Category: VA

Indiana Veterans: Need assistance with a concern? “One Indiana Call Line” connects you to a patient advocate. VA announced the launch of the One Indiana Call Line as its newest patient advocacy resource for Indiana Veterans, Veteran Services Organizations and Congressional offices. The new centralized number will serve as a one-stop point of advocacy for…

It’s open enrollment season. Now through Dec. 7, millions of Americans can select 2025 Medicare plans. If you’re currently enrolled in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of VA (CHAMPVA) or may be eligible, your Medicare status can impact your CHAMPVA benefits. CHAMPVA eligibility CHAMPVA is a health care benefits program through VA that shares…

Prior to joining VA as a human resources specialist, Veena Muralidhara earned a master’s degree in economics. However, instead of immediately entering the workforce, she prioritized raising her daughter After her daughter left for college, she sought a new direction that would also add structure to her day. That led her to a corporate job,…

During World War II, Dr. Willem Kolff revolutionized medical science by creating the first ‘artificial kidney’ from everyday items like juice cans, sausage casings and parts of an old washing machine. This wartime innovation laid the foundation for modern dialysis, a lifesaving treatment for kidney failure patients. Today, VA is making improvements to dialysis that…

In this episode of the PTSD Bytes podcast, host Dr. Colleen Becket-Davenport discusses PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI) with Dr. Micaela Cornis-Pop, a speech language pathologist and national program manager for VA’s Polytrauma System of Care, and Dr. Joel Scholten, a physician and the executive director for VA’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Program Office.…

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…