Category: VA

Reaching out and showing them you care can be lifesaving You’ve probably heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Or maybe, “Not all that glitters is gold.” Both remind us that things aren’t always what they seem. A steady job, a smile, showing up every day or even someone saying “I’m fine”…

“I was one of those lost souls from a broken family,” said Suzanne Clark, a Navy and Army Veteran and breast cancer survivor. “The military was a way for me to save myself without being a burden to society. It was about survival.”  Clark’s journey began in the Navy, where she worked in aviation, maintenance…

Bringing hope, healing and health to Veterans The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to supporting the mental health of Veterans at every stage, from transitioning out of the military to adjusting to civilian life. Each and every day, VA psychiatrists work as part of interdisciplinary teams that provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care…

VA offers many services tailored to women Veterans Like many women Veterans, Sharon Bayless initially felt she didn’t deserve VA health care. But after beating breast cancer, having a tumor removed and losing over 100 pounds with the help of the Milwaukee VA, she has some advice for her fellow female Veterans: “You’ve earned it,…

As summer fades into fall, many families shift back into routines filled with school activities, shorter days and fuller schedules. A breakfast packed with plant protein and fiber will provide fuel, enhance energy and mood, and support muscle maintenance for you and your family! Don’t rush out the door without your energy source Start the night…

When Ron Davis walked into the Birmingham VA Health Care System two and a half years ago for a routine visit, he carried more than just extra weight. At 297 pounds, daily tasks had become difficult, and his health was deteriorating. “A little over 12 years ago, I was having some neurological problems with shakes…

As flu season approaches, VA medical centers are ramping up their annual vaccination efforts. The flu vaccine is one of the best ways to help reduce the risk of serious illness, need for hospital care or complications. Veterans may be able to get a flu vaccine when they are at a VA facility for an…

When Lois Norris was born on March 28, 1922, in Worcester, Massachusetts, the world was a very different place. More than a century later, Norris has lived through history while leaving her own mark on it as a Navy Veteran, mother, teacher, gardener and devoted community member. At 103, she continues to inspire all who…

Francisco Amador remembers a date in April 2024 vividly, the day he lost his home in a house fire. He immediately placed a call to the Texas Valley VA Coastal Bend Health Care System’s Homeless Call Center, and a referral was placed. Social Worker Cynthia Duque spoke with Amador and added him to the Housing…

Starting Oct. 1, 2025, VA will update its billing practices for Whole Health well-being services to ensure consistency with federal law. Veterans in Priority Groups 6, 7 and 8, who are already responsible for outpatient copayments, will now pay a $15 copayment for Whole Health well-being services billed under Stop Code 139. This change applies…

Earlier this year, Spokane’s Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center hosted a birthday celebration more than a century in the making. The guest of honor: retired Navy Capt. Francis “Frank” Fogarty, a 101-year-old Veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. A year prior, illness had prevented his 100th birthday party. This spring, however, VA staff, family…

Every year on Veterans Day, our nation honors all those who served in the military. It is a day for remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for those who defended the American way of life. At the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), we honor Veterans every day through our continued commitment to ensuring they receive the world-class…