Va Office Of Research And Development

This study is testing the safety of a new type of MRI scan that helps surgeons see the hard-to-spot edges of a deadly brain tumor called glioblastoma. The goal is to see if using this scan to guide surgery allows doctors to safely remove more of the tumor than standard methods. T…

This study aims to find the best way to use a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS to help veterans quit smoking. It will compare stimulating two different brain areas to see which one is more effective at reducing cigarette use. The study will enroll 56 veterans …

This study is testing two different ways to roll out a support program for homeless veterans who have mental health or substance use issues. The program connects veterans with trained peer supporters who help them engage with healthcare services and create personal health plans. …

This study aims to help veterans who smoke but aren't ready to quit completely. It compares two medications—varenicline (Chantix) and nicotine lozenges—to see which better helps people reduce smoking and eventually make a quit attempt. 400 veterans across three VA hospitals will …

This study is testing if adding a drug called hydroxychloroquine to a standard liver cancer treatment (TACE) makes it work better. TACE works by cutting off a tumor's blood supply to starve it. Researchers think cancer cells survive this starvation by 'eating' themselves, a proce…

This study is testing a 9-week online program designed to help veterans who have both chronic pain and opioid addiction. The program provides personalized weekly feedback and daily check-ins to help manage pain and support recovery while participants continue their standard medic…

This study tests whether a 3-month virtual program can help older veterans with mobility issues eat better and feel more connected. Participants will receive online nutrition classes, cooking demonstrations, and fresh produce deliveries. Researchers want to see if this approach i…

This VA study aims to find out if veterans with high-grade, early-stage bladder cancer can safely have fewer invasive check-up procedures. It will compare a schedule with fewer cystoscopies to the current standard of very frequent ones, tracking survival and cancer outcomes over …

This study is testing whether providing home-delivered meals and extra dietary counseling to older veterans after a heart failure hospitalization helps them recover better. It will compare this support to standard dietary advice alone. The main goal is to see if the meals help pe…

This study is testing whether low-intensity focused ultrasound can help reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans. The treatment uses sound waves to gently stimulate deep brain areas involved in trauma without surgery. Researchers will compare different treatment schedules over one month …

This study is testing whether a virtual group exercise program combined with health education is better than health education alone at reducing the risk of falls and increasing daily activity in older Veterans. It focuses on Veterans aged 55+ who have obesity and signs of muscle …

This study tests whether a personalized support program helps veterans newly diagnosed with sleep apnea use their treatment devices more consistently and sleep better. The program helps veterans choose treatments that fit their personal health goals and values. Researchers will c…

This study is testing whether a 5-day intensive brain stimulation treatment can reduce PTSD symptoms in Veterans. Researchers will compare real magnetic stimulation to a placebo treatment in 90 Veterans with PTSD. The goal is to see if this faster approach works as well as tradit…

This study is testing a 10-session group program designed to help Veterans with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder work more effectively with their treatment teams. The goal is to help Veterans gain the skills and confidence to collaborate on their ow…

This study is testing whether a common sleep medication (suvorexant) can help veterans with PTSD and insomnia reduce their fear responses. Researchers will use a home-based training program where veterans learn to face fear triggers in a safe way while taking either the medicatio…

This study is testing a new computer tool designed to help pharmacists spot unnecessary or potentially harmful medications prescribed to older Veterans living in VA nursing homes. The goal is to safely reduce these 'low-value' prescriptions, which can cause serious side effects. …

This study is testing whether using a robotic exoskeleton to help people with chronic spinal cord injury walk, combined with a mild electrical stimulation on the spine, can improve their muscle size and bone strength. Researchers will compare the effects of real spinal stimulatio…

This study is testing a phone-based counseling program designed to help Veterans who have chronic pain quit smoking. The program uses automated phone calls (IVR) to provide support and strategies. Researchers want to see if this approach helps people quit smoking more successfull…

This study aims to help more Veterans with serious mental illness (like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) quit smoking. It tests a support program for VA mental health providers to make it easier for them to prescribe safe, effective quit-smoking medications. The goal is to clos…

This large VA study aims to determine which of two commonly prescribed blood thinners is safer and more effective for preventing strokes in veterans with atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat). The trial will compare apixaban (Eliquis) and rivaroxaban (Xarelto) in approxima…

This study aims to help homeless Veterans who have been housed stay in their homes by better treating substance use disorders. It will test adding two proven treatments—addiction medication and therapy—to the VA's existing housing support program across 12 sites. The goal is to s…

This study aims to improve how the VA helps Veterans quit smoking when they come in for lung cancer screening. It will test a support package at seven VA medical centers to better connect patients with counseling and medication. The goal is to reduce smoking rates and lower lung …

