Health & Wellness Newsletter – Aug 2025

Major Breakthroughs in Fitness, Sports Medicine, and Physical Therapy

Recent weeks saw notable advances in rehabilitation science and exercise medicine. Researchers at the University of Minnesota announced a breakthrough 3D-printing technique that restored limb function in paralyzed lab animals by guiding stem cells to regrow severed spinal cord nervessciencedaily.com. Rats with complete spinal cord injuries were able to walk again after receiving a 3D-printed biodegradable scaffold seeded with neural stem cells, a development that could pave the way for future therapies to help veterans with spinal cord injuries regain mobilitysciencedaily.com.

Exercise science is also reinforcing the long-term health benefits of staying active. A new study found that structured aerobic and strength training may actually slow down or even reverse the body’s molecular aging clocksciencedaily.com. By examining DNA markers of cellular aging, scientists observed that older adults who followed a regular exercise regimen showed signs of “younger” biological profiles. This finding underscores how consistent fitness routines can have rejuvenating effects at the molecular level, encouraging aging veterans that it’s never too late to improve health through exercisesciencedaily.com.

Another practical sports medicine insight comes from an osteoarthritis study: a simple change in walking form. Clinicians reported that by slightly adjusting their foot angle while walking, patients with knee arthritis reduced pressure on the joint enough to delay the need for knee replacement surgery by yearssciencedaily.com. Such low-cost, adaptive interventions show promise in easing chronic joint pain for many veterans without medication or invasive procedures.

Major Updates in Nutrition and Supplementation

Several high-impact developments in nutrition science emerged in the past month. Notably, chemists at Tufts University unveiled a “4-in-1” weight-loss compound designed to improve upon medications like Ozempic and Wegovysciencedaily.com. This experimental therapy targets multiple biological pathways at once, aiming for sustained weight loss without the common side effects (such as nausea, bone density loss, and rapid regain) seen in current single-target drugssciencedaily.com. Early findings are promising, hinting that more effective and tolerable obesity treatments may be on the horizon.

Diet quality also proved its importance in a new study on food processing and weight management. In a controlled trial, participants who ate a diet of minimally processed whole foods lost twice as much weight as those consuming mostly ultra-processed foods – even though both diets had similar calories and nutrientssciencedaily.com. Researchers noted that the group eating whole foods could eat freely yet still saw better results, suggesting that cutting out highly processed snacks and meals can meaningfully boost weight loss without strict calorie countingsciencedaily.com. For veterans focusing on nutrition, this evidence reinforces choosing fresh, unprocessed foods as a strategy for healthier weight control.

Innovations in dietary supplements were also reported. Scientists developed tiny edible beads made from green tea extracts that bind to fats in the gut, preventing fat absorption in the bodysciencedaily.com. In animal tests, rodents fed these plant-based microbeads absorbed less fat and lost weight without any obvious side effectssciencedaily.com. Unlike some pharmaceutical fat-blockers, the green tea beads are tasteless and easily mixed into foods. Human trials are planned, raising hope that a safe, simple supplement could aid weight management by literally carrying calories out of the digestive system.

Veteran Administration and Military Updates

The Department of Veterans Affairs has reported significant progress in delivering benefits and care. VA achieved a record-breaking pace in processing disability claims, surpassing 2.52 million claims for the current fiscal year by early August – an all-time high reached nearly two months ahead of schedulenews.va.gov. As a result, the longstanding backlog of pending claims has dropped by roughly 37% since the start of 2025news.va.gov. In July alone, VA completed over 300,000 claims (the first time ever hitting that monthly mark), which means many veterans are receiving their compensation and pension decisions faster than beforenews.va.gov. This accelerated effort is part of VA’s push to improve customer service and ensure veterans get the benefits they’ve earned without undue wait.

VA is also expanding access to health services. Sixteen new VA outpatient clinics have opened across the country this year, and the department has offered nearly one million appointments outside normal business hours (early mornings, evenings, and weekends) to accommodate veterans’ schedulesnews.va.gov. In addition, a new policy change announced in August will extend community care authorizations to 12 months for dozens of specialty care services referred outside VAnews.va.gov. Previously, referrals to community providers often expired after 90–180 days and had to be re-approved, sometimes causing care delaysnews.va.gov. Now, when VA refers a veteran for eligible specialties such as cardiology, orthopedics, mental health counseling or physical therapy, that referral will be valid for a full year of treatment before requiring renewalnews.va.govnews.va.gov. VA leadership noted this change will cut red tape so that veterans can continue necessary care without interruption, and community doctors can plan treatment with greater flexibilitynews.va.gov.

