With almost a quarter of all Veterans in the United States residing in rural communities, ensuring they receive quality health care close to home is more important than ever. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) actively works to meet these Veterans in their own communities and promote opportunities to live happy and healthy lives.  Let’s take another look…

Learn how to navigate the season when you’re already experiencing challenges The holidays are a fun and joyful time of year, but the season can also bring many challenges, especially for those already coping with depression, stress, anxiety or alcohol misuse. As a Veteran, you might feel on edge in crowds, find your usual activities…

VA offers many ways to manage your care Did you know that you can check-in for your appointments from your phone?    How to complete pre-check-in (for some appointments) 1. Confirm your appointment by text message and wait for a pre-check-in text if available. If your appointment is eligible for this option, you’ll receive a…

Empowering Veterans with knowledge for prostate health decisions At VA, we strive to make sure you are well-informed. That way, you can take charge of your health. You can also make confident decisions about your care. VA offers many preventive health services, including screening for cancers. Screening for prostate cancer is done with a blood…

Borne in battle: VA addiction treatment after Vietnam In the post-Vietnam era, VHA hospitals introduced a variety of treatments for Veterans grappling with addiction issues, including specialized units, self-help programs and various drug dependency interventions. The rise in recreational drug use in the 1960’s, coupled with the greater availability of drugs in Southeast Asia—a prime…

From pain to purpose through digital health tools After serving in the Army, one Veteran’s personal challenges made his transition to civilian life more difficult than many, including undergoing multiple back surgeries and experiencing depression after losing both his father and son in the same year. “I felt like I had lost purpose, meaning, and…

VA knows that excellence in nursing is critical to the delivery of high-quality health care to our Veterans, so it’s unsurprising that we should find Cardiology Care Coordinator Ingra Wesbey, RN, elevating the standard of care each day at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center (VAMC). A recipient of the DAISY Award this past summer, Nurse Wesbey was nominated due…

Researching veteran discounts often means dodging outdated information, misleading sites, or even malware—some require paid memberships, too. We’ve created a reliable list: no fees, and fully vetted, we’ve got your six. This list was verified as of December 12, 2025. Updates will follow as needed. *The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an…

Nothing to shout about here! Yoga can be a gentle way to stretch and move the body while practicing gentle breathing. Are you ready to give it a try? Join Katie Herring from the VA New York Harbor Health Care System for gentle introduction to yoga. This 28-minute video is done on the floor, mostly…

Recovery, help and new purpose Air Force Veteran Ronald Smith lived a vibrant life full of purpose. He was active in his community, always ready to lend a helping hand to his neighbors and deeply cherished his family. However, his world shattered when his wife of 45 years died from complications to diabetes. His grief…

Veterans and trainees’ approach ‘growth journey as a family’ At Minneapolis VA, health professions trainees are learning skills to advance their careers, and they’re also providing more access to care for Veterans in need. Iida Jacobsen, a trainee in the Occupational Therapy Fellowship Program, is in her second year of training at VA. After getting…

Trained caregiver provides care and services For Martha Leon, opening her home to Veterans is not just a calling. It’s a way of giving back to those who have sacrificed for their country. Driven by compassion and a sense of community, Leon transitioned from volunteering in assisted living to VA Southern Arizona Health Care System’s…