Category: VA

Epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. When a person has two or more seizures, they are considered to have epilepsy. Epileptic seizures cause muscle spasms, mental confusion, loss of consciousness, or uncontrolled or aimless body movements lasting from seconds to minutes. Seizures can limit a…

As an expression of gratitude for service members and their sacrifices, VA provides career readiness and federal employment resources, pathways and opportunities for Veterans, especially as they transition into and grow their civilian careers. VA offers meaningful, mission-driven employment and holds a unique and respected position for the nation’s Veterans as an employer of choice.…

“This is a cold call but I’m not trying to extend your car warranty. I just want to let you know about the PACT Act,” is how Mike Boyd breaks the ice when sharing PACT Act benefits news to his fellow Veterans. Boyd works at Atlanta VA as a PACT Act and social work toxic…

As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday this week alongside the Veterans we serve, it’s a perfect time to reflect on some of the many things that we’re thankful for every day at VA, including: Our colleagues, who are the reason we can provide the care Veterans deserve. Our innovators, who find new ways to provide…

Cranberries are one of the holiday season’s featured foods, and using them in your dishes adds a burst of flavor and color to any holiday meal. These tart and tangy berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, making them a powerful ally for your health. Whether enjoyed fresh, dried or cooked into a sauce,…

For many, the military isn’t just a career. It’s a family legacy. This is the reality for Veteran and Gold Star Father Wayland Strickland. He’s the assistant chief of the center for development & civic engagement and acting chief experience officer at New Mexico VA. Lance Corporal Evan Strickland As we honor our Veterans this…

Navy Veteran Bradley Stenstrom’s journey of healing began when his life took an unexpected turn after serving 22 years in the military. REBOOT was there to help him. Like many Veterans, he carried with him the emotional scars of war, trauma that surfaced during his work in the security field. While stationed in the Caribbean…

At the New Mexico VA Healthcare System, nurse practitioner (NP) residents are receiving training for skills that will not only help them in their future profession but will provide Veterans improved access to quality care at VA. One of those training programs is called “Scrub 101,” and it teaches NP residents how to assist providers…

Gulf Coast VA and Lexington VA joined forces on a project called SHRIMPS to improve surgical scrub personnel handoffs during break periods. Dr. Andrew Harris started this project following a tense situation during surgery when a replacement staff member was unaware of the location of a crucial instrument. Operating room team They created the SHRIMPS…

A picture is definitely worth a thousand words in dermatology. To get Veterans the dermatology care they need, Lebanon VA is using image capturing and telehealth to consult with specialists at other VA facilities. Most clinics that are part of Lebanon VA Healthcare System in Pennsylvania now offer same-day access to TeleDermatology. The system has…

Like the Veterans we serve, rural communities are as diverse and exciting as you can imagine. You may find an opportunity to be closer to family and friends, or just enjoy a greater sense of privacy. Perhaps the lower cost of living or even the allure of open space appeals to you. Today, we’re looking…

At Orlando VA, women Veterans meet regularly for “Perinatal Veterans Socials” to share their experiences, challenges and triumphs in navigating pregnancy and motherhood while transitioning from military life. These socials foster a sense of belonging, offering attendees a space to connect, support each other and access vital resources through VA perinatal services. Perinatal services are…