Albany Stratton VA Medical Center

Checking a claim, refilling a prescription, or messaging your care team used to mean jumping between systems. The VA Health and Benefits app brings those tools together in one place. Veterans can access prescriptions, appointments, secure messages, claims, payments, and important VA letters from a phone or tablet. Already have a Login.gov or ID.me account? You’re ready to sign in. To get started, download the VA Health and Benefits app through the Apple App Store, or Google Play Store.

Big News! @deptvetaffairs is cutting red tape to streamline education benefits and help Veterans maximize their GI Bill Benefits. news.va.gov/press-room/va-…

The @DeptVetAffairs has opened 34 new health care facilities during the second Trump Administration! Find a VA location near you here: va.gov/find-locations/

Today, we recognize National Medal of Honor Day and honor the extraordinary courage of those who have received our nation’s highest award for valor. Since its establishment in 1861, more than 3,500 service members have been awarded the Medal of Honor. Each recipient represents a legacy of sacrifice, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to others. We honor these heroes and remain grateful for the example they set for all who serve.

You don’t have to carry it all alone. Starting mental health treatment and opening up can be intimidating, but we’re here to help. VA has resources to address the unique stressors and experiences that Veterans may face: Mentalhealth.va.gov/get-help/index…

“These grants invest directly in communities that know Veterans best and are often the first to recognize when someone is struggling,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “They have been successful in connecting Veterans, service members, and their families — especially those not yet engaged with VA — to services that help reduce suicide risk and promote well-being.”  news.va.gov/press-room/va-……

Navy Veteran Dr. Clifford is analyzing audiograms from VA's Million Veteran Program to predict hearing loss risk and develop customized hearing protection and care. Learn more about MVP and how you can contribute to research: mvp.va.gov

Friends, family, and the whole community play a critical role in suicide prevention. Staying connected to the #Veteran in your life can help make it easier to recognize when they might need support. Learn more about prevention: MentalHealth.VA.gov/suicide_preven….

A change to VA education benefits. Veterans no longer need to request a review to learn whether they’re affected, and VA will automatically review the files of more than one million previously identified Veterans

News You Can Use

“I didn’t even know what a flashback was.” — Catrina, @USarmy Veteran Catrina shares how experiencing flashbacks led her to get help. Step into her story. maketheconnection.net/stories/844

If you see signs of crisis and aren’t sure what to do next, the #VeteransCrisisLine can help and get you connected to local support: Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

VA’s disability claims backlog is now below 100,000 for the first time since 2020, benefits access is getting faster for surviving family members, and VA is moving to restore Second Amendment rights for affected Veterans in its Fiduciary Program. See more VA improvements here: department.va.gov/veteransfirst/ #Veterans #VA #VABenefits #HealthCare

VA S.A.V.E. Training teaches you how to recognize warning signs of #Veteran suicide and respond before a situation becomes critical. Take the free online training online now: learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-save.

Anxiety can feel isolating, but you are not alone. Almost one-third of adults have experienced distressing anxiety. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of anxiety: Mentalhealth.va.gov/anxiety/index.…

Women Veterans deserve health care that reflects their unique needs—and VA’s Million Veteran Program is helping lead the way. MVP research is advancing discoveries in areas like reproductive health and conditions that affect women differently. Join the research shaping the future of women’s health care. Visit: mvp.va.gov Call: 866-441-6075

Yesterday I told the @AmericanLegion - it’s a new day at @DeptVetAffairs. We’re slashing wait times and making it easier for our women Veterans to get the care they need. The mission is simple - Veterans First. Always.

GI Bill® students: Did you verify your enrollment for February? All VA education beneficiaries, including Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) students, must verify their enrollment at the end of each month to receive benefit payments. Learn more by visiting VA’s Verify School Enrollment webpage at va.gov/education/veri….

Attention Veterans! Tax season is here – know your benefits! Non-taxable benefits: disability compensation, pension, health care, grants and education assistance. Taxable benefits: military retirement pay. Stay informed, take action, and make tax season a breeze!  news.va.gov/138085/tax-sea…

Veterans, you’ve earned your benefits. VA health care is one of them. From primary care to mental health support, VA is built to serve Veterans — because your service matters. va.gov/health-care/