Va Office Of Research And Development

This study looks at whether low doses of two common blood pressure drugs, spironolactone and chlorthalidone, can safely lower blood pressure in people with moderate to advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). About 160 US veterans with CKD and high blood pressure will take one or b…

This study tests a new care model for veterans with opioid use disorder that combines infectious disease screening and treatment with their usual medication-assisted therapy in a single appointment. The goal is to make it easier for veterans to get tested and treated for infectio…

This study compares two approaches to managing uric acid-lowering medications in 310 veterans with gout. Participants will be followed for up to two years to see which method better reduces gout flares and helps patients reach healthy uric acid levels. The goal is to improve long…

This study tests whether a hormone called hCG (Ovidrel) can safely improve thinking and daily function in men who had a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury 1 to 6 months earlier. Fifty men will receive either hCG or a placebo twice a week for 24 weeks. The goal is to see if…

This study tests whether providing home-delivered meals and extra dietary advice after a hospital stay helps older veterans with heart failure. About 1,400 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the meal support plus standard care or standard care alone. The goa…

This study tests if semaglutide, a drug used for diabetes, can help veterans with alcohol use disorder drink less. About 622 veterans will get either the drug or a placebo shot for 28 weeks. The goal is to see if it safely reduces heavy drinking and improves health.

This study looks at whether offering medication and therapy for substance use disorders can help homeless veterans stay in their homes. About 8,000 veterans in VA supportive housing will be offered addiction treatment. The goal is to reduce returns to homelessness by making treat…

This study tests whether empagliflozin, a drug currently used for diabetes, can improve blood vessel function and exercise ability in veterans with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who do not have diabetes. About 52 participants will take the drug or a placebo for several weeks. The …

This study tests whether the drug varenicline can help veterans who smoke at least 5 cigarettes a day and are not ready to quit to cut down and eventually stop. About 400 veterans will take the medication and be followed for a year to see if they reduce smoking or quit. The goal …

This study compares a personalized treatment plan for H. pylori infection against the usual standard care in 360 veterans. The personalized approach uses genetic testing and antibiotic sensitivity to choose the best drugs. The goal is to see which method cures more infections wit…

This study tests whether using smartphone data (like activity and sleep patterns) along with support from peer specialists can help veterans with serious mental illness avoid crises and hospital visits. About 400 veterans with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar d…

This study will compare two blood thinners, apixaban (Eliquis) and rivaroxaban (Xarelto), in about 10,000 veterans with atrial fibrillation to see which one works better at preventing strokes and major bleeding. Participants must already be taking one of these drugs. The study wi…

This study tests whether taking capsules made from healthy people's gut bacteria can prevent future episodes of hepatic encephalopathy (brain problems caused by liver disease) in veterans with cirrhosis. About 162 participants will take these capsules or a placebo. The goal is to…

This study looks at whether veterans with high-grade, early-stage bladder cancer can safely have fewer follow-up exams after initial treatment. About 2,500 participants will be split into two groups: one with standard frequent checkups and one with less frequent checkups. Researc…

This study tests a new treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for veterans with severe stimulant use disorder. About 106 participants will receive either real or sham rTMS to see if it reduces relapse rates and improves brain reward function. The goa…

This study tests whether walking in a robotic exoskeleton combined with mild electrical stimulation to the spinal cord can improve muscle and bone health in people with long-term spinal cord injury. Twenty-four participants who cannot walk will be assigned to either active stimul…

This study tests two types of non-invasive brain stimulation (rTMS) to help veterans stop smoking. About 56 veterans who smoke at least 10 cigarettes a day will receive either standard or precision-guided rTMS over three weeks. Researchers will measure how much smoking decreases …

This study tests a new computer tool that helps doctors figure out the cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized veterans. AKI is common and serious, but its cause can be hard to diagnose quickly. The tool uses rules and artificial intelligence to guide doctors toward th…

This study tests a 6-week virtual rehabilitation program to help prevent falls in older veterans who have cognitive impairment (memory or thinking problems). Falls are a major cause of injury and hospital stays for this group. The program is delivered remotely via video calls and…

This study tests whether a live, home-based virtual exercise program that strengthens hip muscles can reduce fall risk in older veterans. About 110 veterans aged 65 and older who are at risk for falls will take part. The program is done before joining the Gerofit exercise program…

This study tests whether a cream called imiquimod can prevent new basal cell carcinoma (a common skin cancer) on the face. About 1,630 veterans at high risk will apply the cream or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Researchers will check for new cancers over one and three years.

