While each of VA's four research services have particular foci and expertise, the new strategic plan for VA research streamlines and combines appropriate goals and objectives into one integrated effort. Built into this plan, Designated Research Areas identify aging, chronic diseases, mental illness, substance abuse, sensory loss, trauma-related impairment, health systems, special populations, and military occupational and environmental exposures as primary research targets because of their prevalence in the veteran patient population. (See chart for detailed listing). These Designated Research Areas cut across the traditional boundaries of VA’s four research services to achieve a new synergy. Major initiatives in the coming years will reflect the conviction that solving complex health problems requires not only specialized expertise but continuing synthesis, re-examination of important issues, and communication among disciplines.
Download the Working Paper on Designated
Research Areas (in MSWord format)
Aging and Age-Related Changes
- Normal age-related changes
- Aging syndromes (e.g., frailty, immobility, falls)
- Compound problems and comorbidities (e.g., coexisting diabetes and coronary artery disease, dementia and hip fracture)
- Care of elderly veterans
- End of life issues
- Amputation (due to injury or disease)
- Bone fractures and joint injuries (including repair and replacement)
- (Traumatic) brain injury
- Multi-organ failure
- Shock (including sepsis)
- Emerging pathogens
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Psychological stress (including violence, sexual abuse)
- Thermal exposure (burns, hypothermia)
- Toxins and irritants (e.g., dermal, reproductive, and respiratory)
- Bone and joint disorders (including chronic low back pain, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis)
- Cancers (adult leukemia/lymphoma, and solid tissue tumors; including cancer pain)
- Cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular diseases (including related acute events such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure)
- Chronic infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, hepatitis)
- Chronic lung disease
- Chronic renal disease
- Dementia & neuronal dysfunction (including Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s)
- Diabetes & major complications
- Gastrointestinal disorders (including bowel and liver disorders)
- Spinal cord injury & regeneration
- Hearing disorders
- Vision disorders
- Disorders of taste and smell
- Anxiety disorders
- Behavioral disorders
- Depression and mood disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Specialized VA mental health services (behavioral and medical interventions)
- Alcohol
- Drug
- Tobacco
- Dual diagnosis (e.g., alcohol and drugs)
- Specialized substance abuse services (behavioral and medical interventions)
- Veterans with permanent disabilities (e.g., blind and paralyzed )
- Veteran cohorts defined by shared military experience (e.g., prisoners of war, Persian Gulf veterans)
- Historically underserved veterans (e.g., women, racial, ethnic and cultural minorities, rural veterans)
- Veterans whose living arrangements pose challenges to their health (e.g., homeless or homebound)
- Supply and organization of resources & services
- Delivery/coordination of resources & services
- Outcomes of care
