Category: VA

Jan. 28 is Data Privacy Day, which marks the importance of safeguarding personal information online and preparing for sign-in changes. VA is committed to ensuring Veteran information is protected and that our technologies meet modern security standards. That is why two major changes are coming to how Veterans, caregivers and beneficiaries sign in to VA…

At the VetResources Community Network (VRCN), we believe in the power of community and the transformative potential of all Veteran-community serving organizations and teams. It is with this spirit in mind that we challenge U.S.-based non-profit teams and organizations who are making strides to create impactful change to support our Veterans, their families, caregivers and/or…

It’s the third week of January. Where are your new year’s resolutions? Are you on track exactly following your plan? Maybe you’re losing steam? Or maybe, like a lot of people, you have completely let them go. When our goals aren’t “SMART,” we struggle to succeed. SMART Goals Make your resolutions or goals SMART. This…

For Marine Corps Veteran Mark Stulz, it was his recreational therapist, Janelle Gustafson, who convinced him to get on a plane and go to the National Veteran Wheelchair Games in New Orleans in July 2024.  “I shot the targets and sent them in.” “She kept twisting my arm. Then she twisted both legs. She said…

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.…