VA History

Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday in May, was originally set aside as a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

The lineage of what's now known as the Department of Veterans Affairs is rooted in the nation’s earliest efforts to reward Veterans for their service and sacrifice.

VA's Congressional Liaison Service (OCLA), responsible for keeping Congress informed on all things VA, reaches a milestone.

Throughout its history of more than 75 years, VA has funded critical research that has led to many medical advancements instrumental to the agency’s primary goal: to honor America’s Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Should brain injury caused by a blast wave from an explosion be considered distinct from a TBI caused by a physical impact?

Reflections from the Front is a VA history podcast that can be found on all major podcast platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

If you wanted to create an album of your family’s history but were limited to 100 items, what would you put in and what would you leave out? These were the questions that the VA History staff asked in compiling the History of VA in 100 Objects virtual exhibit.

Nurses are the backbone of VA's health system and make a profound impact on the lives of Veterans every day, just as they have for the last 100 years.

The GI Bill, which continues to provide Veteran education and training benefits, as well as loan guaranty services, celebrates its 77th anniversary.

Throughout the history of Veterans health care, sports have long served as a means of rehabilitation and healing. While many sports and recreational activities have been incorporated into the fabric of Veterans hospitals, one sport in early VA history stands out for its popularity and impact on Veterans – baseball.

VCS provides merchandise and services essential to the comfort and well-being of VA’s Veterans, their families, and those who provide for their care in VA facilities.

In the latest edition of the Standing Ready podcast, Dr. Murray Levin recalls his early days in the 1950s as a medical school resident in a VA hospital and shares his insights about the partnership between Northwestern and the VA during his time there.