Posted on Thursday, July 3, 2025
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by Jason T. Strickland
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0 Comments
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Every day we use mobile apps to accomplish important activities in our life. Just today I used different apps to pay some bills, find the fastest route to drive home, and see how many games the Chicago Cubs are leading the Cardinals by in the National League Central Division.
Ok, I take back the use of “important” in my first sentence.
But regardless of whether you use them for critical or leisure purposes, apps help us get stuff done.
I’m here to make you aware of resources made just for our Veteran community: the VA App Store.
That’s right! VA has apps readily available to coach you, connect you to VA, and cheer you on and remind you to hang in there as you work to exercise, lose weight, sleep more regularly, learn to meditate, or quit smoking.
These apps are free, are private between you and your phone, and VA does not gather information or monitor your usage. It’s just you and your phone working towards your goals – and the apps don’t judge when you miss a day! They’re just glad you returned and are starting back towards achieving your health goals.
Along with being free, it’s simple to get started with apps. While you’re reading this column, grab your phone, and visit the store.
The VA App Store gives you access to dozens of VA apps designed specifically for Veterans – or family and caregivers — all in one convenient place.
If you don’t know where to begin, you might want to try the Live Whole Health App, which will let you create and tailor your goals. I downloaded that app and went through the series of questions and requested check-ins on a weekly basis to get started.
I absolutely recommend downloading the VA: Health and Benefits App. I can manage existing claims and appointments, securely message my provider, refill my prescriptions with ease, and track my payments. You can use the app at local retailers to show digital proof of your Veteran status for discounts. In addition, it connects you anytime and anywhere to your VA benefits to check status of your claims and appeals, upload claim documentation directly from your phone, access claims decision letters, and review your disability rating. VA adds new features and capabilities periodically – so check the app regularly to see what’s new.
To use any of these apps, you’ll have two secure sign-in account options: Login.gov and ID.me.
If it’s challenging to download the apps, VA has you covered. You may either call the nearest VA and ask for the Facility Telehealth Coordinator or call the VA Mobile Help Desk (877-470-5947).
I spoke with Bridgett Baer, VA Rocky Mountain Network telehealth coordinator, who shared with me, “One great benefit of using some of the VA apps is that once you achieve your health goals, you can decide if you want to keep them or change the frequency of how often you check in. Many of the apps can grow with you to help you maintain your hard-earned gains to keep you at your best health possible.”
Allow VA technology to help you achieve success and reach those health goals you have. You can do this, and VA can help!
Thanks for allowing me to walk alongside you behind friendly lines.
Victory!
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