WASHINGTON — Eye wounds are devastating for deployed troops, and the past decade’s conflicts have created ample opportunities for that type of injury, with the prevalence of explosive devices, projectiles, chemicals, biohazards, lasers and extreme environmental conditions.

FORT HARRISON, MT — For some veterans, “insulin resistance” is not only a physiological condition, it is a state of mind — one the VA Montana Healthcare System in Fort Harrison hopes to overcome with a program that pilots the use of insulin pens.

WASHINGTON — In an effort to present a kinder, gentler and more responsive side of the VA, agency leaders are seeking to engage more veterans via social media. The hope is that, by leveraging popular online platforms, VA will be able to better connect and respond more immediately to veterans and their needs.

I recently learned through the evening news that a Dutch scientist, Ron Fouchier of the Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Netherlands, has genetically engineered a deadly form of the H5N1 bird flu virus into an easily transmissible form that has the potential to cause lethal human pandemics.

Several recently released studies conducted by a number of federal agencies examine the effects of combat on women, who now make up 15% of American military forces.

WASHINGTON — Reporting the results of an investigation begun after an Army physician opened fire and shot more than 40 people at Fort Hood in 2009, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) says the military services need to do a better job of complying with physician and privileging requirements.

WASHINGTON — Continuing a pattern of easing the way for Gulf War veterans to seek care and compensation, VA has extended the presumptive period for them to file claims for benefits for previously undiagnosed illnesses.