Va Office Of Research And Development

This study tested a system to help a person with arm and hand paralysis from a spinal cord injury regain movement. The participant used a brain implant to send signals to a device that electrically stimulated the muscles in their arm and hand. The goal was to see if they could co…

This study tested a new support program designed to help veterans who smoke but aren't ready to quit. It compared an 'Enhanced Chronic Care' approach, which offered ongoing motivational support, to standard care, which was just brief yearly advice to quit. The goal was to see if …

This study tested a personalized therapy program for Veterans with hoarding disorder, a condition where difficulty discarding items leads to dangerous clutter. The program combined cognitive training and exposure therapy, delivered through a mix of in-home visits and video calls …

This study tested a personalized version of a standard talk therapy for PTSD, called Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). It involved 179 Veterans and aimed to see if tailoring the therapy to address each person's specific life challenges—like work, relationships, or other stresso…

This study tested whether adding CBD oil to standard therapy helps military veterans with PTSD. Researchers compared therapy plus CBD against therapy plus a placebo in 136 veterans. The goal was to see if CBD helps people process traumatic memories better during therapy, potentia…

This study tested whether a remote, video-based lifestyle program could help veterans with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) lose weight and improve their sleep-related quality of life. Nearly 700 participants were randomly assigned to either receive the 12-month coaching…

This study tested a new 10-session group therapy program called 'Project Life Force' for Veterans at high risk for suicide. It taught coping skills and helped Veterans create and improve a personal safety plan to use during a crisis. The goal was to see if this group approach wor…

This study tested whether having a live-in support person helps veterans lose more weight and keep it off. 300 veterans with obesity and their cohabitating partners were randomly assigned to do a virtual weight management program alone or as a team. The main goal was to see which…

This study tested whether having a pharmacist conduct video calls to veterans' homes could help older adults manage their medications more safely. Researchers enrolled 304 older veterans with multiple health conditions who were taking at least five daily medications. They compare…

This study tested if a combination of a supervised weight loss and exercise program plus the medication metformin could better improve physical function and reduce frailty in older veterans with obesity. It compared this combined approach to using just the lifestyle program or ju…

This study tested whether repeated sessions of passive heating (like using a heating pad or warm water) could help improve health for people with spinal cord injuries. People with these injuries have a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes, partly due to chronic inflammation.…

This VA study tested whether gentle electrical stimulation through the skin could help stabilize blood pressure in veterans with spinal cord injuries. Researchers worked with 10 participants to find the best placement and settings for electrodes on the back. The goal was to devel…

This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique could improve thinking skills in veterans with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia. Researchers used magnetic pulses on the forehead to stimulate brain areas involved in memory and decision-making. They …

This study tested whether the anti-inflammatory drug ibudilast could help people struggling with methamphetamine addiction. Researchers wanted to see if reducing brain inflammation could improve decision-making and thinking in 176 participants. They used brain scans and thinking …

This study tested whether a mild, non-invasive brain stimulation technique (tDCS) could boost the benefits of mental exercises for veterans recovering from alcohol use disorder. Researchers wanted to see if this combination could improve brain function, thinking skills, and ultim…

This study tested whether one year of regular aerobic exercise, like brisk walking or cycling, could slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. It involved 57 adults with Parkinson's who were randomly assigned to either follow an exercise program or continue their usual care. R…

This study tested a new support program called MISSION-CJ for homeless veterans who struggle with both substance use and mental health disorders and have been involved with the justice system. The program provided intensive case management and peer support to help participants st…

This study tested whether a special nurse-led program could help Veterans with HIV lower their blood pressure and reduce their risk of heart disease. The program involved 305 Veterans and combined care coordination, medication support, home blood pressure monitoring, and video ch…

This study tested whether adding repeated ketamine infusions to a standard talk therapy (Prolonged Exposure) could help Veterans with PTSD get better faster. 75 participants received either ketamine or a placebo (inactive substance) once a week for three weeks while undergoing th…

This study tested a physical therapy program called Live Long Walk Strong designed to improve walking speed in Veterans aged 50 and older. Researchers wanted to understand which parts of the program worked best and how long the benefits lasted after treatment ended. The 4-year st…

This study tested two different training programs to help VA doctors and clinics improve how they prescribe medications. It focused on three areas: reducing unnecessary medications for older adults, safely using blood thinners, and offering therapy instead of pills for insomnia. …