This study tests a new program called PREVAIL-VA, where trained peer specialists—veterans who have their own mental health challenges—provide one-on-one support to fellow veterans at risk for suicide. Over 3 months, 306 veterans will receive either this peer support or usual care…

This study tests whether a one-hour peer-led discussion about safe firearm storage can help veterans store their guns more securely. About 100 veterans who own firearms and currently store them unsafely will take part. Half will have the peer discussion; the other half will recei…

This study tests a 12-session group therapy designed specifically for veteran men who experienced military sexual trauma (MST). The goal is to reduce shame and improve recovery, belonging, and mental health. Researchers will interview veterans and clinicians, then run a small pil…

This study aims to see if peer support can help pregnant and postpartum veterans who have serious mental illness. Researchers will develop a program where trained peer specialists offer support, then test it with 24 veterans to see if it is helpful and practical. The goal is to i…

This study tests whether a 5-day course of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans. TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain and is already approved for depression. The trial will compare real TMS to a sham treatment in 90 veterans who …

This study will test if a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called iTBS can help veterans with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve daily functioning. About 35 veterans with ADHD will receive either real or placebo stimulation over several sessions. The goal is to see if th…

This study looks at whether suvorexant, a medicine used for insomnia, can help Veterans with PTSD and sleep problems better process and overcome fearful memories. About 40 Veterans will take the drug for a week and undergo tests measuring their fear responses. The goal is to see …

This study will test a smartphone app designed to help veterans who have both PTSD and depression. The app teaches skills to manage emotions and relationships, based on a proven talk therapy. Forty veterans will use the app for several weeks and report how it affects their mood a…

This study tests whether a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS can improve thinking skills like memory and attention in veterans who have both traumatic brain injury and PTSD. About 46 veterans will receive either real or fake stimulation at home while do…

This study tests a program called Veteran Voices and Visions (VVV) for 160 veterans with schizophrenia who hear voices. The program uses peer-led group sessions to reduce distress from psychosis and help veterans feel a sense of belonging. Researchers will compare VVV to another …

This pilot study tests a 16-week physical activity and power training program for up to 30 older Veterans with advanced chronic kidney disease. The main goal is to see if the program is doable and well-liked by participants. The study focuses on improving leg strength and self-ca…

This study is developing and testing a new type of talk therapy called ACT-SHARE for veterans who have both PTSD and alcohol problems and are struggling with their romantic relationships. The therapy helps veterans manage difficult feelings and urges while focusing on actions tha…

This study tests a digital treatment program for veterans who have both chronic pain and opioid use disorder and are already taking buprenorphine. The program is designed to be done from home and aims to reduce pain interference and improve daily functioning. About 250 veterans w…

This study tests a telephone-based program to help veterans who have both chronic pain and a smoking habit quit smoking. The program uses interactive voice response technology to deliver counseling and support. Researchers will enroll 220 veterans and track their smoking abstinen…

This study looks at whether trained community health workers can reduce the stress and workload of people caring for seriously ill older veterans living in rural areas. About 480 care partners will be randomly assigned to receive extra support connecting to community and VA resou…

This study tests whether combining a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called iTBS with yoga can help veterans suffering from chronic low back pain. About 213 veterans will receive either iTBS plus yoga or a control treatment. The goal is to see if this drug-free approach …

This study tests a guided self-help program for veterans with moderate depression. Participants follow a workbook and get coaching sessions from their VA primary care team. The goal is to see if this approach is practical and helps reduce depression symptoms, potentially making m…

This study tests two natural brain molecules as new pain treatments for 108 veterans with chronic low back pain. The goal is to find safe, non-addictive options that reduce pain and improve quality of life. Participants will take the study drug and report their pain levels over t…

