpose for rural Veterans. By leveraging relationships with local Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) and non-profits, it encourages Veterans in rural areas to take part in activities like volunteering and community service to help them connect with people in their communities…

Chronic and acute pain affects many Veterans, and at VA, no one faces it alone. Pain management at VA is grounded in a team-based, whole health approach, bringing together doctors, nurses, physical therapists, pharmacists, and other health care providers to deliver coordinated, compassionate care. Each health care provider plays a vital role in helping Veterans…

As we get older, our bodies change, and so do our health needs. For women Veterans, staying healthy through the years means more than just going to the doctor when something feels off. It means taking steps now to protect your body, mind and quality of life for years to come. September is Healthy Aging…