This study tested if common, inexpensive water pills (diuretics) could help people with early-stage chronic kidney disease. Researchers wanted to see if reducing extra body fluid with these pills could lower the risk of heart problems and improve symptoms like tiredness. They mea…

This study aimed to find the safest rule for giving blood transfusions after major surgery to veterans at high risk for heart problems. It compared giving blood when hemoglobin drops below 10 (liberal strategy) versus waiting until it drops below 7 (restrictive strategy). The goa…

This study tested whether adding the antibiotic rifampin to standard treatments could help prevent foot and leg amputations in diabetic patients with serious bone infections. Researchers followed 843 veterans with diabetes and foot bone infections, giving half rifampin and half a…

This study tested whether probenecid, a long-used gout medication, could help veterans with a common type of heart failure. Researchers gave 99 veterans either the drug or a placebo pill twice daily for six months to see if it improved their heart's pumping ability, exercise capa…

This study tested a new way to help Veterans with anxiety by involving their family members in therapy. Researchers wanted to see if teaching family members specific skills could make standard anxiety treatment more effective. They worked with 48 Veteran-family pairs to check if …

This study tested whether a smartphone app could help Veterans safely reduce or stop taking benzodiazepine medications (like Xanax or Ativan) after long-term use. Researchers adapted a proven paper-based self-help program into a digital tool for 170 Veterans who had been taking t…

This study tested a new 12-week program where fellow veterans, trained as peer leaders, guided a small group of older veterans to improve their diet and physical activity. The goal was to see if this peer-led approach was practical and acceptable for helping veterans with mobilit…

This pilot study tested a phone-based program called SLAC, designed to help Veterans with risky drinking connect to professional alcohol care. The study involved 140 Veterans who also had symptoms of PTSD or depression. Researchers compared the new program to usual care to see if…

This study tested whether adding a smartphone app to standard talk therapy helps veterans with depression recover faster. Researchers compared veterans using the app alongside therapy to those using therapy alone. The goal was to see if the app made it easier for veterans to lear…

This study tested a program called Patient Priorities Care for older veterans managing several chronic health conditions. It aimed to see if helping patients identify their most important health goals could reduce the burden of their treatments and make their care more focused on…

This study tested if combining two existing treatments could better reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in veterans at high risk. Veterans recently hospitalized for suicide risk received either a special talk therapy plus a non-invasive magnetic brain stimulation treatment, or…

This study tested a new combination treatment to rebuild leg muscles in people with spinal cord injury who have severe nerve damage. Researchers gave participants testosterone and used a special type of electrical stimulation designed to work on muscles that don't respond to stan…

This study developed and tested a mobile website designed to help veterans safely reduce their long-term opioid use for chronic pain. The tool provides support and strategies for tapering medication while managing pain. Researchers compared the new website to a basic pain-trackin…

This study tested a new virtual reality system designed to help people with balance problems, especially after a stroke. Participants used special goggles to follow a moving target with their finger while standing, which challenged their balance in a safe, controlled way. The goa…

This study tested if delivering proven PTSD therapy in a more intensive schedule (multiple sessions per week) helps veterans complete treatment better than the standard weekly schedule. It involved 30 veterans with PTSD to see if the intensive approach was feasible and acceptable…

This study tested a home-based program combining electrical muscle stimulation and vitamin D supplements to see if it could improve bone health in Veterans with long-term spinal cord injuries. The goal was to find a way to slow or reverse severe bone loss, which is a common and s…

This study tested whether adding the hormone oxytocin to a proven talk therapy (Prolonged Exposure) could help Veterans with PTSD. The goal was to see if oxytocin helped people stick with the therapy longer and reduced their symptoms more effectively than a placebo. The trial inv…

This study tested two different feedback methods to help emergency department doctors prescribe safer medications to veterans aged 65 and older. Researchers compared active coaching versus passive reports to see which approach better reduced prescriptions for medications that can…

This study tested a new support program designed to help veterans who have both bipolar disorder and a substance use problem after they leave the hospital. It compared a special counseling program against a basic safety check-in program, both added to their regular care. The goal…

This study tested a program to help doctors and patients work together more closely when making treatment decisions for rheumatoid arthritis. It involved 900 Veterans with moderate to severe arthritis across multiple clinics. Researchers wanted to see if this teamwork approach le…

This study tested a 'sleep coach' program designed to help older veterans who have stopped using their prescribed sleep apnea machines. Over 100 veterans who were not using their machines participated. They worked with a coach over several sessions to try to build better long-ter…

