National Publications

This Health Affairs article looks at a study that evaluates the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) mental health treatment systems. The study finds that while the VA is working hard and making strides to improve care for veterans, there is still significant room for improvement.

This Department of Labor guide was created to address the psychological and mental health needs of women veterans. The guide is also a compilation of best practices aimed at improving effectiveness in engaging female veterans.

This white paper from the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Warrior and Family Support examines how governmental agencies, nonprofits, community-based organizations, and educational institutions can better assist with the reintegration needs of veterans and their families.

This report was prepared and released by the California Community Foundation (CCF) in November 2009 to summarize the actions of its initiative, the Iraq Afghanistan Deployment Impact Fund (IADIF), in addressing various needs associated with soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families.

View the full resource here.  

This Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America report focuses on reintegration issues faced by female active servicemembers and female veterans. The report sheds light on the disparities between male and female veterans, and the unique set of challenges female veterans face in several areas, including health care, family life, and career advancement.

The National Alliance to end Homelessness analyzed data from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Census Bureau to examine homelessness and severe housing cost burden among veterans.

In an effort to develop a knowledgeable and accessible system of care to meet the needs of veterans and returning military, a key informant survey and an assessment was undertaken in to identify available resources, document barriers to accessing care, and prepare a strategy to meet emerging needs. This information was requested by General Centracchio, the Adjutant General, Rhode Island National Guard.

This study undertaken by RAND focuses on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI), not only because of current high-level policy interest but also because, unlike the physical wounds of war, these conditions are often invisible to the eye. All three conditions affect mood, thoughts, and behavior; yet these wounds often go unrecognized and unacknowledged.

The Iraq War Clinician Guide was developed by members of the VA National Center for post traumatic stress disorder and the Department of Defense. It was developed specifically for clinicians and addresses the unique needs of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans. It is essential that all health care professionals—civilian or military—who care for casualties from Operation Iraqi Freedom have at least rudimentary and relevant military knowledge.

This guide is for services members and their families. It contains information to help military family members understand what to expect during reintegration following time in a war zone, and to help them adapt back to home life with their loved one.

This report, which was developed by Veterans For America (VFA), outlines three overarching trends: inadequate medical care, misapplication of military justice, and leadership deficiencies. The specific problems in medical care include the screening and treatment of traumatic brain injury; the delivery of care and continuity of treatment to those with psychological wounds; responses to alcohol and substance use; and the conduct of Medical Evaluation Boards and Physical Evaluation Boards.

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Former President Bush’s administration set up the President’s Commission On Care For America’s Returning Wounded Warriors. The Commission was led by former Senator Bob Dole and former Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala examined health care services provided to members of the military and returning veterans by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD).

Reunion is a big part of the military deployment cycle and can be filled with joy and stress for soldiers and their families. This tip sheet, produced by the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, has tips for soldiers, spouses, and for reuniting with children.

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