Va Office Of Research And Development

This study looks at how to best help homeless veterans with mental health and substance use problems get the care they need. Researchers will compare a high-intensity versus a low-intensity approach to offering a program called EMPOWER, which uses peer support and whole health me…

This study tests whether combining passive smartphone monitoring with extra support from peer specialists can help veterans with serious mental illness avoid crises and reduce emergency room visits or hospital stays. About 400 veterans who own a smartphone and are at high risk wi…

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

This study tests whether a personalized treatment plan for H. pylori infection works better than the usual standard care in 360 veterans. Participants will either receive antibiotics chosen based on their specific bacteria and metabolism, or a standard four-drug combination. The …

This study looks at whether providing home-delivered meals and extra dietary advice to older veterans with heart failure can improve their recovery after leaving the hospital. About 1,400 veterans aged 60 and older will be randomly assigned to receive either the meal support plus…

This study tests a 6-week virtual rehabilitation program to help older veterans with cognitive impairment prevent falls. Falls are a major cause of injury and disability in this group. The program is delivered remotely and focuses on improving mobility, strength, and balance. 28 …

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

This study tests a sleep treatment designed specifically for veterans with PTSD and insomnia. The goal is to improve daily functioning and reduce sleep problems, including nightmares. About 182 veterans will take part in 8 to 12 therapy sessions.

This study is developing and testing a new therapy (ACT-SHARE) for veterans who have PTSD, drink too much alcohol, and are having problems in their romantic relationships—including conflict or aggression. About 29 veterans will try the therapy to see if it helps them manage diffi…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS can improve thinking skills like memory and attention in veterans who have both mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The stimulation is given remotely while pa…

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

This study tests whether a fast, 5-day form of brain stimulation (TMS) can reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans. About 90 veterans with chronic PTSD who still have symptoms despite current treatments will receive either real TMS or a sham procedure. The goal is to see if this quicker…

This study looks at how exercise changes the way the brain responds to stress and food in overweight veterans. Researchers will use brain scans and hormone tests to see if a 12-week exercise program alters reactions to high-calorie food images and mental math tasks. The goal is t…

This early safety study tests a special MRI that uses pH (acid levels) to better show the edges of glioblastoma, a hard-to-treat brain tumor. The goal is to help surgeons remove more of the tumor while keeping patients safe. Only 12 veterans with suspected or recurrent glioblasto…

This study tests a new counseling program for homeless-experienced veterans who are already housed through VA support. The program combines two types of talk therapy to help them find work, go to school, or get job training. About 106 veterans will take part, and the study will s…

This study aims to find out if less frequent or more frequent follow-up tests are better for veterans with high-grade, early-stage bladder cancer. About 2,500 participants will be randomly assigned to either a low- or high-intensity surveillance schedule after their initial treat…

This study tests a group program to help veterans with serious mental illness feel more comfortable and confident working with their doctors and therapists. About 119 veterans from three VA centers will take part. The goal is to see if the program helps veterans set personal goal…

This study looks at how to help VA medical centers better serve women Veterans, especially those in midlife. Researchers will test two different support strategies at 18 VA sites to see which works best for getting women into programs for heart health, weight management, and stre…

This study aims to create a power training program for veterans aged 65 and older who have lost some ability to move around easily. The program will be developed with input from veterans themselves and tested for how well it works and how much participants like it. The study will…

This study looks at how deep brain stimulation (DBS) can improve eye movement problems in people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers will test 80 participants to find the best stimulation settings for better eye alignment and focus. The goal is to improve vision without harming…

This study aims to understand the nerve connections that remain after a spinal cord injury in 40 veterans. Researchers will use MRI scans and non-invasive electrical stimulation to map these connections. The goal is to identify which patients might benefit most from future spinal…

This study aims to help veterans with COPD learn about and use virtual care services like patient portals and telehealth. Researchers will develop and test a text-message program called VC-OPTIONS to see if it is easy and helpful for veterans. About 40 veterans will take part to …

This study aims to develop new methods to help veterans whose vision has been damaged by age-related macular degeneration. Researchers will measure how accurately participants recognize objects and how their brains respond to visual tasks. The study involves 20 veterans aged 50 a…

This study looks at why many veterans with PTSD do not start recommended treatments like cognitive processing therapy or prolonged exposure therapy. Researchers will track the treatments veterans actually receive and identify barriers to starting effective therapy. The goal is to…