Category: VA

Some people who’ve lived through a traumatic event—such as combat, a serious accident, sexual assault, or a natural disaster—will develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD, like flashbacks or avoiding certain places or people that remind you of the event, can make daily life challenging. After experiencing a traumatic event, it’s normal to feel…

In this episode of the PTSD Bytes podcast, host Dr. Colleen Becket-Davenport discusses the relationship between PTSD and workplace environments with Dr. Elissa McCarthy, a clinical psychologist and consultant at the National Center for PTSD’s Consultation Program and the national lead for the VA’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Program. Challenges of PTSD in professional…

Like the Veterans we serve, rural communities are as diverse and exciting as you can imagine. For many, they offer an opportunity to be closer to family and friends, while some may just enjoy a greater sense of privacy. Perhaps the lower cost of living or even the allure of open space is appealing. Regardless…

Many people have begun thinking about their New Year’s resolutions. However, setting goals that are both realistic and sustainable in the long term can be challenging. VA offers a variety of tools and resources that can help both Veterans and their caregivers set and track achievable goals for the new year. Here are five VA…

Charles Tubbs is using immersive technology and virtual reality (VR) to enhance the inpatient discharge experience for Veterans. Charles Tubbs, Air Force Veteran Tubbs, an 21-year Air Force Veteran and Customer Experience Innovation supervisor with the Veterans Experience Office (VEO), first learned about immersive technology when his office had an opportunity to use VR to…

The word is out: VA Health Connect is a simple way for Veterans to connect with a real person right now for: Help with scheduling appointments. Pharmacy needs. Medical evaluations and guidance. A virtual meeting with a medical provider, including tele-emergency care if appropriate. VA Health Connect has handled more than 120 million calls with…

While you may immediately associate VA with clinical jobs and medical professions, there are numerous nonclinical jobs that keep our facilities running smoothly. From paperwork to protection, transportation to tidiness, it takes a team of dedicated professionals to provide care for Veterans, whether interacting with Veterans directly or working behind the scenes. You’ll find administrative assistants in…

Marine Corps Veteran Sean Smith didn’t leave his house for four years. He had lost purpose and motivation. His journey to that point had been a long one. It all started on his last tour in Afghanistan. After four years in the military, Smith deployed to Helmand Province for his third overseas tour of duty.…

Give your knees need some help! Think about how often you squat to reach for something in a low cabinet, pick up a box or basket of laundry, sit on a chair, and yes…even sit on the toilet! As humans we use squats for many activities in our lives, making it a movement pattern that…

With winter underway, it’s time to gear up for the colder weather. Follow these tips to stay on top of your health during the winter season, including getting up to date on vaccinations and refilling your prescriptions. And remember—VA is here whenever you need support. Get your seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines New strains of…

Walter H. “Skip” Williams Jr., an 80-year-old Navy Veteran, is rolling with the changes to My HealtheVet login. Williams served honorably during two tours in Vietnam aboard the USS Snohomish County. As an electronics technician, he supported critical missions by safely transporting supplies and equipment. VA is committed to making it as easy as possible…

A new year is a good time to reflect and set goals. It’s a time to think about what’s important in our lives, to take stock, to think about our accomplishments from the previous year and prepare for challenges. For those Veterans who experience thoughts of suicide, taking steps to ensure access to support is…