Three World War II Veterans pose for a picture (Photo: Sgt. Sebastian Nemec)

The Million Veteran Program, or MVP, initiated by the VA is a national research program aimed at exploring the connections between genes, lifestyle, military experiences, and exposures and their effects on Veterans’ health and well-being.

MVP recognizes the significance of studying diverse participant groups for thorough medical research. It encourages Veterans from all service eras to contribute their health data, fostering an understanding of healthcare issues affecting different generations of Veterans.

MVP’s breakthroughs span various medical domains, providing insights into the healthcare challenges Veterans face, including:

• PTSD and TBI: Researchers investigate genetic links to PTSD symptoms, emphasizing the hereditary nature of PTSD and potential targeted treatment. The study also explores the associations between PTSD, TBI, and dementia.
• Gulf War Illness: MVP studies the chronic symptoms known as Gulf War Illness, refining detection and treatment methods by involving Gulf War Veterans.
• Toxic Exposures: MVP examines the impact of toxic exposures, including burn pits and Agent Orange, on Veteran health, particularly concerning cancer risks.
• Genetic Insights: Researchers identify ethnicity-based genetic risk models for cancers and predictive screening tests for conditions like breast and prostate cancer. Genetic links between Parkinson’s disease and PTSD are also explored.

With over 960,000 Veterans enrolled, MVP is nearing its goal of one million participants. Veterans are invited to join regardless of their care source, shaping the future of medical research.

MVP also promotes inclusive research by including Women Veterans, marking a significant step towards understanding medical impacts on all genders.

MVP ensures the privacy of Veteran participants, using their data solely for research purposes, contributing to revelations across various diseases and conditions affecting Veterans’ lives.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.