“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified,
shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”
– George Washington
This has general information for all Veterans.
Please also see separate categories for specific service dates on Veterans Resources Drop-down Menu
Certain health concerns may be more likely to affect Veterans who served in a specific time and place.
Find out which health concerns you should be aware of depending on when and where you served
- Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan October 7, 2001 – present
- Iraq War—Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn March 19, 2003 – December 15, 2011
- Gulf War—Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm August 2, 1990 – present
- Cold War Era 1945 – 1991
- Vietnam War November 1, 1965 – April 30, 1975
- Korean War June 25, 1950 – July 27, 1953
- World War II September 1, 1939 – September 2, 1945
- VA Information about Health Issues Related to Service:
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/health-issues-related-to-service-era/
- Hudson Valley and Rockland County, New York VA Outpatient Clinic: Provides primary care and specialty health services, including laboratory and pathology services, skin care (dermatology), foot care (podiatry), vision care (optometry), nutrition services, and more.
Location and contact information: New City VA Clinic, Address 345 North Main Street, Upper Level, New City, NY 10956-4312. Main phone: 845-634-8942 Mental health clinic: 914-737-4400 x2330. https://www.va.gov/hudson-valley-health-care/locations/new-city-va-clinic/?
- Dutchess County Veterans Services: Veterans@DutchessNY.gov 85 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 105, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 845-486-2060
- PTSD treatment: Whether you just returned from a deployment or have been home for 50 years, it’s never too late to get help for PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). Getting counseling or treatment can help you manage your symptoms and keep them from getting worse. View this link to more information about PTSD - https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/ptsd/
Exposure Related Health Concerns Veterans may be exposed to a wide variety of hazards and potentially harmful substances
during military service that may cause health problems:
- Vietnam War: Agent Orange Related Diseases - Certain cancers and other diseases linked to Agent Orange; Birth Defects - Certain birth defects in Veterans' biological children associated with military service in Vietnam or Korea
- Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses - Medical conditions linked to service during the Gulf War Era (Aug. 2, 1990 to present) Radiation Related Diseases - Certain cancers linked to ionizing radiation exposure during military service; Toxic Embedded Fragments Shrapnel and other metals that remain in the body after injury; Traumatic Brain Injury often caused by explosions among Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan; Cold Injuries - Health problems associated with extremely cold temperatures; Infectious Diseases - Nine infectious diseases associated with Southwest Asia and Afghanistan military service
- Vaccinations & Medications During Service: Possible health effects of certain military vaccinations and medications Rabies Disease transmitted by bite or saliva from an infected warm-blooded animal; Heat Injuries - Health problems that could be caused by extremely hot temperatures; Occupational Hazards Exposures from working with chemicals, paints, and machinery during service. https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/health-concerns.asp
For more information on Veterans' benefits or filing a VA Compensation Claim, you can contact veteran representatives from the New York State Division of Veterans' Services through our local County or State offices as well as the Federal government.
- Rockland County, New York has a local Veterans Service Agency located at 20 Squadron Blvd., Suite 480, New City, New York. Call to set up an appointment with one of the veteran counselors at 845-638-5244. It is staffed by veterans.
- The New York State Division of Veterans' Services is New York's advocacy agency for all Veterans, Service Members, and their families. For over seven decades, the Division has connected generations of Veterans, Service Members, and their families and dependents to multiple economic, medical, and social benefits and services earned because of their military service. For more information on Veteran's benefits, please make an appointment with a Veterans Benefits Advisor. https://veterans.ny.gov
A few locations where you can find New York State Division of Veterans' Services offices:
- New York State Division of Veterans’ Services - VA Medical Center, P.O. Box 100 P.O. Box 100 2094 Albany Post Road Building 1 – Room 18 Montrose , NY 10548 Phone: (914) 788-4367
- New York State Division of Veterans’ Services - West Point US Military Academy (every other Friday) 622 Swift Road Building 622, Room 113 West Point , NY 10996 Phone: (845) 831-2000 ext 215449
- Orange County Veterans Service Agency 111 Craigville Road Goshen , NY 10924 Phone: (845) 291-2470 and
- Rockland County Veterans Service Agency - 20 Squadron Blvd., Suite 480, New City, New York. Call them at 845-638-5244.