This study is testing if semaglutide, a medication currently used for diabetes and weight loss, can help U.S. veterans with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder. About 440 veterans will receive either the real medication or a placebo injection weekly for 28 weeks to see if it …

This study is testing whether psilocybin, the active compound in 'magic mushrooms,' combined with psychological support, can help veterans with severe depression that hasn't improved with standard treatments. The trial will include 240 U.S. military veterans, some of whom also ha…

This study is testing whether therapy sessions combined with the drug MDMA can help military veterans who struggle with both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder. Researchers will compare the full MDMA-assisted therapy to a similar therapy with a very lo…

This study is developing and testing a new phone-based support program for older veterans who have just left the hospital. The goal is to help them regain their ability to do daily activities like dressing, bathing, and moving around at home. Researchers will work with 40 veteran…

This VA program aims to help clinics better provide proven health services for women Veterans in midlife. It will test two different support strategies across at least 18 VA facilities to help them offer trauma-informed care, menopause symptom therapy, and weight management progr…

This study tests whether having pharmacists manage gout medication through telehealth works better than standard doctor-led care. It will involve 310 veterans with gout across five VA medical centers over two years. The main goals are to see if the pharmacist-led approach reduces…

This study is testing a new way to provide care for veterans with opioid addiction. It combines addiction treatment with screening and prevention for serious infections like HIV and hepatitis C into a single clinic visit. The goal is to make it easier for veterans to get all the …

This study aims to help veterans with PTSD transition from initial stabilization treatments to more effective, recommended therapies. Researchers will interview veterans and clinicians to understand current treatment patterns, then test a new support program designed to facilitat…

This study aims to see if a personalized treatment plan works better than the standard one-time approach to eliminate H. pylori, a common stomach bacteria. It will involve 360 veterans who have never been treated for this infection before. Researchers will compare a standard 14-d…

This study is testing a new computer tool that uses artificial intelligence to help doctors quickly figure out the specific cause of sudden kidney injury in hospitalized veterans. The tool provides step-by-step guidance to ensure the right tests are ordered at the right time. The…

This study is testing whether a support program delivered by Veteran peer specialists can help prevent suicide. It will enroll 306 Veterans at risk for suicide to compare a 3-month peer support program against usual care. The program involves 12 one-on-one sessions focused on bui…

This study aims to prevent suicide among veterans by testing if a one-on-one conversation with another veteran can encourage safer firearm storage. It will compare this peer counseling approach to just receiving educational materials. The goal is to see if the personal discussion…

This study is testing a new virtual exercise program designed to prevent falls in older Veterans. It focuses on strengthening hip muscles, which are important for balance, through home-based workouts before participants join a standard VA fitness class. Researchers want to see if…

This study is testing whether a prescription cream called Imiquimod can prevent new basal cell skin cancers from forming on the face. It will involve 1,630 Veterans at high risk for this cancer, who will apply either the real cream or a placebo to their face nightly for 12 weeks.…

This study aims to see if adding computer-based brain training to a walking and strength exercise program helps prevent falls in older veterans with multiple sclerosis (MS). Thirty participants will be randomly assigned to either exercise with brain training or exercise with simp…

This large VA study aims to increase lung cancer screening among eligible Veterans. It will test whether using personalized risk prediction tools, alongside support for doctors and patients, can get more people screened compared to current standard guidelines. The goal is to find…

This study is creating a training program to help veterans with spinal cord injuries and bladder problems communicate better with their doctors. The goal is to prevent these veterans from receiving antibiotics when they don't actually have an infection, which happens often. By em…

This study aims to test a new counseling approach designed to help prevent suicide among Veterans. It will work with up to 50 Veterans who own firearms and are at elevated risk, providing counseling focused on safe storage and temporary removal of guns. The main goal is to see if…

This study is testing whether adding a new career counseling program to an existing job assistance program helps unemployed Veterans with mental health or substance use conditions. Researchers want to see if the combined approach helps more Veterans find stable, meaningful work a…

This study is testing whether adding a brief couples therapy can improve treatment for Veterans who have both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder. Veterans will receive standard individual therapy, and they and their romantic partners will also attend 3…

This study is testing whether a non-drug brain stimulation technique called iTBS can help reduce impulsivity in Veterans with ADHD. The treatment uses magnetic pulses to target brain areas involved in self-control. Researchers want to see if this approach is practical and accepta…

This study is testing a new prosthetic foot designed to help Veterans with below-knee amputations walk more easily on slopes and uneven ground. Researchers will compare the new Slope Adaptive Foot to a standard hydraulic foot to see which one helps Veterans participate more in da…

This study aims to improve a standard exercise program for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Researchers want to see if walking on an inclined treadmill is better than walking faster on a flat surface at helping patients feel less short of breath. About 54…