This study tests a personalized coaching program to help veterans with chronic muscle or joint pain create and stick to self-care plans. About 30 veterans will try the program for 3 months. The goal is to see if this approach is practical and helpful for managing pain without rel…

This study tests a new type of prosthetic foot that automatically adjusts to slopes and uneven ground, helping veterans with below-knee amputations walk more easily and safely. About 30 veterans will try both the new foot and a standard one to see which improves their ability to …

This study tests whether a 12-week, coach-led exercise program done at home via video calls can improve physical fitness and daily function in veterans who were exposed to burn pits during deployment. One hundred veterans aged 40 and older will either join the tele-exercise group…

This study will test a one-day acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) program designed for veterans who have both inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. The goal is to help them improve their daily functioning and quality…

This early-stage study tests whether an injection of anti-CD14 into the knee is safe and practical for treating knee osteoarthritis. About 30 Veterans with painful knee arthritis will receive either a low dose, high dose, or placebo injection. The goal is to see if this approach …

This study tests a sleep treatment designed for veterans with PTSD and insomnia. The goal is to see if improving sleep helps with daily activities and reduces PTSD symptoms like nightmares. About 182 veterans will take part in 8 to 12 sessions of this tailored therapy.

This study tests a new, non-invasive treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using low intensity focused ultrasound. The ultrasound energy targets deep brain areas involved in PTSD, aiming to improve symptoms and daily function. The study will include 60 veterans and m…

This study tests whether a gamification program—using game-like rewards and challenges—can help veterans with Parkinson's disease become more physically active. About 110 veterans will either use the gamification program or continue their usual routine. The goal is to see if incr…

This study tests whether atomoxetine, a non-addictive ADHD medication, can improve attention, thinking skills, and quality of life in 160 veterans with PTSD who also have attention problems. Participants will receive either atomoxetine or a placebo for 12 weeks, and researchers w…

This study tests a program called Peer Support for Whole Health, where trained Veterans (peer specialists) help other Veterans improve their relationships, work, and daily life. The program focuses on values and self-care. Researchers want to see if it boosts well-being and menta…

This study tests a new program for veterans with head and neck cancer. Standard care helps with swallowing problems, but hearing loss from treatment is often missed. The new program adds hearing tests and care, plus a nurse check for other needs. Researchers hope this will reduce…

This early-stage study tests whether a special MRI that highlights acidic areas can help surgeons see and remove more of an aggressive brain tumor called glioblastoma. The study involves 12 VA patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent glioblastoma. The main goal is to check if t…

This study looks at whether having a peer specialist—a fellow veteran trained to help—can encourage veterans to use mental health apps more often and reduce their psychological distress. About 384 veterans from three VA clinics will take part. The goal is to see how much peer sup…

This study tests whether a drug called allopregnanolone can reduce depression and pain in veterans who have had a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). About 132 participants will receive either the drug or a placebo through an IV. Researchers will check symptoms during the infusion…

This study looks at whether a self-help program can help post-9/11 veterans who have depression or PTSD but are not in therapy. The program teaches healthy coping skills and how to find support services. Two hundred veterans will be tracked over 40 weeks to see if their symptoms …

This study tests a new approach for veterans dealing with both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder. It combines individual therapy with a few sessions that include the veteran's romantic partner. The goal is to see if involving a loved one makes treatme…

This study tests a web-based program called MOVED for veterans with PTSD. The program uses inspiring stories to help reduce PTSD symptoms and improve social functioning and quality of life. About 250 veterans will be randomly assigned to either MOVED or a general supportive progr…

This study tests a new approach called Personalized Safety Plans (PSP) for veterans who are hospitalized due to suicide risk. The goal is to create a tailored plan during a single session, followed by brief coaching calls twice a month for three months after discharge. Researcher…

This study tests whether psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, can help veterans with depression that hasn't improved with at least two other treatments. 240 veterans will receive either psilocybin or a placebo in a controlled setting. The goal is to see if it red…

This study will test whether a microprocessor-controlled knee (a smart prosthetic knee) helps veterans with a leg amputation walk better and feel more confident compared to a standard mechanical knee. About 20 veterans will try both types of knees and report their mobility, balan…

This study tests a program called BOOST-OA to help 360 veterans with knee osteoarthritis stay on track with home exercises prescribed by their physical therapist. The program includes goal-setting tools and health coaching calls over 12 months. The main goal is to see if it impro…

This study aims to create a home-based arm exercise bike that works with video instruction and virtual reality for wheelchair users. The goal is to make exercise more accessible and motivating. Ten Veterans who use wheelchairs will test the system and provide feedback.