This study tested a new program called 'Recovery Bridge,' where a trained peer specialist helps veterans transition from a psychiatric hospital stay back to living in their community. The goal was to see if this support makes the process easier, helps veterans connect with outpat…

This study tested a new program designed to help Veterans with PTSD quit smoking. It combined proven PTSD therapy with smoking cessation counseling, medication, and a system of financial rewards for staying smoke-free. The goal was to see if this combined approach was more effect…

This study tested whether daytime mouth and throat exercises could help control mild-to-moderate sleep apnea. Researchers compared real exercises to fake exercises in 209 veterans to see if they improved breathing during sleep, daytime function, and sleepiness. The goal was to fi…

This study tested whether a 12-week, high-intensity exercise program delivered by video could slow down the accelerated aging process seen in older Veterans living with HIV. Researchers enrolled 89 Veterans over age 50 with stable HIV to see if the no-equipment circuit training c…

This study tested a new, centralized 'Bone Health Service' model to improve how the VA healthcare system screens for and treats osteoporosis in older male veterans. It compared this new approach to usual care to see which was better at getting high-risk veterans screened, startin…

This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique could help veterans with alcohol use disorder stay sober longer. Researchers used magnetic pulses on the brain (called rTMS) to see if it reduced relapse rates compared to a sham treatment. The trial involved 49…

This study tested a new balance training system designed to help older veterans at high risk of falling. The system, called the Balanced Assessment and Training Protocol (BATP), uses a reaching task that pushes participants to the limits of their balance to improve stability. Res…

This study tested a portable, low-cost virtual reality system to measure balance problems in veterans with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), a spinal cord condition. Researchers compared balance in 8 veterans with CSM to healthy veterans using the system, which tracks sway w…

This study tested whether a digital screening system called 'eScreening' works better than standard paper methods in VA clinics. The goal was to see if using iPads helps identify mental health issues like PTSD, depression, and suicide risk more quickly and reliably in post-9/11 V…

This study aimed to see if new, 3D printed nasal swabs are as safe and accurate as standard swabs for COVID-19 testing. It involved over 1,100 participants, including Veterans and healthcare workers. Researchers directly compared the new swabs to the usual ones to check for probl…

This study tested a support program to help busy VA healthcare providers refer more veterans to a specialized suicide prevention telehealth service. The program, called SP 2.0, offers evidence-based treatment to veterans who have had recent suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Researc…

This study tested whether a specific low-sodium diet could prevent heart failure in Veterans at high risk. Researchers enrolled 71 Veterans with high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome to see if following the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) with reduced sal…

This study tested a new program called PEACE to help prevent suicide in veterans after they leave a psychiatric hospital. The program combined a smartphone app to improve social connections with regular check-in calls to encourage continued care. Researchers compared veterans who…

This study tested a new counseling program designed to help Veterans at risk for suicide. The program focused on having respectful conversations about safely storing firearms and medications to reduce immediate access during a crisis. Researchers worked with 40 Veterans to see if…

This study tested whether specific public health messages could encourage veterans at risk for suicide to seek mental health care during their first year after leaving military service. Researchers worked with 355 veterans who reported suicidal thoughts but were reluctant to get …

This large study tested whether two simple treatments could prevent serious kidney problems in high-risk patients undergoing common imaging procedures called angiography. Researchers compared intravenous sodium bicarbonate to standard saline and an oral antioxidant (NAC) to a pla…

This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique could help veterans with PTSD. Researchers used a powerful magnet to stimulate specific brain areas, comparing it to a sham (fake) treatment. They measured whether it improved PTSD symptoms, depression, and dail…

This study tested whether weekly social groups could help older veterans struggling with depression, loneliness, and isolation. Nineteen veterans participated in community-based social gatherings led by trained facilitators. Researchers collected feedback and measured changes in …

This study tested whether a non-invasive brainwave training technique called neurofeedback could help veterans experiencing long-term symptoms after a mild concussion. 87 veterans with chronic headaches, sleep issues, and attention problems were randomly assigned to receive eithe…

This study tested whether a mindfulness program could improve the well-being of doctors and nurses and encourage better hand hygiene. Over 300 VA healthcare workers were randomly assigned to either receive mindfulness training or continue their usual routine. The training taught …

This study tested which of two different training courses was better at helping people with psychosis improve their social skills and quality of life. 113 veterans participated and were randomly assigned to one of the two-month courses. One course focused on understanding other p…