This study is testing an 8-session online program called MOVED that uses inspiring stories of good deeds to help Veterans with PTSD. The program aims to reduce PTSD symptoms while improving social connections and quality of life. Researchers will compare it to a general support p…

This study is testing a counseling program designed to help veterans who have experienced homelessness. The program combines motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy to help participants increase their involvement in work, school, or training. Researchers will c…

This study is testing a brief, one-day therapy workshop designed to help Veterans who have both inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn's or colitis) and a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. The workshop uses acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to teach coping…

This study is testing a modified sleep therapy called SleepSMART, designed specifically for older Veterans who have trouble sleeping and mild memory issues. It compares this new approach to standard sleep therapy to see which is more effective at improving sleep. The goal is to h…

This study is testing if a 'smart' prosthetic knee that automatically adjusts while walking is better than a standard knee for Veterans with above-knee leg loss. About 20 Veterans will try both types of knees to see if the smart knee helps them walk faster, fall less, and feel mo…

This is a small pilot study testing whether a 16-week exercise program is practical and acceptable for older Veterans with advanced kidney disease. The program includes both in-center and at-home physical activity and strength training. The main goal is to see if Veterans find th…

This study is creating and testing a new support program for pregnant and postpartum veterans who have serious mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. The program will connect these veterans with trained peer specialists—other veterans who have person…

This study is testing if a medication called atomoxetine, already approved for ADHD, can help Veterans with PTSD who also have trouble with attention, focus, and thinking skills. Researchers want to see if improving these 'executive functions' can also reduce PTSD symptoms and im…

This VA study is developing and testing a specialized telehealth therapy program to help aging women veterans manage menopause symptoms like hot flashes, sleep problems, anxiety, and depression. The program adapts existing menopause therapy techniques to address the unique needs …

This study is designing and testing a personalized coaching program to help U.S. military Veterans with long-term muscle and bone pain. The goal is to help Veterans create and stick to their own self-care plans to manage their pain better. Researchers will first gather feedback f…

This study is testing different ways to roll out a mobile app called MyHealtheBladder, which teaches women veterans exercises and strategies to manage urinary incontinence (bladder leakage). The main goal is to see which implementation method helps more eligible veterans access a…

This study is testing whether a small breathing device can help Veterans with COPD get better results from their pulmonary rehab program. Researchers will compare the real device to a fake one to see if it helps people improve their shortness of breath, walking ability, and quali…

This study is testing a self-help program designed for post-9/11 veterans experiencing depression or PTSD symptoms who are not currently in therapy. The program teaches healthy coping skills and guides veterans toward support services if they choose to seek them later. Researcher…

This study aims to create a new home exercise bike designed specifically for wheelchair users. The bike will connect to video and virtual reality fitness apps that offer social features and motivation, which are often missing from current options. Researchers will test the bike's…

This study is creating and testing a new support program called I-SLEPT for Veterans returning home after rehabilitation. The program aims to help stabilize sleep patterns and increase participation in meaningful daily activities during this vulnerable recovery period. It will in…

This study aims to improve a portable brain-computer interface (BCI) device that helps people with paralysis control computers and mobile devices using their thoughts. Two veterans with conditions like spinal cord injury or ALS will test the device at home to see if new software …

This study is testing whether a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation technique, delivered remotely at home, can improve thinking skills like memory and attention in veterans. The treatment pairs gentle electrical stimulation with brain-training games and is designed for veterans …

This study is testing if a phone-based game that rewards people for walking can help veterans with Parkinson's disease get more physical activity. Researchers want to see if increasing daily steps can improve movement problems like slowness and tremor, as well as other symptoms l…

This study is testing a video-call training program to help veterans who have had a mild to moderate brain injury in the past. The goal is to see if practicing attention and thinking skills at home can help them better manage daily tasks and feel more connected to their community…

This study is testing whether a 12-week video exercise coaching program can help veterans who were exposed to burn pits during military service. Veterans will either participate in the tele-exercise program or receive standard care to see if it improves their breathing, fitness, …

This study is testing whether an intravenous hormone called allopregnanolone can help reduce depression and pain in veterans who have had a mild traumatic brain injury. 132 participants will receive either the hormone or a placebo infusion, and researchers will track changes in t…

This study aims to help family and friends who care for seriously ill older veterans living in rural areas. It will test whether connecting these caregivers with a trained community health worker for six months can reduce their stress and improve their satisfaction with care. The…

This study is testing whether combining two approaches works better for Parkinson's patients with overactive bladder symptoms when one treatment alone isn't enough. Researchers will give 146 veterans with Parkinson's either pelvic floor exercises or medication first, then add the…

This study aims to see if fine-tuning deep brain stimulation (DBS) settings can help improve specific vision problems common in Parkinson's disease, like double vision and difficulty focusing at different depths. Researchers will study 80 people who already have DBS implants, usi…