This study will adapt and test a cognitive behavioral therapy specifically for menopause (CBT-Meno) in women veterans aged 45 and older who have a major mental illness. The goal is to see if this tailored talk therapy can improve their daily functioning and quality of life by add…

This study tests a new sleep therapy called SleepSMART for veterans who have both insomnia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). SleepSMART is a version of standard cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) that includes extra memory aids to help veterans learn and stick w…

This study tests a new treatment called Headache reprocessing for people with persistent headaches after a mild traumatic brain injury. It will involve 60 veterans and compare the new treatment to a headache education program. The goal is to see if the treatment is safe, practica…

This study tests whether adding career counseling (Purposeful Pathways) to standard job training helps veterans with mental health or substance use disorders find and keep quality jobs. About 254 veterans will take part across three VA sites. The goal is to improve employment, qu…

This study tests whether a decision-making tool can help veterans with sleep apnea choose a treatment they will actually use. About 128 veterans newly diagnosed with sleep apnea will use the tool and get support based on their answers. The goal is to improve sleep quality and mak…

This study tests whether a special breathing device can help Veterans with COPD improve their symptoms and exercise ability faster during pulmonary rehabilitation and keep those benefits longer. About 120 Veterans will be randomly assigned to use either the real device or a sham …

This study looks at different ways to treat overactive bladder symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers want to see if combining behavioral therapy and medication helps those who don't improve with just one treatment. About 146 adults with Parkinson's and signific…

This study looks at whether routinely measuring walking speed in older veterans (age 60+) can act like a vital sign to spot early declines in physical function. The goal is to catch problems before they lead to falls or hospital stays. Over 10,000 veterans will take part, and the…

This study looks at how deep brain stimulation (DBS) can be adjusted to help people with Parkinson's disease improve their eye alignment and focus. Researchers will use eye-tracking and brain models to find the best stimulation settings. The goal is to reduce double vision and im…

This study is creating a program called I-SLEPT to help Veterans improve their sleep and stay engaged in meaningful activities after leaving a rehabilitation facility. The program will be tested with 60 Veterans to see if it is acceptable and helpful. The goal is to support a smo…

This study aims to find better ways to help Veterans quit smoking when they come in for lung cancer screening. Since smoking causes most lung cancers, combining screening with stop-smoking support could save more lives. The project will test new processes at a few VA sites and me…

This study is developing and testing a program to help older veterans recover their physical function after leaving the hospital. The program adds special assessments and support to an existing VA transitional care service. Researchers will work with 40 veterans aged 65 and older…

This study looks at whether adding computer-based cognitive training to walking and resistance exercises can improve walking and reduce falls in older veterans with multiple sclerosis. Thirty veterans will take part in a 10-week program, and their falls will be tracked for a year…

This study tests a group program that helps veterans with serious mental illness feel more comfortable and confident working with their doctors and therapists. The goal is to improve teamwork between veterans and their care teams so treatment better matches each veteran's persona…

This study tests whether trained veteran peer navigators can help veterans aged 40-69 make informed choices about PSA screening for prostate cancer. The goal is to improve shared decision-making and reduce confusion about the test's benefits and risks. About 228 veterans will par…

This study will test a program that gives doctors feedback and education to help them choose the safest pacemaker and defibrillator leads for Veterans. About 12 heart specialists will take part. The goal is to see if this approach increases the use of leads with the lowest failur…

This study tests a new counseling program for homeless veterans who are already housed through VA support. The program combines two proven therapies to help veterans find work, go to school, or get job training. 106 veterans will take part in a 24-week trial to see if the program…

