MIRECC / CoE

About Research

About Research

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) ranks as one of the nation's leaders in health research. Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (NW MIRECC) improves the health and well-being of Veterans by developing, evaluating, and disseminating novel effective treatments for PTSD and its complex comorbidities or co-occurring diagnoses. The most prominent of these co-occurring difficulties faced by Veterans are mTBI), alcohol use disorder (AUD), SUD, chronic pain (in particular, post-concussive headaches), cognitive impairment, while others face an increased risk for neurodegenerative disorders (chronic traumatic encephalopathy [CTE] and Alzheimer's disease [AD]). NW MIRECC investigators collaborate with researchers and clinicians across the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, University of Washington, University of Utah, Oregon Health Science University, Department of Defense, and Veterans Affairs, as well as a host of academic, government, and industry partners around the world.

PTSD, TBI and Other Research Activities at Northwest MIRECC

NW MIRECC approaches research in two ways: clinical and translational. NW MIRECC studies are conducted through clinical research and through translational research wherein teams of clinicians and scientists work side-by-side to characterize and model key features of clinical problems and then translate the findings from scientific theory or animal models into practical applications for Veterans. NW MIRECC partners with Veteran and non-Veteran volunteers as clinical research subjects to develop and evaluate effective treatments for military posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its associated conditions, including mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), substance use disorders (SUD), chronic musculoskeletal pain, post-concussive headaches, and dementia.

Clinical Research

MIRECC clinical programs stress a "precision medicine" approach to treating combat Veterans suffering from PTSD, mTBI, and their common comorbidities. Through careful design and implementation of clinical research studies and with the help of volunteers in a wide range of research protocols, the NW MIRECC conducts cutting-edge measurements of brain structure to analyze their implication on behavior, --and engages volunteers in in-depth analysis of psychological, social and environmental factors that contribute to the maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury. NW MIRECC investigators are leaders in the performance of research lumbar punctures and in the innovative use of a common blood pressure medication for trauma-related nightmares, anxiety, and other behavioral symptoms that affect many Veterans with PTSD. 

Translational Research

Another route to identifying potential treatments for PTSD and its associated conditions (specify associated conditions) is through laboratory studies that do not require the enrollment of Veterans. The nationally acclaimed NW MIRECC translational neuroscience program is a multidisciplinary research program dedicated to understanding and treating these disorders. Through basic discovery science and the development of innovative treatment strategies. Together, teams of clinicians and scientists work side-by-side to characterize and model the key features of these clinical problems, including the co-existing conditions of TBI and neurodegenerative disorders, and to then translate our findings from scientific theory or animal models into practical applications for Veterans.

Call for Research Volunteers:

Research studies at NW MIRECC are currently enrolling Military Veterans, First Responders, Health Care workers, and Civilians in Seattle, Washington. Visit the Current Research Section to read about volunteer opportunities.

About VA Research

VA Research relies on a dynamic ecosystem - a network of interconnected partners that collectively help ensure that Veterans are our focus and benefit from real-world research and innovation.

Congress oversees the VA Research program, establishes funding, and helps to define scope. Congress can dictate specific conditions, diseases, or populations to be studied. Through legislation, Congress ensures that VA's research remains Veteran-focused and delivers on the VA mission.

Medical Schools and Academic Medical Centers help accelerate VA Research and directly improve Veteran health care; 97% are affiliated with the VA. In return, Veterans get access to top quality care and state-of-the-art equipment. Over 70% of all US physicians trained at a VA medical center.

VA Medical Centers are an integral part of the VA Research program. Of the 174 VA medical centers across the country, 106 support a robust research program. Because medical centers and research are connected, Veterans quickly benefit from the results of new discoveries.

VA Researchers ensure Veterans receive state-of-art treatments, procedures, and medications each day. Nearly 90% of VA Researchers are also faculty at a US medical or osteopathic school.

Veteran Service Organizations and Partners (VSOs) advocate for Veterans and collaborate with the VA and Congress. VSOs work closely with the VA to ensure that the unique needs of Veterans are represented in research and research funding.

Non-Profit Research Corporations (NPCs) support VA research and provide a flexible funding mechanism for approved research and education activities. NPCs have been an integral partner and supporter of VA research since 1988. NPCs are state-chartered corporations legally distinct from VA that receive and manage research grants from other agencies and private sector organizations. There are presently 77 NPCs nationwide.

President Harry S. Truman forged VA's Public-Private partnership through Public Law 79-293 for VA to bond partnerships with academic affiliate universities and medical schools. Public Law 79-293 drove further modernization and expansion of the VA medical system and partnerships with research universities. 

VA Regional Offices

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) helps service members transition out of military service, and assists with Veterans with education, home loans, life insurance and much more. Service members, Veterans, their families, and Survivors are invited to request information on VA Benefits including disability compensation, pension, fiduciary, education, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), Home Loans, and Insurance. In addition to information on VA Benefits Veterans may initiate an intent to file and request assistance with filing compensation and pension claims. Visit regional office websites to learn about the services the regional office provides, directions to the facility, hours of operation, and the leadership team that serves the regional office.

Find out if you can get VA health care as a Veteran

The following resources provide detailed information about VA health care: www.va.gov/health-care/ and toll-free at 877-222-VETS (877-222-8387), Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET., or 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411), option 2.

Basic Eligibility: A person who served in the active military, naval, space or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, including qualifying Reserve and National Guard members, may qualify for VA health care benefits.

Minimum Duty Requirements: Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or who entered active duty after October 16, 1981, must have served 24-continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty to be eligible. This minimum duty requirement may not apply to Veterans discharged for hardship, early out or a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or those accessing care under certain special treatment authorities, such as treatment related to military sexual trauma (MST).

