https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/returning-soldier-and-veteran-health Rural Veterans and Access to Healthcare resources related to rural health, with information provided by the Rural Health Information Hub en Copyright 2026 Rural Health Information Hub https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jrh.70182 Examines the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) "Categorization B" rural–urban taxonomies and changes to drive time estimates to VHA care as determined by these taxonomies. Analyzes drive time across RUCA codes, Categorization B designation, and VHA designation. Discusses VHA rural and highly rural designations and the importance of aligning rural definitions to the VHA's access-to-care priorities. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28312 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:32:54 -0500 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/10/2026-13971/expansion-of-va-process-for-72-hour-notification-of-emergency-treatment Notice of final rule from the Department of Veterans Affairs revising its medical regulations to add a new method of notification for emergency treatment furnished by community providers to be authorized under the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP). Among other things, this rule amends the requirement that a notice of emergency treatment authorized under the VCCP be provided to the appropriate VA official at the nearest VA facility within 72 hours of treatment by adding that notice can also be provided through the centralized notification process. This rule is effective August 10, 2026. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38748 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:00:47 -0500 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/07/2026-13671/privacy-act-of-1974-matching-program Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the re-establishment of a matching program between CMS and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) titled "Verification of Eligibility for Minimum Essential Coverage Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act." CMS will share data with the VA to verify if an applicant is enrolled in Minimum Essential Coverage in a Veterans Health Administration Health Care Program. This information from the VA will be used to assist CMS in determining if an individual is eligible for Insurance Affordability Programs. Comments are due by August 6, 2026. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38732 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 08:54:17 -0500 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/06/2026-13572/privacy-act-of-1974-matching-program Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on a new matching program between CMS and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) titled "Verification of Eligibility for Insurance Affordability Programs Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act." This matching program will provide CMS with information for determining individuals' eligibility for Insurance Affordability Programs (IAPs). Comments are due by August 5, 2026. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38725 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 08:46:01 -0500 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jrh.70183 Examines the relationship among geography, readmission, and mortality rates of older veterans discharged from hospital to home. Examines 2023 readmission rates of 99,557 veterans discharged from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals with data broken down according to sociodemographics, admission characteristics, health status, drive time to nearest VA facility, mortality, and rural versus urban location. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28262 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 08:46:00 -0500 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12905-026-04433-y Explores the experiences of rural veteran women utilizing the Veterans Affairs (VA) Care and the Boost Program, a VA telehealth outreach program. Bases findings on semi-structured interviews exploring the accessibility of female-specific healthcare provided by the VA and the efficacy of the Boost Program. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28180 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:04:58 -0500 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13245582/ Analyzes how access varies to interventional psychiatry treatments, including electroconvulsive therapy, vagus nerve stimulation, and medication-assisted psychotherapy, among rural and urban veterans. Uses 2017-2023 VA electronic health record data of veterans with major depressive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnoses. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28169 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:42:42 -0500 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jrh.70173 Examines how use of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) mental health care varies among rural and urban veterans with serious mental illness (SMI), using FY 2018-2022 VHA administrative data. Includes data on rural and urban SMI prevalence, services used, and other demographic and clinical factors influencing service use. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28152 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:10:30 -0500 https://aging.jmir.org/2026/1/e95286 Explores access to geriatric mental health (GMH) in rural areas among older rural veterans. Evaluates the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) tele-GMH program's ability to provide care to veterans in rural areas. Describes the phases of implementation of tele-GMH as a part of a longitudinal evaluation. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28147 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:57:48 -0500 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091743525002014 Presents a study exploring cigarette smoking, nicotine dependence, and quite ratios among women by rural and veteran status from 2002 to 2023. Breaks down data by demographic data and compares rates of several smoking-related measures for rural and urban, and veteran and non-veteran women. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28130 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:28:43 -0500 https://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/docs/ORH-Fact-Sheet-FY2026-508c.pdf Provides an organizational background to the Veterans Health Administration, Office of Rural Health (ORH), demographic data for rural veterans, and outlines ORH programs and projects. -- Veterans Health Administration's Office of Rural Health https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/28056 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:28:40 -0500 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13193661/ Explores the efficacy of a pilot program which uses telehealth to provide non-pharmacological pain management to rural veterans. Evaluates the amount of pre-specified milestones for recruitment and enrollment, patient satisfaction, and data collection, among other measures, met by the pilot program. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/27983 Tue, 26 May 2026 11:09:28 -0500 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jrh.70167 Presents a study examining differences in the impact of the VA's Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program on both healthcare utilization and costs for rural and urban veterans experiencing housing instability. Breaks down data by inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department utilization and costs for rural and urban, and SSVF and non-SSVF cohorts. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/27964 Wed, 20 May 2026 08:41:28 -0500 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jrh.70153 Presents a study using administrative data and electronic health records from VA health systems to compare firearm injuries among rural and urban veterans. Breaks down rural and urban veteran data by patient characteristics, such as age, marital status, and behavioral health diagnoses, among others. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/27866 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:15:17 -0500 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0346780 Details a study on the effect rurality, social vulnerability, drive time from Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities, and VHA utilization have on the mental health of rural veterans. Breaks down data by participants' age, education, and military service, among other measures. