War, despite its vicious and ugly nature, has a way of advancing both technology and medicine. The battles of World War II spurred the creation of antibiotics still used today, and out of the ashes of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, nuclear …
When Veterans return from deployments and get out of the military, the campus can be an attractive place to start the next chapter of life. It can also be a place with unique challenges of reintegration, like a younger peer …
Special Assistant to the VA Chief Technology Officer
The Blue Button allows Veterans to access and download their information into a very simple text file (or an enhanced PDF) that can be read, printed, or saved on any computer.
My HealtheVet Coordinator
Charles George, a full-blooded Cherokee and member of the Bird Clan, served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions on November 30, 1952.
U.S. Navy Veteran
There are very few words that catch me quite like “Veteran.” It’s such a short word, but in today’s world, it means so much and identifies a person in just seven letters.
Public Affairs Officer, Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks
It has been an incredible week here in Northwest Arkansas as we conclude the 2011 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. As in years past, the Festival was nothing short of amazing.
I was home from Iraq only days before the concept of driving rattled me. My Stryker armored vehicle rarely exceeded 35 miles an hour in combat, so highway speeds felt like the downward surge on a rollercoaster. My hands clenched …
If there is one word in the English language that could be a four-letter word, it’s “claims.” From a Veteran’s standpoint, that six-letter word can be as cringe-worthy as any four-letter word heard while wearing the uniform. At VA, we …
Tribal Government Relations Specialist for the Western Region
I recently had the opportunity to witness first-hand the close partnering that is occurring between VA and Alaska Natives—On September 29, VA Alaska Healthcare System and the Ketchikan Indian Community Tribal Health Clinic signed the first Memorandum of Understanding.
Your appointment starts in a few minutes but you’re still racing toward the VA medical center. Even if you manage to hit every green light, you’ll barely make the scheduled time. Luckily, the building comes into view and you breathe …
VA Decreasing GI Bill Processing Time with New Automation Tools
14 Feb 2013
Communications specialist with the Veterans Benefits Administration
Roger W. Baker, the Department of Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology testified today before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
Love Your Heart
14 Feb 2013
Registered Dietitian at the Dayton, OH VA Medical Center
Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? This February, in honor of American Heart Month, join the fight against heart disease and love your heart.
The Benefits of a Paperless Claim
13 Feb 2013
Supervisory Veterans Service Representative; Team Lead for VBMS Transformation at the Salt Lake City Regional Office
While standing outside the audiology clinic at the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, a Veteran explained to me that he was deaf in one ear, had significant hearing loss in his other ear, and that he was in need of hearing aids. He could not afford them and was hoping VA could help. Staff at VA’s audiology clinic recommended the Vet file a VA disability compensation claim for his hearing loss.
Valor Games coming to more cities in 2013
11 Feb 2013
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran; Public Affairs Officer, Office of National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events
This year, Veterans with physical disabilities will have more opportunities to get active and involved in sports. The Valor Games are coming to more cities across the country this year.
VBA Twitter Town Hall Series: Disability Compensation
8 Feb 2013
U.S. Army Veteran; Communications Specialist, Veterans Benefits Administration
Last Thursday, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) continued our monthly Twitter town hall series with an event focused on VA disability compensation exams.
Blue Button for America
5 Feb 2013
Presidential innovation fellows working on Blue Button for America at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In August 2010, President Obama announced the Blue Button. Today, it has been downloaded 2.7 million times and the program has been adopted by both the Department of Defense and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
VA Disability Compensation Increases in 2013
4 Feb 2013
Communications specialist, Veterans Benefits Administration
Last month, the more than four million Veterans and survivors who receive compensation benefits from VA saw an increase of 1.7 percent in their total monthly payment.
Building Renovation to Help Homeless Veterans
1 Feb 2013
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Sixty-five homeless Veterans will have a chance to transition back into society when the renovation of a building is completed at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