VA Resources -- also view separate military-era listings / campaign ribbons on other pages for specific information
- Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?
Find support anytime day or night. Use this Veterans Crisis Line.
- Veteran Quick Resources: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov
. VA has a variety of mental health resources, information, treatment options, and more — all accessible to Veterans, Veterans’ supporters, and the general public. Explore the pages below to learn more about a specific mental health topic or to find information specifically tailored to your needs.
- VA provides support for a variety of mental health conditions and other challenges. Each of these pages includes resources, information on treatment options, and more.
Learn About Treatment: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/get-help/treatment.asp
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- No matter how you served or what you’ve experienced in military or civilian life, you may be facing challenges that affect your health, relationships, and life — but you don’t have to face them alone. VA is here to provide and connect you with clinical resources and peer support to confront and manage any mental health challenge.
- Explore the sections below to learn more about treatment at VA.
Evidence-Based Therapy
Evidence-based therapies have proven to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions. These effective therapies are always evolving to meet Veterans where they are in their recovery journey and provide the best possible opportunity for improved mental health and well-being.
- There are multiple evidence-based therapy options available to you, depending on your specific mental health condition and treatment needs. Find more information on evidence-based therapy or other treatment options that can meet your needs by exploring the links below:
- Anxiety: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/anxiety/index.asp
- Bipolar: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/bipolar/index.asp
- Depression: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/depression/index.asp
- Effects of TBI: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/tbi/index.asp
- Military Sexual Trauma: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome/index.asp
- PTSD: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ptsd/index.asp
- Schizophrenia: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/schizophrenia/index.asp
- Substance Use: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/substance-use/index.asp
- Suicide Prevention: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/index.asp
- Tobacco: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/quit-tobacco/index.asp
- Medication:
For most mental health conditions, a combination of medications and psychosocial support and therapy offers the best opportunity for reducing symptoms and restoring prior levels of functioning. No treatment affects everyone the same way, so it is important for you and your provider to work together to determine which medication may be the most effective for you.
- Supportive Treatment Options
Beyond evidence-based therapies: VA offers other supportive therapy options tailored to meet each Veteran’s needs. VA facilities offer mental health treatment services including talk therapy, supported work settings, residential programs, and other therapies, all designed to align with your preferences and lifestyle. Talk to your VA health care provider about the options available in your area.
For further information, view this link: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov
- Frequently used VA forms You can now do many form-based tasks online, like filing a disability claim and applying for the GI Bill or VA health care. We'll walk you through the process step-by-step. https://www.va.gov/find-forms/
- Veterans Crisis Line – If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.
- VA Women Veterans Call Center
Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (M-F 8AM – 10PM & SAT 8AM – 6:30PM ET)
VA
- Caregiver Support Line – Call 1-855-260-3274 (M-F 8AM – 10PM & SAT 8AM – 5PM ET)
- Download VA’s self-help apps – Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
- VA Mental Health Services Guide – This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services.
- MakeTheConnection.net – information, resources, and Veteran to Veteran videos for challenging life events and experiences with mental health issues.
- Community Resources:
Vets4Warriors – 1-855-838-8255
- Wounded Warrior Project – Need someone to talk to? Connect with your peers. Call 888.WWP.ALUM (997.2586) or visit https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Veteran
- Wellness Alliance – Need help or want to talk? Check In or call:1-630-522-4904 or email: checkin@veteranwellnessalliance.org
- Code of Support 1-571-418-6339 press 1
- Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes – Join the Community or call 202-249-7170
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American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network – Peer Support and Mentoring or call the Hero Care Network at 1-877-272-7337
- Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): – Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) Is Here For You! or call 800-959-TAPS (8277)
- Travis Manion Foundation – 1-215-348-9080 or email info@travismanion.org
- America’s Warrior Partnership 1-866-AWPVETS
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Veteran Service Organizations:
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
Contact them 24/7/365 by calling 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) or digitally at http://www.quickreactionforce.org
- A Guide to the Best Colleges for Online Learning for Military and Veterans: https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-colleges/military/