VA Suicide Settlement

VA Settles Suicide Lawsuit 01/15/01. The parents of an Iraq war veteran who committed suicide after being turned away from a VA facility in Massachusetts have agreed to a $350,000 settlement offered by the government. Jeffrey Lucey was a 23-year-old former Marine corporal when he hanged himself in his parents' home. Military.com

Safe-Driving Initiative

Veterans to Benefit From Safe-Driving Initiative 01/12/09. A coalition of federal departments, led by Veterans Affairs, has launched a research and awareness program to curb motor vehicle fatalities among veterans who return from deployments. DefenseLink.mil

New Clinic for South Texas Veterans

VA To Lease Space for New Clinic at Harlingen, Texas 01/12/09. To provide 21st century health care to South Texas veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that the firm of Boyer Harlingen L.C. will construct a new 120,000-square-foot health care center in Harlingen, which VA will lease for a minimum of 20 years. VA

Mustard Gas Studies

Race-Based Mustard Gas Studies on U.S. Soldiers 01/10/09. University of Alberta study shows dangers of race-based scientific research American scientists used mustard gas on their soldiers for race-based experiments during the Second World War, a study by a University of Alberta professor has shown. University of Alberta via Newswise

PTSD Does Not Meet Criteria for Purple Heart

Department Commits to Best Stress Care 01/10/09. The Defense Department is deeply committed to providing the best care possible for military members with post-traumatic stress disorder, despite the determination that the disorder does not meet the criteria for the Purple Heart, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said yesterday. DefenseLink.mil

Improved Services for Rural Veterans

VA Announces $22 Million for Rural Veterans 01/10/09. The Department of Veterans Affairs has provided $21.7 million to its regional health care systems to improve services specifically designed for veterans in rural areas. “This special allocation is the latest down payment on VA’s commitment to meet the needs of veterans living in rural areas,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “VA will take to our rural veterans the health care services they have earned.” VA

Combating Stress

How to Combat Stress with Fitness 01/10/09. Some tips on dealing with job loss, stress, the economy and fitness. Military.com

Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development

NEW! JRRD – Volume 45, Number 7, 2008 01/08/09. The newest issue of the Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development from the VA Office of Research & Development is available online.

Women Veterans Health Research

Women's Health Video Presentation Hear Dr. Elizabeth Yano discuss the growth of women's health research in VA 01/08/09. The recent expansion of women in the military has changed the face of the veteran population. In anticipation of the growing number of women veterans and recognition of their special healthcare needs, VA developed a comprehensive women's health research agenda to inform VA healthcare policy and services and ensure accessible, quality care for women veterans. VA Office of Research & Development

News From the VA

VA Launches Partnership for NGO Outreach 01/08/09. The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a new partnership to help non-government organizations (NGOs) plan, improve and carry out their own programs on behalf of veterans, their families and their survivors.

VA Assisting Veterans with Health Care Costs 01/08/09. For veterans struggling financially due to a job loss or decreased income, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers an assortment of programs that can relieve the costs of health care or provide care at no cost.

VA Data Show Home Health Technology Improves Access to Care 01/08/09. Veterans with chronic conditions can manage their health and avoid hospitalization by using special technology provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs in their homes, according to a recent study.

Video Game for PTSD

Tetris May Soothe PTSD 01/08/09. British researchers say the video game "Tetris" may reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. UPI via Military.com

Cold War-era Experiments

Vets Sue Over Cold War-era Experiments 01/08/09. Six veterans who say they were exposed to dangerous chemicals, germs and mind-altering drugs during Cold War-era experiments filed a federal lawsuit against the CIA, Department of Defense and other agencies Wednesday. Military.com

Veterans Benefits

VA Secretary Nominee Shinseki Plans To Reopen Benefits to Thousands of 'Priority 8' Veterans 01/07/09. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary-nominee Eric Shinseki on Monday said that, if confirmed, he would expand VA health coverage to about 265,000 middle-income veterans who had been denied the benefits since 2003, the AP/Boston Globe reports (Xen, AP/Boston Globe, 1/6). At a House panel briefing on Monday, lawmakers said that the fiscal 2009 VA spending bill includes $375 million to increase VA health coverage of "Priority 8" veterans with incomes of more than $30,000 annually. Priority 8 indicates those veterans with the least urgent need for care. The funding provision aims to increase enrollment of these veterans by 10%. In January 2003, new Priority 8 veterans were blocked from joining the program if their incomes exceeded $30,000 annually. KaiserNetwork

PTSD & Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome a risk for veterans with PTSD 01/07/09. Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to have metabolic syndrome than veterans without PTSD, according to a study led by Pia Heppner, Ph.D., psychologist with the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs of San Diego, VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health. The study will be published online Jan. 8 by the journal BMC Medicine. University of California - San Diego via Eurekalert!

Headaches & TBI

War Vets with Headaches Could Have Brain Problems 01/07/09. Headache frequency and severity caused by traumatic brain injury might signal cognitive deficits, suggests a new study of Iraq war veterans. HealthDay via MedLine Plus