Iraq War Veteran
Through this poem, I have PTSD, Wesley hopes that other veterans and their family members will be driven to seek the help they may need.
It wasn’t so long ago that the idea of post-traumatic stress wasn’t taken seriously. From a time when troops were slapped for being “shell-shocked” and some leaders within VA were dismissive, we’ve come far. And today, expanding access to mental …
U.S. Army Veteran
With a half empty bottle of cheap wine in one hand (my third of the evening) and a DVD remote in the other, I sat on the sofa—eyes glazed over—numb. Somewhere in that drunken fog the night before I promised myself I was done drinking and I intended to keep that promise.
As I walked the parking lot and aisles of Costco as an employee, I kept something from many of my coworkers. Something that prevented glances of worried suspicion and morbid curiosity that have met me many times over the last …
It’s difficult to find the right treatment for post-traumatic stress after its diagnosed. Experiences and intensities vary from person to person, and everyone responds differently to treatment. Many Veterans have reported, at an alarming rate, about their reliance on prescription …
Our yearlong deployment to Iraq was officially over. I stood at attention with my fellow soldiers for the last time before being thrown back into the civilian world. It was finally time to shed my desert camouflage uniform. It was …
Early this spring I attended a briefing about the importance of dogs in the medical treatment, recovery, and quality of life of Veterans. Not having been around this much, I had no idea the integral role that animals, particularly dogs, …
Infantrymen don’t get post-traumatic stress. We’re tough and we train for combat, and mental stress affects only the weak and unprepared. The only things that can hurt us are bullets and bombs. Before I left for Iraq, I believed every …
Clinical Psychologist for the National Center for PTSD
Teams at VA’s National Center for PTSD and DoD’s National Center for Telehealth and Technology have collaborated to create a mobile phone application (app) to help Veterans and Service Members who have, or may have PTSD.
When PTSD is discussed, it always seems to be about treatment–after the wounds have been made. From medication to group therapy and now adventure therapy, the means to cope follow weeks, months and often years after traumatic events, when the …
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.
