Va Office Of Research And Development

This phase 2 trial will test whether empagliflozin (Jardiance), a drug already used for diabetes, can improve blood vessel health and exercise capacity in 52 veterans with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease. Participants will take either the drug or a placebo for a period, and r…

This study will add medication and therapy for substance use disorders to the existing VA supportive housing program for homeless veterans. About 8,000 veterans will take part across multiple VA sites. The goal is to see if offering these addiction treatments helps veterans stay …

This study compares two ways of managing gout medications in 310 veterans. One group gets standard care, while the other has regular telehealth check-ins with a pharmacist to adjust uric acid-lowering drugs. The goal is to see if pharmacist support helps more people reach healthy…

This early study tests whether a hormone called hCG (Ovidrel) can help men recover thinking and daily living skills after a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. Fifty men will receive either the hormone or a placebo twice a week for 24 weeks. The main goal is to check safet…

This study will test whether combining exoskeleton-assisted walking with a mild electrical stimulation to the spinal cord can improve muscle size and bone strength in people with chronic spinal cord injury. Twenty-four participants who have been injured for more than three years …

This study tests whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can help veterans with severe stimulant use disorder avoid relapse. Over 2 weeks, 106 participants will receive either real or sham rTMS, and researchers will…

This study looks at whether veterans with early-stage high-grade bladder cancer can have fewer follow-up exams (cystoscopies) without harming their health. About 2,500 participants will be randomly assigned to either a low-intensity or high-intensity surveillance schedule. The go…

This study tests whether tracking smartphone activity and offering extra support from peer specialists can help veterans with serious mental illness avoid emergency room visits and hospital stays. About 400 veterans who are at high risk will take part. The goal is to catch early …

This study tests a telephone counseling program for veterans who smoke and have chronic pain. Participants receive coaching to quit smoking, plus nightly automated phone calls to track their progress. The goal is to see if this approach helps more veterans stay smoke-free compare…

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

This study tests whether the drug varenicline can help 400 veterans who smoke but aren't ready to quit. Participants will take the medication and receive support to reduce smoking, with the goal of making a quit attempt and staying smoke-free long-term. The study aims to find a b…

This study looks at whether a program called EMPOWER, led by trained peer supporters, can help homeless veterans with substance use or mental health issues stay engaged in care and avoid repeated hospital stays or emergency visits. About 278 veterans in permanent supportive housi…

This study looks at whether low doses of two older blood pressure drugs, spironolactone and chlorthalidone, can safely lower blood pressure in people with moderate to advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). About 160 U.S. Veterans with CKD and high blood pressure will take the dru…

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 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 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 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 large VA study tests whether giving doctors personalized prediction tools can increase lung cancer screening among Veterans who would benefit most. Lung cancer is the top cancer killer of Veterans, but only 20% of eligible get screened. The trial will enroll over 23,000 Vete…

This Phase 3 trial tests whether a daily imiquimod cream applied to the face for 12 weeks can prevent new basal cell carcinomas (BCC) in 1,630 veterans at high risk. Participants apply either the active cream or a placebo and are followed for up to 3 years with skin exams. The go…

This study tests whether capsules containing gut microbes from healthy people can prevent future episodes of hepatic encephalopathy (a brain condition caused by liver problems) in 162 veterans with cirrhosis. Participants will take the capsules and be monitored for hospital visit…

This study tests whether a live, home-based virtual exercise program that targets 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 designed to strengthen muscles important for balance…

This study tests whether a one-hour peer-led discussion about secure firearm storage can help veterans store their guns more safely, reducing suicide risk. About 100 veterans who own firearms and currently store them unsafely will take part. Half will have the peer discussion; th…

This study tests whether two skin treatments—microneedling and a chemical peel—can reduce the number of precancerous spots and skin cancers in older veterans. About 96 veterans aged 60 and older with fair skin and multiple precancerous spots will receive one treatment on one arm,…

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 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 Phase 3 trial tests whether combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with yoga can ease chronic low back pain in 213 veterans. TMS uses magnetic pulses to gently stimulate brain areas involved in pain, while yoga adds stretching and strengthening. The goal is to red…

This pilot study will test a new type of talk therapy called ACT-SHARE for veterans who have both PTSD and alcohol problems and are struggling with conflict in their romantic relationships. The therapy aims to help veterans manage difficult thoughts and feelings and take actions …

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) can help veterans with ADHD improve their impulse control. Thirty-five veterans with ADHD will receive either real or sham iTBS sessions. The main goal is to see…

This study tests two treatments—mirabegron (a drug) and exercise-based behavioral therapy—for overactive bladder in people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers want to see if combining treatments helps those who don't respond to one alone. The trial will involve 146 participants…

This study will test whether a microprocessor-controlled knee (MPK) helps veterans with a leg amputation walk better and feel more confident compared to a standard mechanical knee. About 20 veterans will try the smart knee for two months and then report their walking speed, falls…

This study tests whether a 12-week coach-led exercise program done at home via video can improve fitness and daily function in 100 veterans aged 40+ who were exposed to burn pits during deployment. Participants will either do the tele-exercise sessions or receive standard health …

This Phase 3 trial will test a web-based program called IMPACT for 250 veterans who have both opioid use disorder and chronic pain. The program includes 9 online modules and weekly feedback from a coach, all done from home. The goal is to see if it reduces how much pain interfere…

This study tests a patient empowerment program for veterans with spinal cord injury and neurogenic bladder who have had at least one urinary tract infection in the past year. The program provides training and tools to help them recognize when antibiotics are not needed and advoca…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation device called tDCS, used at home for 20 minutes a day over two weeks, can improve memory, attention, and multitasking in veterans with mild traumatic brain injury and PTSD. Participants also do cognitive exercises on a pho…

