Category: VA

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…

Caregivers are vital to ensuring Veterans can live with dignity and independence. Caregivers can be family members managing medications or acts of daily living, close friends regularly taking a Veteran to appointments or a neighbor helping with grocery shopping. The role of a caregiver is often both rewarding and challenging. VA’s Caregiver Support Program (CSP)…

Army Veteran Barry Peterson uses his own experiences with virtual reality (VR) to help other Veterans. Immersive technology is transformative for Veterans by providing a unique tool for mental health benefits and chronic pain management. VA is at the forefront of implementing this cutting-edge technology, and Veterans across the nation are experiencing the benefits that…

Unfortunately, many of us know someone who died by suicide. Suicide knows no bounds. It affects people from all races, ethnicities and backgrounds. Veterans and non-Veterans alike are affected by suicide. Every loss hurts, and it can leave family, friends and Battle Buddies struggling to find ways to cope. Each year, International Survivors of Suicide…

Most people who try to stop smoking aren’t successful on their first try, but there’s no need for them to feel discouraged. Instead, they can think of it as practice, teaching them skills and strategies they can apply to their next try. Veterans who smoke also should be aware that VA has more tobacco use…

Growing up in the vibrant streets of the Bronx, it was inevitable for Army Veteran Denis Velez to immerse himself into the art culture found on every block. His colorful paintings are but a glimpse into the energy that radiates from his service experiences: His talented hand has been a part of who he is—from junior high…

“Physician life doesn’t have to be 100 or 0. There are places where you can find a balance,” explained Dr. Nisha Mehta, a VA radiologist working out of our Charlotte Health Care Center in North Carolina. “VA is a nice place to land.” Mehta has been working at VA for almost nine years, but her ties…

Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. As members of the military and Veteran communities, we know the immense sacrifices our service members and Veterans make for our country. It’s important that we find meaningful ways to regularly express our gratitude…

Our first instinct when dealing with challenging emotions in ourselves or others is to brush them away. You may say, “Not today, sadness, today is going to be a good day!” Or you may tell a loved one, “It’s all going to be okay,” when they are in the grips of fear or worry. Managing…

No Veteran should be homeless in the country they fought to defend. At VA, we are committed to ending homelessness among Veterans because it is our nation’s duty to ensure all Veterans have a place to call home. In March 2024, VA announced its goal to place at least 41,000 Veterans experiencing homelessness into permanent…

VA’s optometry service has grown into a global leader for eye care and vision rehabilitation since its creation in 1976. The early years, however, proved to be challenging. Limited involvement and insufficient support hindered VA optometry from reaching its full potential. Despite the hurdles, VA optometry services gradually evolved into today’s one-stop-shop for Veteran eye…