Returning Service members: Veterans who served in a theater of operations after November 11, 2001, are eligible for an extended period of eligibility for health care for ten years after their discharge. In the case of multiple call-ups, the ten-year enrollment period begins on the most recent discharge date. This special eligibility includes cost-free health care services and nursing home care for conditions possibly related to military service and enrollment in priority group 6 or higher for ten years from their date of discharge or release from active duty, unless they are eligible for enrollment in a higher priority group.

The following four categories of Veterans are not required to enroll but are urged to do so to permit better planning of health resources:

1. Veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 50% or more.
2. Veterans seeking care for a disability the military determined was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, but which VA has not yet rated, within 12 months of discharge.
3. Veterans seeking care for a service-connected disability only, or under a special treatment authority.
4. Veterans seeking registry examinations (ionizing radiation, Agent Orange, Gulf War/Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) depleted uranium, airborne hazards, and Open Burn Pit Registry). Use the chart below to help determine your eligibility.

Find out how to apply for VA health care benefits as a Veteran or service member. For other mental health services, contact a VA medical center for information on eligibility and treatment options.

The seal of the Department of Veterans Affairs authenticates the 2025 edition of Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents Survivors and Caregivers as the official summary of benefits that have been separately promulgated under Federal regulations established under Register Act. Under the provisions of 38 Code of Federal Regulations 1.9(f), it is prohibited to use the official seal, replicas, reproductions, or embossed seals of the Department of Veterans Affairs on any republication of this material without the express, written permission of the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Any person using official seals and logos of the Department of Veterans Affairs in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of 38 Code of Federal Regulations 1.9 may be subject to the penalties specified in 18 United States Code 506, 701, or 1017 as applicable.

Community Care (Mission Act)

The MISSION Act became law in 2018, bringing the VA’s previous Veterans Choice Program to an end and establishing the Community Care Program. VA provides health care for Veterans from providers in your local community outside of VA. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed. This care is provided on behalf of and paid for by VA. Community care is also available to Veterans based on certain conditions and eligibility requirements, and in consideration of a Veteran’s specific needs and circumstances. VA offers urgent care services to eligible Veterans at in-network urgent care clinics to treat minor injuries and illnesses that are not life-threatening, such as colds, strep throat, sprained muscles, and skin and ear infections. Community care must be first authorized by VA before a Veteran can receive care from a community provider. Veterans, their representatives, and in-network community providers should report instances of a Veteran presenting to a community emergency room to VA within 72 hours of the start of emergent care. Out-of-network providers are encouraged to notify VA as soon as possible. PHONE: 844-724-7842 (844-72HRVHA) IMPORTANT: Failure to notify VA of care rendered through an in-network community facility in a timely manner prevents VA from authorizing the emergency care, and prevents claims and payments from being made through one of VA’s third-party administrators.

Region 1: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia

Region 2: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin

Region 3: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virgin Islands (U.S.)

Region 4: American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Northern Mariana, Islands, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

Region 5: Alaska

VA Vet Centers

Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active-duty Army, Navy, Marine Corp, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. 1-877-927-8387 is an around the clock confidential call center where combat Veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life. The staff is comprised of combat Veterans from several eras as well as families members of combat Veterans. This benefit is prepaid through the Veteran’s military service.

Plan your trip to VA

In 1946, Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) was established by law to provide comfort and well-being to America’s Veterans. With our many retail stores, cafés and coffee shops across the country, we serve those who have served our country. VCS is proud to offer Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare, their families and VA employees exclusive shopping benefits online through Patriot Store Direct. Product categories range from Military Caps and apparel, Outdoors, Electronics, Automotive tires (Goodyear, Bridgestone, Firestone, and Fuzion), Tickets and Travel, Vision (Glasses and Contact Lenses), Home and Kitchen, Floral, Toys, Gifts, Watches, and more. We are honored to give back to the VA community through many programs established for the health and well-being of our nation’s heroes. Revenues generated from VCS are used to support a variety of programs, such as VA’s Rehabilitation Games, Fisher Houses, Poly-Trauma Centers for OEF/OIF/OND Veterans, disaster relief efforts, Substance Abuse Cessation, VA’s Homelessness initiatives, Women Veterans, Veteran Suicide Prevention and other activities.

Hospital Service Directory

To find out whether there is a van near you, use the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Hospital Service Coordinator Directory to contact your nearest HSC. The vans are driven by volunteers, and the rides coordinated by more than 133 Hospital Service Coordinators around the country. Our nation’s heroes travel around the globe to protect our freedoms—it’s only right that we return their dedication. Volunteering to drive a Vet ensures that even those living remotely from VA hospitals can make their appointments and never go without the treatment they need. Please remember that the DAV Transportation Network is staffed by volunteers; therefore, it is unable to cover every community. Learn more about the DAV transportation network through the NewsFlash Resources section.

Since the program’s inception in 1987, DAV departments and chapters have donated 4,183 vehicles and Ford Motor Co. has donated 274 vehicles at a cost of more than $104 million. Ford’s support for DAV spans nearly 100 years. The relationship began when Henry Ford provided Model Ts so DAV members could attend their annual convention. Today, Ford continues to provide funding and vehicle donations to help transport veterans to their medical appointments.

Use of these Materials and Finding VA Health Care

Please note that the health care information provided in these materials is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the role of a medical practitioner for advice on care and treatment. If you are looking for professional medical care, find your local VA healthcare center by using the VA Facilities Locator & Directory. This page may contain links that will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.

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