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 is creating a special exercise bike that uses arm pedaling and works with video classes and virtual reality. The goal is to help wheelchair users exercise at home, stay motivated, and connect with others. Ten veterans who use wheelchairs will test the system for about …

This study tests two natural brain molecules as a safe, non-addictive treatment for chronic low back pain in 108 U.S. military veterans aged 18-65. The goal is to reduce pain severity and improve daily function without the risks of opioids. Participants will receive the experimen…

This early-stage study tests a new anti-CD14 injection for knee osteoarthritis in 30 Veterans. The goal is to see if the shot is safe and feasible, and if it can reduce pain and improve function. Participants will receive either a low dose, high dose, or placebo injection and be …

This early-stage study tests a brief couples therapy for 80 Veterans with PTSD and alcohol use disorder. Veterans receive individual treatment while attending 3-4 sessions with their romantic partner. The goal is to see if involving loved ones improves treatment satisfaction and …

This study tests a web-based program called MOVED for veterans with PTSD. The program uses inspiring stories to boost mood and social connections. Researchers will compare it to a general support program to see if it reduces PTSD symptoms and improves quality of life. About 250 v…

This study tests a sleep treatment designed specifically for veterans with PTSD who also have trouble sleeping. The goal is to improve sleep quality, reduce nightmares, and help veterans function better in daily life. About 182 veterans will participate, and the treatment involve…

This study will test a mobile 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 and answer surveys to see if it improves their daily functio…

This study tests a new prosthetic foot called the Slope Adaptive Foot (SAF) that automatically adjusts to slopes and uneven ground. Thirty veterans with below-knee amputations will try both the SAF and a standard hydraulic foot to see which one improves their ability to take part…

This study tests whether a decision-making tool helps veterans with sleep apnea choose and stick with a treatment that works for them. About 128 veterans will be randomly assigned to receive either a brief education program with or without the tool. The goal is to see if the tool…

This study tests a new, coordinated rehabilitation program for veterans with head and neck cancer. The program combines standard swallowing therapy with proactive hearing and balance care, plus a tele-oncology nurse to coordinate other rehab needs. Researchers will compare this t…

This study tests a 4-week telehealth program called I-SLEPT for Veterans leaving subacute rehab. The program combines sleep education and tips for staying active in meaningful activities. Researchers will check if Veterans find the program acceptable and helpful, and whether it i…

This study tests a group program called Veteran Voices and Visions (VVV) for veterans with psychosis who hear voices. The program, led by a peer specialist and a clinician, aims to reduce distress and help veterans feel a sense of belonging. 160 veterans will be randomly assigned…

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. Researchers will compare the self-help group to those receiving standard resour…

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. The goal is to se…

This study will adapt and test a cognitive behavioral therapy designed for menopause (CBT-Meno) in women veterans aged 45 and older who also have a major mental illness. The goal is to see if the therapy is acceptable and feasible, and whether it can improve daily functioning and…

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-tolerated. Participants will be pre-frail or have difficulty walking, and the …

This study tests a sleep therapy called SleepSMART for older veterans who have both insomnia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The therapy adapts standard insomnia treatment with extra memory and learning support. Researchers will compare SleepSMART to standard therapy in 150 …

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 will test a one-day acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) program for 50 veterans who have both inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. The goal is to see if this brief therapy can improve their quality of lif…

This study tests whether suvorexant, a medication already approved for insomnia, can help Veterans with PTSD and sleep problems better process and overcome fearful memories. About 40 Veterans will take the drug or a placebo for 7 nights while their body responses to fear cues are…

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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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 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 how a 12-week aerobic exercise program affects brain activity and stress hormones in 132 overweight veterans. Participants will do thinking tasks and view food pictures while their brains are scanned. The goal is to understand if exercise can change how the br…

This study will check if routinely measuring walking speed in older veterans (age 60+) can act like a vital sign to spot early declines in physical function. Over 10,000 veterans will have their walking speed recorded during primary care visits. The goal is to see if this simple …

This study looks at why people with heart failure or those taking opioid painkillers develop central sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep). Current treatments don't work well, so researchers will test combinations of breathing machines and medications in 200 Veterans. Th…

This study looks at 40 veterans with chronic spinal cord injury to find any remaining nerve connections below their injury. Researchers will use MRI scans and non-invasive stimulation to measure these connections. The goal is to understand who might benefit from future treatments…

This study looks at whether a special program can help doctors stop ordering unnecessary urine tests for patients before surgery. The program will be tested at six VA hospitals over two years. Researchers will track how many tests are done and if this reduces the use of antibioti…

This study looks at how different types of brain stimulation change brain activity in 250 military veterans with major depression. Researchers will use brain scans and recordings to compare standard stimulation with a new method that syncs with the senses. The goal is to gather k…

This study tests two strategies to help VA clinics adopt proven programs for midlife women Veterans. It focuses on heart disease risk, weight, blood pressure, diabetes, and stress. The study involves 18 VA sites and measures how many women use shared decision-making, cognitive be…

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 between vetera…

This study tests whether adding a career counseling program called 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 …

This study tests a new counseling program for veterans who have experienced homelessness and are now housed. The program combines two types of talk therapy to help them find work, go to school, or get training. 106 veterans will take part, and the program lasts 24 weeks. The goal…

This study aims to develop new methods to help veterans with vision loss caused by age-related macular degeneration. About 20 veterans aged 50 and older with reduced vision will take part. Researchers will measure how well they recognize objects and how their brains respond befor…

This study tests a program to help mental health providers prescribe smoking cessation medications to veterans with serious mental illness (SMI). Veterans with SMI smoke at much higher rates and die earlier, but few get help quitting. Researchers will interview providers and trac…

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.…