Veterans Affairs Research and Development: using science to improve health care for veterans.

VA has a rich tradition in supporting research in areas that span basic science to health system implementation. Its unique success is tied to the fact that researchers are focused on issues that arise from a unique population--our nation's veterans. Moreover, because VA is the largest integrated health system in the country and because the health system must manage an annual budget, there is a keen interest among VA health administrators to apply research that enhances quality and efficiency of care. Furthermore, because these findings overlap with the general population, VA Research & Development programs can be applicable on a much broader scale.