This study is testing a new group talk therapy called 'Headache Reprocessing' for Veterans who have persistent headaches after a mild concussion. It will be compared to a standard headache education program to see if it's practical, safe, and helpful. The goal is to reduce the im…

This study aims to find the best way to get a proven talk therapy for insomnia to more older veterans. It will compare two different support methods across 20 VA facilities to see which helps more veterans start and complete the sleep program. The therapy itself, called SWELL, te…

This study is testing a new support program to help veterans with knee osteoarthritis stick with their prescribed home exercises. It will enroll 360 veterans receiving physical therapy. The program provides tools during therapy and follow-up coaching calls for nine months to help…

This study aims to find the best way to roll out a group physical therapy program for veterans with knee osteoarthritis across 20 VA facilities. It will compare two different support methods for the clinics while tracking how many veterans join the program and how it affects thei…

This study is testing whether combining a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation technique with yoga is better than either treatment alone for reducing chronic low back pain in Veterans. Researchers want to see if this drug-free approach can improve pain, daily function, and qualit…

This study is creating and testing a new type of exercise program designed to help older veterans maintain their mobility and independence. Researchers will work with veterans to design a 'power training' program that focuses on building leg strength and speed. The program will b…

This VA study is testing if a simple, at-home device that gently stimulates a nerve in the neck can improve walking and balance for Veterans with Parkinson's disease. The goal is to reduce falls and help people stay independent longer. About 40 participants will use the handheld …

This study is testing a smartphone app designed to help Veterans who have both PTSD and depression. The app teaches skills to manage emotions and relationships, which can improve daily life at work, home, and socially. Researchers want to see if the app is easy to use and helpful…

This study aims to find safe, non-addictive treatments for chronic low back pain in US military veterans. It will test two naturally occurring brain chemicals, pregnenolone and DHEA, to see if they can reduce pain. The trial will involve 108 veterans and will carefully adjust dos…

This study is testing a new therapy designed to help veterans with PTSD and alcohol misuse improve their romantic relationships. The therapy focuses on managing difficult emotions and building healthier relationship skills. It will be piloted with 29 veterans who are experiencing…

This study is testing whether a program called 'Peer Support for Whole Health' helps Veterans who are struggling with relationships, work, or daily tasks. The program is led by other Veterans who have recovered from similar challenges and focuses on values and self-care. Research…

This study aims to develop and test a specialized 12-session group therapy program designed specifically for male veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma. The program focuses on reducing shame, improving mental health, and helping participants regain a sense of hope …

This study is testing a remote, video-based sleep therapy program tailored for U.S. military Veterans with PTSD. The program aims to improve sleep, reduce nightmares, and help Veterans function better during the day. Researchers will compare this specialized therapy to a basic sl…

This study aims to understand how adjustable prosthetic sockets work for veterans with leg amputations. Researchers will fit 25 veterans with an adjustable socket and measure the pressure inside it during activities like sitting, standing, and walking on a treadmill. The goal is …

This study aims to see if trained Veteran peer navigators can help other Veterans make better-informed decisions about prostate cancer screening. It will involve 228 male Veterans aged 40-69 who are considering screening. The goal is to improve the quality of these decisions by p…

This study aims to understand why central sleep apnea is hard to treat in people with heart failure. Researchers will test combinations of a standard breathing machine (PAP) with different add-on treatments in 200 Veterans. The goal is to find better ways to manage this sleep dis…

This VA study aims to understand what nerve connections remain in veterans with chronic spinal cord injuries. Researchers will use surveys, MRI scans, and non-invasive spinal stimulation to measure these connections and see how they relate to potential movement recovery. The goal…

This study aims to understand how Long COVID affects walking and balance in veterans. Researchers will compare veterans with and without Long COVID by testing their thinking, vision, strength, and how they walk and stand in challenging situations. The goal is to gather informatio…

This VA study aims to develop new rehabilitation methods to help veterans with age-related macular degeneration see better. Researchers will teach 20 veterans to use their hands as 'seeing eyes' to recognize objects and text. The study will measure both how accurately participant…

This study aims to test a new program that uses text messages to educate Veterans with COPD about virtual healthcare options like telehealth and patient portals. The goal is to see if this texting program is easy to use and acceptable to patients and their care teams. Researchers…

This study aims to test a program designed to reduce unnecessary urine tests given to patients before surgery. It will run at six Veterans Affairs hospitals over two years. The goal is to see if the program successfully reduces these tests and any unnecessary antibiotic prescript…

This study aims to understand how a 12-week exercise program changes brain activity in response to food pictures and stress in inactive, overweight veterans. Researchers will use brain scans and hormone tests to see if exercise alters how the brain processes food cues and stress.…