On the quality front, VA hospitals performed strongly in the latest Medicare/Medicaid hospital ratings. More than 75% of VA medical centers earned a 4- or 5-star quality rating in 2025, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reportnews.va.gov. This places the majority of VA facilities at or above private-sector hospital quality benchmarks, reflecting ongoing improvements in patient care and safety within the VA health system.

Mental Health and Resilience Developments

Important developments in veteran mental health care and resilience have taken place this period. On Capitol Hill, there is growing interest in alternative therapies for PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI). In early September, a coalition of veteran advocacy groups (backed by lawmakers) launched the Veteran Alliance for Leadership, Outreach, and Recovery (VALOR) to push for expanded research and pilot programs at VA using treatments like psychedelic-assisted therapy and hyperbaric oxygen chambersstripes.comstripes.com. Proponents cite urgent needs: over 185,000 veterans in VA care have a diagnosed TBI, 13% live with PTSD, and an estimated 6,000 veterans die by suicide each yearstripes.com. They argue that innovative approaches are needed because conventional treatments have not fully addressed the mental health crisis in some veterans. In fact, bipartisan legislation has been introduced in Congress (the Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Act) to direct VA to conduct a pilot program of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for PTSD/TBI, which is one of the alternatives VALOR advocates forstripes.com.

At the same time, many veterans and experts urge caution and evidence-based evaluation of these unconventional treatments. Some veterans have expressed skepticism about rushing into hallucinogenic drugs or other unproven remedies without solid research backing their safety and efficacystripes.com. “These ideas sound more like fads than cures,” said one Iraq War veteran, emphasizing he would need to see robust clinical results firststripes.com. The Department of Veterans Affairs is proceeding carefully: VA officials note that 12 clinical studies of psychedelic therapies are underway within VA research programs, reflecting both openness to new ideas and a commitment to gather datastripes.com. A VA spokesperson clarified that while exploratory trials are in progress, psychedelic-assisted treatments will not replace standard mental health care; they would be considered as potential complements for tough cases if proven effectivestripes.com. In the meantime, VA has been bolstering traditional mental health services by hiring hundreds of additional psychiatrists and clinicians since last year to improve appointment accessstripes.com.

Suicide prevention remains a top priority. The VA is expanding support to local communities through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP). This three-year grant program (launched in 2022 under the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Act) funds community organizations that provide outreach, counseling, and other services to veterans at risk of suicidementalhealth.va.govmentalhealth.va.gov. For Fiscal Year 2026, VA has made approximately $52.5 million in new grants available, with awards to be announced by the end of September 2025news.va.gov. So far, the SSG Fox program has already distributed about $157.5 million to 95 organizations in 43 states and territories since its inceptionnews.va.gov. These community partners offer programs ranging from peer support groups and emergency housing to financial counseling and substance abuse treatment – all aimed at addressing factors that can lead to veteran suicidementalhealth.va.govmentalhealth.va.gov. By investing in grassroots solutions and extending the reach of suicide prevention resources beyond VA facilities, officials hope to reduce the tragedy of veteran suicide through a proactive public health approach.

Policy and Benefits Updates for Disabled Veterans

Several policy changes and benefits updates took effect recently, directly impacting disabled veterans. Major revisions to the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities were implemented in August 2025 for certain conditions, marking the first overhaul of these criteria in decadesvetcomm.us. One significant change is in how mental health disorders are evaluated. The old system – which relied on subjective descriptors of “occupational and social impairment” – has been replaced with a new domain-based rating model assessing five key functional areas: cognition, interpersonal interactions, task completion, life activities, and self-carevetcomm.usvetcomm.us. Under the updated rules, every service-connected mental health condition now qualifies for at least a 10% disability rating (eliminating the 0% rating that previously existed)vetcomm.us. Even mild symptoms will warrant a minimum compensable rating to acknowledge their impactvetcomm.us. Higher ratings (30%, 50%, 70%, 100%) correspond to the level of impairment across those five domains, aiming to more objectively reflect how conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety affect a veteran’s daily functioningvetcomm.us. This modernized approach is expected to grant many veterans fairer evaluations – for example, veterans who manage to hold a job but still struggle in multiple life domains may now receive a higher rating than under the old criteria, which often hinged on employment statusvetcomm.usvetcomm.us.

