Philadelphia VA Medical Center

09/05/2025

: A new implanted device could help Veterans manage uncontrolled high blood pressure by directly stimulating the carotid sinus nerve. VA St. Louis Health Care System and Case Western Reserve University researchers implanted a custom device on the nerve that controls heart rate and blood pressure in 14 patients with uncontrolled hypertension. When the device electrically stimulated the carotid sinus nerve, while patients were under anesthesia, blood pressure lowered significantly and heart rate slowed by 10 beats per minute. Once the electrical simulation stopped, the patients’ heart rate and blood pressure quickly and safely recovered. The researchers found the device was safe and has the potential to be an effective therapy for people with uncontrolled hypertension. (Scientific Reports, Jul. 21, 2025)


https://www.research.va.gov/news_briefs/news_brief.cfm?RecordID=258231

09/05/2025

Like any valuable asset, VA's education benefits can be susceptible to fraud. Here’s how you can protect yourself.

09/05/2025

VA has guaranteed more than 29 million home loans since 1944, helping Veterans obtain the dream of home ownership while building connections within their communities. Read the full press release: https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-guarantees-29-millionth-home-loan/

Learn more about the VA home loan program, visit https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/

09/05/2025

This National Recovery Month, VA is highlighting stories of Veterans who became healthier, happier versions of themselves through mental health treatment.

09/05/2025

Women Veterans, you deserve the best prosthetic and sensory aids designed to fit your lifestyle and body! The term "prosthetic" refers to ANY device that supports or replaces a body part or function.

Our comprehensive and advanced prosthetic devices, sensory aids, and rehabilitation services meet your specific and unique medical needs.
www.womenshealth.va.gov/topics/prosthetics.asp

09/05/2025

Are you worried about a Veteran, but don’t know what to say? Learn how to start the conversation and where to go for help: VeteransCrisisLine.net/CrisisConversationHandout.

09/05/2025

Stress adds up. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed. The Veterans Self-Check Assessment is a free, confidential tool to help you keep tabs on your well-being: vetselfcheck.org.

09/05/2025

: Veterans with Parkinson’s disease who regularly sustained a fast cadence of cycling were able to restore neural connections.

Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center researchers showed Veterans with Parkinson’s disease who regularly sustained a fast cadence of cycling, 80 rpm or higher, were able to restore neural connections. The researchers studied the brain signals of nine people with Parkinson’s disease as they engaged in 12 cycling sessions over four weeks, which involved interactive prompts that adapted to their individual performance. Over the course of the extended program regime, participants experienced increased power and signaling in the brain which translated to better walking mobility and increased energy. Previous studies have shown exercise can help relieve Parkinson’s symptoms such as tremors, but scientists were unsure of the mechanism behind the improvements. The findings demonstrated that extended exercise could be an important therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease. (Clinical Neurophysiology, June 2025)



https://www.research.va.gov/news_briefs/news_brief.cfm?RecordID=258232
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40188765/

09/05/2025

The VA Benefits and Services course is now available online to transitioning service members, Veterans, family members, and caregivers. You do not need to be on a CAC-enabled device to access the course.
https://discover.va.gov/transition-programs/transition-assistance-program/

09/04/2025

Do you feel like you’re in a rut and you just can’t get out? If you’ve been feeling down, you’re not broken—you’re human. No matter what you’re experiencing, treatments and resources are available: Mentalhealth.va.gov/depression/treatment.asp

09/04/2025

The Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center has boosted water system reliability by partnering with the City of Philadelphia to install a cutting-edge 12-inch valve, ensuring continuous water service and enhanced safety for patients and staff, even in the event of a supply disruption.

09/03/2025

https://www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs/posts/pfbid0w4wPVVTihsskSPgcmNX8ZRoQbKbLvFTrUd1D5XjyFeiNofPyquiLKXdLQWYyarsXl

No judgment, just support. The Veterans Crisis Line is here 24/7. Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.