This study tested if adding a brief writing therapy to a standard 28-day residential addiction program could help Veterans who have both PTSD and a substance use disorder. 56 Veterans were randomly assigned to receive either the standard program alone or the standard program plus…

This study tested whether a special brain training technique could help improve memory in older veterans. Researchers used a wearable headset that gives real-time feedback about brainwaves during memory tasks. The goal was to see if veterans could learn to adjust their brain acti…

This study tested whether the medication tolcapone could improve memory and self-regulation in veterans with mild traumatic brain injury. Researchers used brain scans and cognitive tests to measure changes in brain activity and thinking skills. The study involved 55 veterans who …

This study compared two types of talk therapy for veterans with PTSD, depression, or panic disorder. Researchers tested if a single, streamlined therapy could work as well as separate, disorder-specific therapies. 304 veterans received 12 weeks of either the new combined approach…

This study tested a new group therapy program designed to help warzone veterans who are struggling with moral injury—the emotional pain that can follow events that violate one's moral beliefs. The research involved 74 veterans who participated in either the new therapy or a compa…

This study tested a new 8-week group program called Mindful Action for Pain (MAP) for veterans with long-term pain. The program combined daily mindfulness meditation with other psychological strategies. Researchers compared it to standard therapy to see if it was practical to stu…

This study tested whether a talk therapy program for chronic pain is practical and helpful for veterans who also have serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Researchers worked with 47 veterans to see if they could successfully participate in the therapy …

This study tested if a therapy called Behavioral Activation could help Veterans with depression after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). About 40 Veterans received either this therapy plus their usual care, or just their usual care. The therapy involved six sessions over three month…

This study tested whether a dietary supplement called branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) could improve sleep and thinking problems in Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). 160 participants were randomly assigned to take either the supplement or a placebo for 12 weeks.…

This study tested two different talk therapies to help Gulf War veterans with insomnia sleep better. Fifty veterans received either Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on setting a consistent sleep schedule, or Cognitive Therapy, which helps change unhelpful thoughts about sleep. R…

This study tested a new telehealth therapy program designed to help Veterans who feel lonely and struggle with substance use. Researchers wanted to see if a therapy focused on reducing loneliness could also help people use substances less often. They worked with 36 Veterans to se…

This study tested two different online exercise programs designed to help people with multiple sclerosis manage leg stiffness and muscle tightness (spasticity). The programs were delivered through group video classes to 232 participants. Researchers measured whether these exercis…

This study tested whether a compassion meditation program could help Veterans who have both chronic pain and conditions like PTSD or depression. Researchers compared the meditation program to a standard health education course to see which was better at reducing pain interference…

This study tested a new 10-week group therapy for veterans with PTSD who did not want to try standard trauma-focused treatments. The therapy, called START, aimed to help participants reduce unhelpful 'safety behaviors' they use to cope with anxiety. Researchers measured if the ap…

This study tested whether magnetic stimulation applied to the front of the brain could improve apathy—a severe loss of motivation—in older Veterans with mild memory problems. Participants received either real or fake stimulation over 20 sessions to see if it could restore motivat…

This small pilot study tested whether a thinking skills training program could help veterans with PTSD who still struggle with memory, focus, and concentration after standard PTSD therapy. Researchers worked with 21 veterans to see if the training was practical and acceptable, an…

This study tested whether an 8-week online mindfulness course could improve quality of life, mood, and thinking skills for people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers compared the mindfulness course to a standard support group in 107 participants. They measured results right aft…

This study tested if a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique could boost the benefits of walking therapy for stroke survivors. Forty-four people who had a stroke more than six months earlier and had trouble walking received either real or fake brain stimulation during …

This study tested a new speech therapy designed to help Veterans who have trouble finding words after a stroke. Researchers compared two different practice schedules (massed vs. spread out) to see which one helps people remember words better and for longer. They also looked at br…

This study tested whether a gentle electrical stimulation therapy could help patients maintain their physical strength and reduce fatigue during a stem cell transplant for blood cancers. Researchers compared the stimulation therapy to a sham (fake) treatment in 46 Veterans underg…

This study tested a phone counseling program called Caregiver SOS, designed to help employed caregivers manage stress and balance their work and caregiving duties. It involved 199 caregivers who were working while also caring for veterans with conditions like depression, anxiety,…