Sleep apnea and tinnitus, two extremely common service-related conditions, also saw rating rule changes that became final in August. For sleep apnea, VA will no longer award an automatic 50% rating solely because a veteran uses a CPAP machine at nightvetcomm.usvetcomm.us. Instead, the rating will depend on how well symptoms are controlled: a veteran whose apnea is well-treated (rendering them asymptomatic) could receive 0% or 10%, whereas a 50% rating will be reserved for more severe cases where symptoms persist despite treatment (or if CPAP cannot be tolerated)vetcomm.usvetcomm.us. This change aligns compensation with actual health impact rather than treatment modality. Meanwhile, tinnitus – long rated at 10% for any veteran who reported constant ringing in the ears – is no longer recognized as a stand-alone disability under the new rating schedulevetcomm.us. Tinnitus claims now must be tied to an underlying service-connected condition (such as traumatic brain injury or hearing loss) to receive compensationvetcomm.us. In practical terms, veterans will not receive a separate 10% just for tinnitus alone; however, tinnitus can still increase the evaluation of the related condition causing it. Veterans already receiving tinnitus compensation will be protected under current rules (no reductions for existing beneficiaries), but new claims going forward face this updated standard. VA’s goal with these updates is to prioritize the most disabling effects and modernize an outdated system – though veterans’ advocates have cautioned those changes may reduce certain individuals’ future benefitsvetcomm.usvetcomm.us. Disabled veterans are encouraged to learn how these rating revisions might affect any new claims and to seek guidance from a Veterans Service Officer if needed.

In other benefits news, the VA has expanded certain end-of-life benefits. As of July 2025, under the newly enacted Senator Elizabeth Dole Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, VA temporarily widened eligibility for burial expense reimbursementnews.va.gov. Now, veterans who were discharged from a VA hospital or nursing facility and transitioned to hospice care at home will qualify for a full VA burial allowance if they pass away at home (this applies to deaths between July 1, 2025 and October 1, 2026)news.va.gov. Previously, some of these terminally ill veterans did not meet criteria for burial benefits because they died outside a VA facility. The Dole Act fixes that gapnews.va.gov, ensuring families of veterans who choose to spend their final days in the comfort of home can still receive VA assistance with funeral and burial costs. Families and caregivers are advised to contact their VA regional office for guidance on claiming this benefitnews.va.gov. This compassionate policy change recognizes the service of our most vulnerable veterans and provides their survivors one less burden during a difficult time.

Training Tips and Practical Fitness Guidance

Achieving and maintaining fitness after military service is a challenge many disabled or older veterans face, but adaptive training strategies are helping veterans stay active and healthy. Experts emphasize the importance of starting slow and listening to your body when beginning or returning to exercise with disabilities or chronic injuriesreemedical.com. Instead of jumping into high-intensity workouts that could lead to setbacks, begin with low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, cycling on a stationary bike, or gentle adaptive yogareemedical.com. Gradually increase your activity level as endurance and strength build. Setting realistic, achievable goals is key; for example, if you haven’t run in years, start by walking or wheeling a manageable distance and progress incrementally. Consistency matters more than intensity at first – stick to a routine (even just 10–20 minutes a day) to rebuild the habit of exercise in everyday life.

Veterans with mobility limitations are encouraged to leverage adaptive equipment and modified exercises to make workouts accessible. There are many tools that can help. Resistance bands, for instance, enable strength training from a seated position or wheelchairreemedical.com. Chair-based fitness routines, such as seated aerobics or chair yoga, can improve cardiovascular health and flexibility without putting weight on injured limbsreemedical.com. Hand cycles (hand-powered bicycles) provide an excellent cardio workout for those who cannot use traditional bicycles or treadmillsreemedical.com. It’s also important to focus on core strength and balance, as a strong core helps prevent falls and supports almost every movementreemedical.com. Simple exercises like seated torso twists, modified planks (if able), or even engaging your core while sitting upright can make a difference. Balance exercises should not be overlooked – activities like standing heel raises or using a balance board (with support as needed) can improve stabilityreemedical.com. Flexibility training through gentle stretching is equally beneficial, helping to reduce stiffness and pain. Always adjust any exercise to your personal abilities; if unsure, consult a physical therapist or certified trainer knowledgeable in adaptive sports for guidance tailored to your needs.