This study is creating a special exercise program called power training to help older veterans improve their mobility. Researchers will work with 30 veterans aged 65 and older who are part of the Gerofit program. The goal is to see if the program is practical and liked by partici…

This study aims to find better ways to deliver health care to women Veterans, especially those in midlife who face issues like heart disease, obesity, and stress. Researchers will test two strategies across 18 VA facilities to help more women get the care they need. The study inv…

This study aims to develop new methods to help veterans whose vision has been damaged by age-related macular degeneration. Researchers will test how well participants recognize objects and measure brain activity before, during, and after the program. The study involves 20 veteran…

This study tests a program that gives veterans with spinal cord injury and bladder issues the tools to talk to their doctors and avoid antibiotics they don't need. About 30 veterans will use the program to help them decide when to seek treatment for bladder symptoms. The goal is …

This study aims to see if using prediction models to identify Veterans who would benefit most from lung cancer screening can increase the number of people who get screened. Lung cancer is the top cancer killer of Veterans, and screening catches it early when it's curable, but onl…

This study tests a program called PARTNER-MH, where trained peer specialists (fellow veterans) help minority veterans navigate mental health care over three months via telehealth. The goal is to improve care experiences and outcomes for 268 veterans from diverse backgrounds. The …

This study looks at 40 veterans with chronic spinal cord injury to find out which nerve connections still work below their injury. Researchers will use MRI scans and mild electrical or magnetic stimulation to map these connections. The goal is to learn who might benefit from futu…

This study tests a new tool called EVOLV-Rx to help doctors reduce unnecessary or risky medications in older veterans living in community living centers. About 1,161 veterans aged 65 and older will take part. The goal is to see if the tool can safely lower the number of unneeded …

This study looks at how exercise changes the way the brain reacts to stress and food in overweight veterans. Researchers will use brain scans and hormone tests to see if a 12-week exercise program can reduce stress-related eating. The goal is to understand the brain mechanisms be…

This study tests a program to reduce unnecessary urine testing before surgery at six VA hospitals. The goal is to see if a simple intervention can safely cut down on tests that don't help patients, reducing waste and unnecessary antibiotic use. The study involves tracking how man…

This study aims to improve a mobile brain-computer interface (BCI) that lets people with severe paralysis control computers and touchscreen devices using only their thoughts. Researchers will test the system's accuracy and ease of use in up to 2 participants who are already enrol…

This study works with 40 veterans who have PTSD to understand why many don't start recommended therapies like CPT or PE. Researchers will look at the treatments veterans try first and how that affects their next steps. The goal is to create a program that helps veterans get the r…

This study aims to see if a brief counseling program can help Veterans at risk for suicide reduce access to firearms. About 50 Veterans and their clinicians will take part. The goal is to find out if the program is practical and acceptable in primary care settings.

This study will test adjustable prosthetic sockets in 25 veterans with below-knee amputations. Researchers will measure the pressure inside the socket during sitting, standing, and walking to see how the fit changes. The goal is to understand if these adjustable sockets can help …

This study looks at how to best offer a program called EMPOWER to homeless veterans who often end up in the hospital or ER. The program uses trained peer coaches to help veterans connect with health services and set personal health goals. Researchers will compare a high-intensity…

This study looks at why people with heart failure or those taking opioid painkillers develop central sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops during sleep. Researchers will test combination therapies, like a breathing machine plus medication, in 200 Veterans. The goal is to…

This study looks at how different types of brain stimulation change brain activity in 250 military veterans with major depression. Researchers will use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and EEG to measure brain responses. The goal is to develop more personalized brain stimu…

This study tests a program to help mental health providers prescribe smoking cessation medications to veterans with serious mental illness (SMI). SMI veterans smoke at three times the rate of other veterans and die 10-15 years earlier. The program uses external facilitators to tr…

This study will test a text-message program called VC-OPTIONS to help Veterans with COPD learn about and use virtual care services like patient portals and telehealth. About 40 Veterans will receive texts from VA's Annie program to see if this approach is easy to use and helpful.…