Harsh war zone environments always have made skin conditions a common cause for troop evacuation from battlefield areas. The strategic use of telemedicine in Iraq and Afghanistan, however, has reduced the costly evacuations while improving diagnosis and treatment of dermatologic issues.

Va Researcher: Risk is Low for Cancer in Second Breast
The overwhelming majority of prophylactic mastectomies are unnecessary, according to a new study led by VA researchers. The study raises questions about why women are opting to have the second breast removed and what role their doctors play in the decision.

Concern about Greater Disease Severity
In the past, multiple sclerosis was far more common in Caucasians than African-Americans. Recent studies of military personnel and veterans suggest that could be changing, however. This trend is especially concerning for healthcare providers because the disease is, on average, more severe in the African-American population.

Sexual Assault Contributes to Problem
The rise in unintended pregnancies among active-duty military women is “alarming,” according to researchers. And the rates are increasing, despite that they already are far higher than in the civilian population. New studies look at the causes of the problem —including rampant military sexual assault — as well as possible solutions.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Two new studies may offer important clues as to why suicide rates are on the increase among military personnel and veterans.

WASHINGTON — Despite’s DoD greater emphasis on preventing sexual assault, the prevalence of unwanted sexual contact among active duty troops increased to about 26,000 cases in 2012 compared with an earlier estimate of 19,000, according to a recent report.

WASHINGTON — DoD has released updated procedures to improve response to sexual-assault and care for victims.

VA Researchers Find Sex-Based Differences in Disorder
SAN FRANCISCO — Why are women so much more likely than men to develop post-traumatic stress disorder? The answer could be differences in the way men and women develop fear responses, according to VA researchers.

Hypopituitarism May Cause Insomnia, Reduced Libido, Depression
SEATTLE — For the 30% of warriors with concussive injuries whose symptoms fail to resolve in a few months, recent research offers new hope.

Tool Can Help Prevent Compassion Fatigue or ‘Secondary Traumatic Stress’
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCHORD, WA— One of the most insidious things about trauma is that its effects can spread far beyond the initial event.