National Program Director for Pain Management, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
At VA, we know PTSD is a complex condition that can’t be treated solely by drugs. This is one reason why VA is working aggressively to ensure that all Veterans with PTSD who are interested are offered one of the behavioral therapies that have been proven to be effective.
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
The lesson I want to pass on to everyone is this: do something when you come home. We all don’t have PTSD, but we all come back different. Do something that consumes your whole mind when you come home. Follow through with it—I did.
Vietnam War Veteran
To all of you Vets, Vietnam or otherwise, please don’t give up. You are entitled to benefits if you were affected by the wars exposure. Don’t wait like I Idid—file your claim and get your benefits. You deserve them. It took me a long time to realize that.
(Photo by Joe Amon/The Denver Post) Last month, I wrote about an upcoming program at Walter Reed that will help injured troops use writing to cope with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury—a program that could benefit folks as an …
Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Baton Rouge Outpatient Clinic
The question I’m asking Veterans today. I’m new here, and I’m willing to learn. What makes a provider at the VA outstanding? How do we build strong connections with you?
The massacre at Ft. Hood two years ago stunned the nation in its cold-blooded calculation. The high body count was just as shocking as the fact soldiers were killed not in combat, but on the grounds of a military installation. …
Today, VA is adding more vehicles to its fleet of 50 Mobile Vet Centers. Dr. Robert Petzel, VA’s Under Secretary for Health, is overseeing the deployment of an additional 20 MVCs from Farber Specialty Vehicles in Columbus, Ohio. The new …
U.S. Air Force Veteran
As a combat zone Veteran with five deployments to the Middle East supporting the Persian Gulf War, I receive disability compensation and treatment at VA for PTSD and MST. Yes, MST is a real issue and needs to be treated, and yes, VA could be doing a better job, but will this documentary help?
Iraq War Veteran
With lots of press but little fanfare, the last remaining troops stationed in Iraq began packing up shop and heading home. I wanted to take a moment to thank my fellow Iraq Veterans for all of their dedicated service over the years.
Director of Communications for the Office of Patient Care Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Like most other Vietnam Veterans, I returned home from the Vietnam War to people holding them in disdain for fighting for their country. Now, I am glad to say, things have changed for the better – and are continuing to evolve.
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.