Perhaps most importantly, try to make fitness enjoyable and build social support around physical activity. Many veterans find success by joining groups or programs where they can exercise with fellow veterans or friends. Consider participating in adaptive sports clinics, local VA fitness groups, or community events like wheelchair basketball, adaptive rowing, or simply group walks. Making exercise a social activity provides a sense of camaraderie similar to the military experience and can boost motivation on days when you’re tempted to skip a workoutreemedical.com. There are organizations devoted to veteran fitness and sports that welcome all ability levels – for example, VA’s Adaptive Sports Program and groups like Team Red, White & Blue offer inclusive fitness meet-ups and events nationwidereemedical.com. These programs not only accommodate physical disabilities but also foster the mental well-being that comes from being part of a team or a shared mission. Listening to your body is critical throughout; rest when needed, celebrate small improvements, and remember that progress might be slow but every effort counts. With patience, the right tools, and supportive peers, disabled veterans can achieve meaningful gains in strength, mobility, and overall wellness.

Useful Resources and Tools for Health and Wellbeing

Today’s veterans have access to a growing array of digital tools and community resources to support their health and wellness. One of the most convenient is the VA’s official Health and Benefits mobile app, which has been a game-changer for managing VA services from home. This free app (launched in 2021) has already been downloaded over 3 million timeslegion.org. It lets you do things like refill and track prescriptions, check upcoming VA appointments, view your claim and appeal status, download benefit letters, and even access your VA vaccine records and veteran ID card right on your phonelegion.orglegion.org. You can also use it to securely message your VA health care team and to locate nearby VA facilitieslegion.orglegion.org. Essentially, the Health & Benefits app consolidates many VA online services into one easy interface. As VA’s CIO recently noted, it’s part of VA’s push to meet veterans “where they are” and make it simpler to stay informed and in control of your benefitslegion.org. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices; veterans enrolled in VA care are encouraged to download it and use its secure login for convenient access to their information.

For those focused on self-improvement in health, the VA has also developed a suite of mobile health apps targeting specific wellness needs. One highly regarded tool is the PTSD Coach app, created by the VA’s National Center for PTSDplay.google.com. This app provides education about post-traumatic stress, a self-assessment checklist, step-by-step coping skills, and direct links to support resourcesmyhealth.va.govmyhealth.va.gov. Veterans can use PTSD Coach anytime to help manage anxiety, insomnia, anger, or triggers. It includes guided relaxation exercises and techniques like deep breathing and positive self-talk to ground users during distressing momentsmyhealth.va.gov. Many veterans have reported it as a valuable lifeline between therapy sessions – one veteran’s review noted the app “significantly helped in the heat of the moment,” reducing panic attacks and helping him feel less lost when PTSD symptoms flare upmyhealth.va.gov. Another great resource is MOVE! Coach, a weight-management app that complements VA’s MOVE! program for healthy eating and exercisenews.va.gov. MOVE! Coach lets veterans set weight loss goals, track their daily nutrition and physical activity, and receive tailored guidance on diet and workoutsnews.va.gov. It even offers coaching feedback and progress charts that can be shared with your VA dietitian or clinician for support. By using tools like PTSD Coach and MOVE! Coach – both free from VA’s App Store – veterans can take an active role in their mental and physical health with proven strategies right at their fingertips.

In addition to apps, there are online communities and media that can enrich veterans’ well-being. The VA Podcast Network hosts over 60 veteran-led podcasts covering topics from mental health and personal resilience to career transitions and VA benefitsnews.va.gov. Tuning into these podcasts can be both informative and empowering, as they feature stories and advice from fellow veterans who have faced similar challenges. For example, the podcast “Veterans’ Health Matters” (sponsored by VA’s War Related Illness and Injury Study Center) brings on experts to discuss complex post-deployment health issues and holistic healing approachespodcasts.apple.com. Episodes have covered subjects like managing chronic pain without opioids, environmental exposure concerns, and integrative therapies such as meditation and acupuncture in VA carepodcasts.apple.com. Listening to such content can keep veterans up-to-date on health research and VA programs, while also reminding them they are not alone in their struggles. Beyond VA offerings, many veteran service organizations provide free wellness resources: the American Legion and DAV have webinars and articles on healthy living; Wounded Warrior Project hosts a Resilient Warrior stress-management workshop series; and libraries (including the VA’s online Veteran Training portal) offer self-paced courses on everything from sleep improvement to anger management. We encourage readers to explore these tools – whether it’s downloading a new app, subscribing to a veteran podcast, or contacting a local Vet Center for a mindfulness class. Harnessing these resources can make the journey to better health and well-being a little easier and more connected.