The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering. You answered the call to serve—now it’s time to answer the call of the wild. Built by a Veteran, for Veterans, the National Veterans Outdoors Resource…
Category: VA
Current Veterans Administration (VA) news and information
Heart valve procedure gives hope
Vietnam Veteran Dennis Dubas didn’t expect to survive the year. Instead, he became the first patient to receive a life-saving heart valve procedure at VA Eastern Colorado, one that could improve heart health care for Veterans across the region. From the rivers of Vietnam to the hills of Colorado Dubas, 78, served two combat tours…
Live Whole Health #275: Connecting with balance
Do you want to find more balance in your life? Good news! Balance is not somewhere out there, it’s right here where you are. Instead of trying to find balance, we can simply connect with it. There is a beautiful and powerful sense of balance that is always unfolding within each one of us, every…
Veteran Resources: Events of the week June 2, 2025
The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering. We’ve curated an assortment of events that aim to assist, educate, and enrich Veterans and their families. Each week, we’ll continue to post relevant and timely…
Healthy eating can improve mental health
We often hear nutrition is important for our physical health, but did you know it also affects mental health? Nutrition has been connected to behavior, mood and the treatment of mental illness. Studies have found that a highly processed diet can put us at a higher risk of developing anxiety or depression. A highly processed…
Veterans take the lead at Golden Age Games
The Golden Age Games are the world’s largest sports rehabilitation event of its kind for Veterans over age 55. The annual event, which this year takes place May 31 – June 5, gives Veterans the opportunity to shine year-round, proving that athleticism has no age limit and that a focus on sports and fitness is…
Care for aging Veterans with a geriatrics specialty
Geriatrics and extended care is a growing specialty at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—and that isn’t likely to change any time soon. According to a 2023 U.S. Census Bureau report, nearly one-half of all Veterans in the United States are 65 years or older. That means in the coming years, the number of Veterans…
Quitting tobacco? Here are five facts to help you
May 31 is World No Tobacco Day. If you’ve tried to stop using tobacco before and then started again, don’t be discouraged! You can use this observance to start creating a plan for how to stop, which will greatly increase your chances of quitting for good. And as a Veteran, you can start using the…
Veterans in VA contracting: A recap of the VETS25 Conference
VA attended the VETS25 Conference in Orlando earlier this month to support Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs). Organized by the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC), VETS25 brought together over 2,000 attendees, including procurement decision-makers and small business leaders that VA calls “the heartbeat of our contracting community.” This community enables VA to form the kinds…
Save time filing your CHAMPVA claim online
If you’re the spouse, widow(er) or child of an eligible Veteran who receives Civilian Health and Medical Program of VA (CHAMPVA) benefits, you can file your claim online. It’s quick and easy. What you need to know before filing your claim If your provider doesn’t file for you, just ask for an itemized billing statement…
Live Whole Health #274: Jam-packed with fiber
Ch-ch-ch-chia! Today we’re digging into chia. And yes, we’re talking about the same seeds that many of us grew on animal and character themed pots in the 1980s. Our past selves may be surprised by all of its culinary applications today, but we were missing out on chia’s jam packed nutrition. Chia seeds are a…
Navy Veteran loses weight and gains control of his diabetes
Navy Veteran Giovanni “Johnny” Onorato, 62, was scheduled for knee replacement surgery at the Baltimore VA Medical Center when he received a rude awakening. His surgeon, Dr. Sumon Nandi, told him that the procedure was canceled because his weight and blood sugar were too high. “We know that patients with uncontrolled diabetes, those with a…
