Va Office Of Research And Development

This study looks at whether a program called EMPOWER can help homeless veterans with substance use or mental health issues get better connected to healthcare. The program uses trained peer supporters to guide veterans toward whole health services. Researchers will compare a more …

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 daily will receive either standard or precision-guided rTMS over three weeks. Researchers will measure how much smoking drops and …

This study will compare two approaches to managing uric acid-lowering drugs 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-t…

This study will compare two widely used blood thinners, apixaban and rivaroxaban, in about 10,000 veterans with atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat). The goal is to see which drug better prevents strokes, major bleeding, and death. Participants must already be taking one …

This study tests whether walking in a robotic exoskeleton combined with mild electrical stimulation of the spinal cord can improve muscle and bone health in people with long-term spinal cord injury. 24 participants who cannot walk will be assigned to either active stimulation or …

This study tests whether combining care coordination with passive mobile data monitoring and peer specialist support can reduce emergency visits and hospitalizations for veterans with serious mental illness. About 400 veterans who own smartphones and are at high risk for hospital…

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 new computer tool that helps doctors quickly and accurately diagnose acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized veterans. AKI affects up to 20% of hospitalized veterans and can be life-threatening if not treated correctly. The tool uses artificial intelligence t…

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. Participants will either do the virtual program before joining …

This study tests whether a one-hour, peer-led conversation about safe firearm storage can help veterans store their guns more securely. Researchers will compare this approach to simply giving out educational materials. The goal is to reduce the risk of firearm suicide, a top conc…

This study tests whether a cream called imiquimod can prevent new basal cell carcinomas (a common skin cancer) on the face of veterans who have already had two or more such cancers. About 1,630 high-risk veterans will apply either the active cream or a placebo to their face daily…

This study tests whether capsules containing gut microbes from healthy people can prevent future episodes of hepatic encephalopathy (a brain condition caused by liver disease) in veterans with cirrhosis. About 162 veterans will take these capsules to see if it reduces hospital vi…

This study tests a program called PREVAIL-VA, where trained peer specialists—veterans who have themselves experienced serious mental illness—provide 12 one-on-one sessions over 3 months to veterans at risk for suicide. The goal is to see if this support reduces suicide risk compa…

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 whether adding career counseling (called Purposeful Pathways) to a standard job program helps unemployed veterans with mental health or substance use issues find better jobs and improve their quality of life. About 254 veterans from three VA sites will take part.…

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. Researchers will measure how many people sign up and co…

This study tests if a 5-day accelerated 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 (fake) procedure. The goal is to see if this…

This study tests whether a drug called allopregnanolone can help reduce depression and pain in veterans who had a mild traumatic brain injury. About 132 participants will receive either the drug or a placebo through an IV. Researchers will check how symptoms change over time usin…

This study aims to see if trained community health workers can reduce the burden and improve well-being for rural care partners of older veterans with serious illnesses like dementia or cancer. About 480 care partners will receive extra support to connect with helpful resources. …

This study explores whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called iTBS can help veterans with ADHD who still struggle with impulsivity despite medication. About 35 veterans will receive either real or sham stimulation to see if it improves their ability to control imp…

This study tests a new web-based program called MOVED for veterans with PTSD. The program uses inspiring stories to help reduce PTSD symptoms and improve social life and well-being. About 250 veterans will be randomly assigned to either MOVED or a general support program. The goa…

This study tests a self-help program for 200 post-9/11 veterans who have depression or PTSD symptoms but are not in therapy. The program teaches healthy coping skills and how to find support services if needed. Over 40 weeks, researchers will compare the self-help group to those …

This study will test whether adding computerized brain training to a 10-week walking and resistance exercise program can improve walking and reduce falls in older veterans with multiple sclerosis. Thirty participants will be randomly assigned to exercise alone or exercise plus co…

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

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

This early-phase study tests whether a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can safely help men recover thinking and daily living skills after a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. Fifty men aged 18 to 65 who are 1 to 6 months post-injury will receive either h…

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 and learning support. The goal is to se…

This study aims to see if support from trained peer specialists can help pregnant and postpartum veterans with serious mental illness like depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Researchers will develop a program based on proven methods and input from veterans and staff, then tes…

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 fun by adding social and motivational features. Ten Veterans who use wheelchairs will test the sys…

This study tests a program called BOOST-OA to help veterans with knee osteoarthritis stay on track with home exercises prescribed by their physical therapist. The program includes tools and health coaching over 12 months. Researchers will measure if it improves physical function …

This study will test a mobile app designed to help veterans with both PTSD and depression improve how they function at work, at home, and with others. The app teaches skills to manage emotions and relationships, based on a proven talk therapy. Forty veterans will use the app and …

This study will test a mobile health app called MyHealtheBladder to help women veterans with urinary incontinence. About 20 VA clinics will offer the app, and researchers will track how many women sign up and use it. The goal is to see if the app makes it easier for women to mana…

This study tests a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS, given remotely, to improve memory, attention, and multitasking in veterans with mild traumatic brain injury and PTSD. About 46 veterans with long-standing cognitive problems will receive either real or fake …

This study tests a new treatment called Headache reprocessing for people with persistent headaches after a mild traumatic brain injury. The treatment is compared to a headache education program. The goal is to see if the new approach is safe, practical, and helpful for reducing h…

This study looks at 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 pr…

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 looks at 40 veterans with long-term spinal cord injuries to find out which nerve connections still work. Researchers will use MRI scans and mild electrical or magnetic stimulation to map the injury. The goal is to learn who might benefit from future treatments like spi…

This study aims to create a power training program to help older veterans improve their mobility and leg strength. Researchers will work with 30 veterans aged 65 and older who are part of the Gerofit program. The focus is on whether the program is practical and well-liked, and if…

This study will test a method to help doctors choose safer parts for pacemakers and defibrillators in veterans. Researchers will give feedback to heart specialists about which leads (the wires connecting the device to the heart) have the lowest failure rates. The goal is to see i…

This study is developing and testing a program to help older veterans recover their physical function and independence after leaving the hospital. About 40 veterans aged 65 and older with some mobility challenges will take part. The program adds special assessments and support to…

This study aims to develop new methods to help veterans whose vision has been damaged by age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Researchers will measure how accurately participants recognize objects and how their brains respond before, during, and after the rehab program. The st…

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 improves teamwork and helps vete…

This study works with 40 veterans diagnosed with PTSD to understand why many delay starting recommended therapies like cognitive processing therapy or prolonged exposure therapy. Researchers will look at the order of treatments veterans receive and develop a program to help them …

This study looks at why central sleep apnea happens in people with heart failure or those taking opioid painkillers. Researchers will test combinations of breathing machines and medications in 200 Veterans to find better ways to treat this condition. The goal is to improve care a…

This study tests a new counseling program that combines two proven therapies to help homeless veterans find work, go to school, or get job training. About 106 veterans who are already housed through VA programs will take part. The goal is to see if this extra support helps them b…

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 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 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 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 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 …