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/27787 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:00:18 -0500 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jrh.70132 Presents a study on rural veterans' access to specialty care for chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs), such as fibromyalgia, migraine, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Explores the role of rural residence and primary care site access plays in veterans' ability to receive specialty care for COPCs. Breaks down data by patient characteristics, chronic pain conditions, care site, and provider type, among other factors. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/27571 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:25:16 -0500 https://bmjopenrespres.bmj.com/content/13/1/e003178 Examines barriers to implementing the COPD Coordinated Access to Reduce Exacerbations (COPD CARE) program, a care bundle focused on improving chronic obstructive pulmonary disease care coordination among pharmacists, nurse care managers, and other pharmacy clinicians in the Veterans Affairs system. Describes themes from clinician interviews, including discussion of staffing challenges, limited referral availability, fragmentation of care, technological limitations, and more. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/27551 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:11:29 -0500 https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/2025/2025_National_Veteran_Suicide_Prevention_Annual_Report_PART_1_FINAL.pdf Report highlights the rate of suicide among veterans and the VA's role in suicide prevention. Discusses the causes of veteran suicide and the steps the VA is taking for suicide prevention. Breaks down rates of suicide by sex, contact with the VHA, and rurality, among other factors. The 2025 report is split into two parts. The second part is added as an additional link. -- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/27405 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:19:13 -0600 https://journals.lww.com/lww-medicalcare/fulltext/2026/01001/predictors_of_inpatient_rn_turnover_in_rural_and.4.aspx A study on the rates and associated factors of registered nursing (RN) workforce turnover in rural and urban Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hospitals. Breaks down data by RN demographic factors, such as age, salary, and experience within the VHA, and hospital factors, such as average age, average base salary, and average number of units worked, among other factors. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/26949 Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:43:48 -0600 https://www.innovation.va.gov/hil/assets-3-5/documents/OHIL_State_of_Innovation_Report_2024.pdf Reports on innovative programs and services in the U.S. Veterans Health Administration. Highlights pilot projects, projects being planned, and projects already implemented at local VA facilities. Discusses rural projects related to physical therapy, telehealth for podiatry and dentistry, and social connection. -- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/24391 Mon, 20 Oct 2025 10:32:32 -0500 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hed.28209 Explores the geographic and socioeconomic factors that correlate with the higher rates and worse outcomes for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas among veterans compared to civilians. Breaks down data by socioeconomic factors, such as marital status, unemployment, and service connection, among other factors, as well as rurality, travel distance, and drive time. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/26357 Wed, 17 Sep 2025 08:43:28 -0500 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2838027 Explores the potential relationship between the drive-time to tobacco dependence treatment (TDT) services and the development of COPD among smokers. Details distances of rural smokers to TDT services. Draws from Veterans Affairs data and breaks down data by demographic characteristics, treatment type, and rural versus urban location, among other measures. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/26203 Wed, 27 Aug 2025 20:37:53 -0500 https://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/docs/ORH-Rural-Research-Agenda-508c.pdf Report outlines the goals and objectives of the research funding provided through the VHA Office of Rural Health (ORH). Details the ORH funding mechanisms and improvement priorities. -- Veterans Health Administration's Office of Rural Health https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/26170 Thu, 21 Aug 2025 17:06:00 -0500 https://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/for_researchers/cyber_seminars/archives/video_archive.cfm?SessionID=6492&Seriesid=120 Webinar recording discussing federal rural designations, how rural is defined by the Office of Rural Health in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and using VHA data sources. -- VA Health Systems Research, Office of Research & Development, Veterans Health Administration's Office of Rural Health https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/25916 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 11:26:14 -0500 https://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/publications/vets_perspectives/Jul-Aug25-Rural-Veterans-Thoughts-on-High-Suicide-Rates-in-Their-Communities.cfm Highlights a study on the perspective of rural veterans on methods for suicide prevention in their communities. Bases findings on a survey of veterans in rural counties in Oregon and explores perceptions around socioeconomic resources, person-centered healthcare, and having a strong sense of community. -- VA Health Systems Research, Office of Research & Development https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/25836 Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:46:20 -0500 https://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/impacts/social-workers-rural-vets.cfm Discusses the role of social workers in primary care teams for rural veterans. Explores the impacts of incorporating social workers into primary care on hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and closing gaps in rural service delivery. -- VA Health Systems Research, Office of Research & Development https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/25333 Wed, 26 Mar 2025 10:15:57 -0500 https://shmpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jhm.13544 Analyzes Veterans Health Administration hospital admissions data from 2016 to 2020 to determine the burden of alcohol use disorder on 129 rural and urban hospitals. Data shows break down of patient characteristics, hospital characteristics, and admissions characteristics. Discusses mortality and the potential impact of COVID-19. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/25024 Fri, 17 Jan 2025 10:22:36 -0600 https://shmpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jhm.13474 Details a study on the efficacy of a workforce training and development initiative implemented in several rural Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hospitals. Discusses the High Reliability, Leaning Environment, and Workforce Development Initiative (AIM-HI) and explores outcomes in terms of job satisfaction, burnout, turnover, and retention of rural VHA workforce, among other measures. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/24909 Fri, 03 Jan 2025 18:54:30 -0600 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/21501319241277411 Examines and locates veteran food insecurity in rural areas by mapping areas of high vulnerability with geographic information systems (GIS). Utilizes multiple data sources to map out Veterans Health Administration (VHA) locations, food deserts, high veteran population density, low community health rankings, and more. Shows locations in the U.S. that have a high population of veterans and food insecurity that are near a VHA location and may benefit from interventions. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/24628 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 09:31:13 -0600 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11563945/ Highlights a study on the wellbeing of rural veterans with service-connected disabilities or health conditions. Breaks down data by age, sex, and education, among other measures. Compares wellbeing scores with veterans without service-connected disabilities. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/resources/24579 Tue, 19 Nov 2024 20:06:48 -0600