VA’s Office of Research and Development highlighted three significant studies on health issues affecting Veterans.

A telemedicine program, the Telemedicine Medical Officer of the Day (Tele-MOD), was implemented in two VA nursing homes, resulting in a 33% reduction in emergency department visits, a 50% decrease in hospitalizations, and a 55% decline in 30-day readmission rates. This program, which provides after-hours consultations via telemedicine, also saved $45,000 per resident.

Another study found that Veterans with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are nearly twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. However, starting continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment within two years of diagnosis can reduce this risk by 30%. The research analyzed over 11 million Veteran records from 1999 to 2022.

A third study on Gulf War Illness (GWI) revealed that reduced energy production in brain cells, not neural damage, may be a key factor in the condition. Researchers used advanced MRI scans to identify dysfunctional mitochondria in Veterans with GWI. These findings suggest new treatment avenues focused on enhancing cellular energy production and reducing inflammation, rather than solely addressing neural pathways.