This VA study tested two approaches to help Veterans with chronic insomnia get better sleep through brief behavioral therapy. Researchers trained primary care mental health providers to deliver the sleep treatment and tested whether giving them extra support helped more Veterans …

This study tested whether a behavioral sleep treatment delivered by video call could improve quality of life and sleep for veterans with PTSD, sleep apnea, and insomnia. Thirty-six veterans participated to see if the program helped them sleep better, use their CPAP machine more c…

This study tested whether morning bright light therapy could help veterans with mild traumatic brain injury sleep better and reduce their chronic pain. Researchers enrolled 77 veterans who had both sleep problems and persistent pain. They wanted to see if this simple, non-drug li…

This study tested whether training the brain using real-time feedback could reduce phantom limb pain in people with amputations. Twenty participants with chronic phantom pain completed sessions where they received visual feedback about their brain's responses to gentle stimulatio…

This study tested whether phone-based therapy could help veterans with chronic pain who also feel lonely. Researchers compared two types of therapy: one focused specifically on loneliness and another focused on pain management. The goal was to see if reducing loneliness could als…

This study tested whether a thinking skills training program, delivered via video calls to Veterans' homes, is practical and helpful for older Veterans with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The goal was to see if this 'telehealth' approach could improve attention, mood,…

This study tested a gentle, non-drug treatment for fibromyalgia pain in veterans. Fifty participants received either real or fake electrical stimulation on their ears to see if it reduced pain and improved function. Researchers used brain scans to try to understand how the treatm…

This small VA study tested whether a laser treatment used for other scars could help veterans who use prosthetic legs. The laser aims to reduce painful scarring on the residual limb, which often forces veterans to stop using their prosthesis. Researchers measured if the treatment…

This study tested whether a non-invasive magnetic brain stimulation could help older veterans stick with a home exercise program. Researchers enrolled 72 sedentary veterans over 60 and had them use a Nintendo Wii Fit for balance exercises at home. Some participants received real …

This study tested whether adding phone coaching from a VA coach helps veterans use a free, online sleep improvement program more effectively. The program teaches proven techniques for better sleep without medication. Researchers compared veterans who received coaching with those …

This study tested a new type of prosthetic foot designed to move more like a real ankle. Researchers wanted to find the best setting for how much the foot should twist when a person walks. Fourteen people with a below-the-knee amputation tried the adjustable foot while walking in…

This VA study tested a virtual mindfulness program called RECLAIM, designed to help post-9/11 Veterans struggling with depression and difficulty adjusting to civilian life. The small pilot study compared the mindfulness program to basic educational materials to see if it was prac…

This study tested a new vision-guided control system for a robotic arm mounted on a wheelchair. The goal was to see if this system could help people with spinal cord injuries perform everyday tasks, like picking up a glass of water, more easily and quickly than using a standard j…

This study tested a support program designed to help Spanish-speaking caregivers of veterans who have had a stroke. The program involved eight phone sessions and online tools to teach problem-solving skills. Researchers wanted to see if it could reduce caregivers' feelings of dep…

This study tested whether a 6-month supervised exercise program could help older veterans manage their PTSD symptoms and improve their physical health. Researchers worked with 80 veterans who had lived with PTSD for many years, measuring changes in their symptoms, walking enduran…

This study tested whether remote health coaching could help veterans with chronic, widespread pain and fatigue (like fibromyalgia) improve their daily function and reduce pain. 260 veterans were randomly assigned to receive either personalized health coaching focused on lifestyle…

This study tested a phone-based coaching program designed to help veterans with type 2 diabetes. The goal was to reduce the emotional burden and stress of managing the disease daily. First, researchers asked some veterans to take photos to help explain their challenges. Then, a s…

This study tested whether a single-day group workshop could help veterans dealing with the combined effects of mild brain injury, chronic pain, PTSD, depression, or anxiety. The workshop taught life skills to help manage distress and improve daily functioning, aiming to be more a…

This small pilot study tested whether a simple text-based program could help veterans with social anxiety. The program aimed to help them notice and reduce 'safety behaviors'—like avoiding eye contact—that can make social situations harder. The goal was to see if this approach wa…

This study tested whether a medication called pregnenolone could help reduce symptoms of PTSD in veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. For 10 weeks, 96 veterans with PTSD received either the real medication or a placebo pill, without knowing which one. Researchers measured…

This study tested a new group therapy program designed to help Veterans of Color build resilience against the stress caused by racism and discrimination. Thirty-seven veterans participated in an 8-week online group session, comparing the new program to a standard wellness therapy…

