Category: VA

As a new school year begins and Veterans Day nears, now is a great time to acknowledge those who fought and served in harm’s way to preserve our freedom and the freedom of others. So that young Americans can better understand the sacrifice of Veterans, VA and the Veterans Day National Committee are pleased to…

The Universal Sign for Help can be used in any situation where someone feels unsafe or threatened, if they feel they are being followed, are with an abusive partner at an appointment or are being trafficked. According to a 2022 study, intimate partner violence (IPV) is a growing concern for the military and Veteran community.…

When people talk about suicide, they tend to focus on the narrative that suicide is tragic, suicide is complex and there are still many things we don’t know about suicide. An often-overlooked aspect of the conversation is the importance of hope. In this article, I want to “flip the usual script” and let you know…

The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering. ID.me helps millions of Veterans, beneficiaries and caregivers access VA’s online services, including VA.gov, the VA: Health and Benefits mobile app, AccessVA, and other VA online…

With their focus on health and safety, environmental services technicians are among the most critically needed positions at facilities across VA’s nationwide network. They ensure that thousands of medical facilities across the country are clean and safe for patients, staff and visitors. When it comes to your facility, there’s no corner you don’t know, and…

When a Veteran who usually doesn’t ask for anything expresses a wish, the people around him will move mountains to make the request a reality. This was the case when WWII and Korean War Veteran Ben Shove told his recreational therapist, Heather Sangl, that he would love to see a military flyover. Veteran Shove at…

Life can be stressful sometimes. We can even feel the stress in our bodies in the form of tension, pain and discomfort. Understandably, many people want to find relief by escaping from their bodies. Through distractions like the internet, TV and substance use, people want to find peace and comfort by getting “out” of their…

It is important for Veterans to know that not all prostate cancer cases require treatment. If treatment is necessary, VA can support you through your diagnosis by providing access to the latest technology and approaches to individualized care. Treatment can be tailored to your unique genetic profile, benefiting you and future generations. There are also…

Women Veterans: Have you been feeling a bit off lately? Noticing irregular periods and unwelcomed hair or acne, or struggling to shed those stubborn pounds? These could be signs of polycystic ovary syndrome, better known as PCOS. Understanding PCOS PCOS is a common health concern, affecting 1 in 10 women, that can alter your hormonal…

In this episode of the PTSD Bytes podcast, host Dr. Colleen Becket-Davenport explores the complex relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders with Dr. Joanna Dognin, member of the National Eating Disorders team for VA’s Office of Mental Health. What is disordered eating? According to a VA dietitian, “Eating disorders exist on a…

This International Overdose Awareness Day, Aug. 31, VA is amplifying the message: Together, we can reduce the risk of overdose and save lives. Whether you’re a Veteran or a family member or friend of a Veteran, VA has resources to help.  Opioids are the leading cause of overdose death in the U.S. Both prescription and…

Phoenix resident and Navy Veteran Mike Smith is excited about competing with fellow Veterans at the 38th National Veterans Golden Age Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. The National Veterans Golden Age Games offers Veterans ages 55 and older a chance to compete in sports and learn new skills through exhibitions. Through its “Fitness for…