The Office of Research and Development at VA National Headquarters oversees research within the Veterans Health Administration through its four service areas:

The Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development Service provides knowledge of the fundamental biological processes to form an understanding of disease pathology, diagnosis, and treatment.

The Clinical Science Research and Development Service applies the knowledge gained from medical research to patients by determining the effectiveness of novel or unproved therapies using single-site and multicenter clinical intervention trials.

The Health Services Research and Development Service contributes to improving the quality, effectiveness, efficiency, and accessibility of health care services for veterans.

The Rehabilitation Research and Development Service addresses the minimization of disability and restoration of function in veterans disabled by trauma or disease.