This study tested whether Tai Chi, a gentle mind-body exercise, could help reduce chronic symptoms in Veterans with Gulf War Illness. Researchers compared 12 weeks of Tai Chi classes to wellness education in 114 Veterans. They measured changes in pain, fatigue, thinking skills, a…

This study tested whether a new, brief therapy program could help Veterans manage anxiety symptoms better than the usual care they receive. The program, called Veterans Anxiety Skills Training (VAST), offered up to six short counseling sessions focused on practical coping skills.…

This study tested a new mobile app called VetEd, designed to help student veterans who have mental health conditions like depression or PTSD. The app helps with study skills, managing stress, and finding campus and VA resources. Fifteen veterans tried the app for four weeks to se…

This study tested a new sleep therapy program designed for older veterans who have both memory problems and trouble sleeping. The program combines standard sleep therapy with special memory support strategies to help participants follow the treatment better. Researchers wanted to…

This VA study tested a new approach to suicide prevention for high-risk Veterans. It paired Veterans struggling with suicidal thoughts and depression with trained 'Peer Specialists'—fellow Veterans who have faced similar challenges. The goal was to see if this mentorship, focused…

This study tested a group workshop called STEP-Home, designed to help post-9/11 Veterans who were struggling to adjust after military service. The workshop taught practical skills for managing emotions, solving problems, and focusing attention to improve daily life and community …

This study tested a new 10-week online therapy program for veterans with major depression and a history of suicide attempts. The program used brain-training exercises and problem-solving practice to help improve decision-making and manage depression symptoms. Researchers wanted t…

This study tested a new therapy called Impact of Killing (IOK) for veterans with PTSD related to moral injury—the deep emotional and psychological distress from actions in war that violate one's moral beliefs. It compared IOK to a standard supportive therapy to see if it better i…

This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment could reduce chronic pain, headaches, and depression in veterans with Gulf War Illness. Researchers enrolled 204 veterans who served in the 1990-1991 Gulf War and experienced significant daily pain. The treatmen…

This study tested a special type of spring-powered footwear, called exoskeleton footwear, to see if it could help people with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) walk better. PAD causes painful leg cramps when walking. Researchers tested the shoes on 47 people over 40, including some…

This study compared two approaches to help veterans with PTSD, sleep apnea, and chronic insomnia sleep better and use their CPAP machine more consistently. Fifty-three veterans received either brief behavioral therapy alone or the same therapy plus a prescription sleep medication…

This study tested a therapy designed to help Veterans with PTSD improve their social relationships and support networks. Researchers compared a specialized therapy (ACT-SS) against a common treatment (PCT) in 107 Veterans. The goal was to see if the new approach could better help…

This study aimed to improve chronic pain care for Veterans aged 65 and older. Researchers talked with Veterans and their caregivers to understand what personal life information would be most helpful for doctors. They then created and tested a computer tool to share this personal …

This study tested whether specially designed shoes could help people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) walk more easily. PAD causes leg pain when walking due to poor blood flow. Ten participants tried shoes with carbon fiber or spring-loaded soles for three months to see if th…

This study tested whether two types of therapy groups, focused on improving thinking patterns and social skills, could be effectively led by 'Peer Specialists'—people who have personal experience recovering from serious mental illness. The goal was to see if this approach could m…

This study tested whether a home-based speech and exercise program delivered through telemedicine could help people with Parkinson's disease speak more clearly. It involved 104 Veterans with Parkinson's who had speech difficulties. The goal was to see if this remote program could…

This study tested whether a brief talk therapy program could help veterans better manage chronic pain in primary care settings. 184 veterans with long-term musculoskeletal pain received either six short therapy sessions plus usual care or usual care alone. Researchers measured ho…

This study tested whether a simple, 4-week program combining pain education with a pedometer-guided walking plan could help veterans manage chronic pain while they are also receiving treatment for opioid addiction. The goal was to see if this approach was practical and acceptable…

This study tested whether giving a simple, pocket-sized hearing amplifier to older veterans with hearing loss during an emergency room visit helps them communicate better with doctors and understand their discharge instructions. Researchers enrolled 133 veterans aged 60+ with mil…

This study tested a new training program called Collaborative Decision Skills Training (CDST) for veterans with conditions like schizophrenia or severe depression. The goal was to teach veterans skills to help them work more closely with their doctors on treatment plans. Research…

This study aimed to understand how stress and negative emotions affect alcohol use in women veterans, including those with PTSD. Researchers tested whether teaching a specific emotion regulation skill could help reduce alcohol cravings triggered by stress. They also examined how …

This study compared two common surgeries for severe ankle arthritis: fusion and joint replacement. Researchers followed 368 patients for up to 12 years after surgery, tracking their pain, mobility, and daily step counts. The goal was to understand which procedure provides better …

This study tested if a simple wrist sensor could detect early signs of agitation in people with dementia. Researchers monitored the skin's electrical activity in 21 patients to see if it changed before disruptive outbursts occurred. The goal was to find a warning signal that coul…

This study aimed to understand which specific daily activities—like lifting or bending—might trigger short-term back pain 'flares' or help with long-term recovery. Researchers followed 416 veterans with low back pain for a year, having them report their pain and activities throug…

This study explored how transgender veterans access gender-affirming treatments through VA healthcare systems. Researchers surveyed nearly 1,000 veterans to identify barriers and understand their experiences with mental healthcare and hormone therapy. The goal was to gather infor…

This study aimed to understand how brain activity might predict which type of reward-based therapy works best for Veterans recovering from cocaine addiction. Researchers studied 63 Veterans to see if brain signals measured before treatment could indicate whether they would respon…

This study aimed to find out how common vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency is in veterans who are sick enough to be hospitalized and don't drink heavily. Researchers tested 206 veterans to measure vitamin levels, check for symptoms like weakness and confusion, and see if inflammati…

This study aimed to understand how the brain works during movement in people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers compared brain activity in people with and without Parkinson's while they performed foot-tapping tasks and participated in partnered dance classes. The goal was to l…

This study tested a process for telling veterans about genetic risks found in their health data, specifically for heart disease. Researchers compared giving this information immediately versus waiting six months to see if it changed how veterans managed their cholesterol. The goa…

This study aimed to see if a simple brain wave test could help match Veterans with mental health conditions to the right type of brain training. Researchers enrolled 100 Veterans from VA programs to measure their brain activity and see how it related to their thinking skills and …

This VA study aimed to better understand the sleep patterns of Veterans suffering from trauma-related nightmares. Researchers used a special mattress sensor at home to monitor sleep over multiple nights, both before and during a therapy program for nightmares. The goal was to ide…

This study tested a web-based tool designed to help women Veterans prepare for conversations about their reproductive health during primary care visits. Researchers sent a link to the tool to half of the 465 participants before their appointment to see if it improved discussions …

This study tested a smartphone app designed to help veterans with serious mental health conditions track their own well-being. The app passively collects data on phone use, movement, and sleep patterns, which may act as warning signs for worsening symptoms. Researchers aimed to s…

This study aimed to find the best ways to help more veterans get access to proven medications for opioid addiction and alternative pain therapies. Researchers combined six smaller projects to test support strategies across 63 VA clinics. The goal was to learn what works to improv…

This study aimed to understand why people with Parkinson's disease often have severe balance and walking problems that don't improve with standard medications. Researchers tested 60 people with Parkinson's to see if these issues might be linked to changes in the inner ear's balan…

This study aimed to find objective brain-based markers for PTSD, moving beyond reliance on patient interviews and questionnaires. Researchers measured electrical brain activity (EEG) during sleep in veterans with PTSD at different stages of their therapy. The goal was to see if s…

This study aims to understand how COVID-19 affects veterans with chronic lung diseases and their recovery process. Researchers followed 622 veterans and their caregivers for one year, conducting surveys and interviews to track health outcomes and rehabilitation needs. The study c…

This study tested a new 'Relational Playbook' designed to help cardiology team leaders create a more supportive and positive work environment. The goal was to see if using this guidebook, with or without extra leadership coaching, was practical and well-received by staff. The stu…

This study explored whether taking calcium before exercise helps bones get stronger from workouts. Researchers monitored 18 veterans during a 4-week treadmill program to see if exercise temporarily weakens bones by pulling calcium from them. The goal was to gather evidence to des…

This study explored whether a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation technique could help older adults with walking difficulties learn and remember new walking skills, like stepping over obstacles. Researchers tested 72 older adults, using the stimulation during walking practice an…

This study tested whether veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and insomnia could measure their internal body clock from home. Researchers asked 31 veterans to wear a wrist device for a week and collect saliva samples to see if these home methods were practical. The goal wa…