WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new national survey conducted by Ipsos reveals overwhelming public support for research at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), underscoring its essential role in driving better healthcare for Veterans and advancing medicine for all Americans.

To mark the 100th Anniversary of the VA Research Program, the National Association of Veterans' Research and Education Foundations (NAVREF) partnered with Ipsos to explore how veterans and the American public view the impact of VA research. The findings show near-unanimous agreement across the country:

• 96% of Veterans (and 87% of Americans) believe it is important for Veterans to have access to medical treatments developed specifically for military-related injuries and experience.
• 91% of Veterans (and 85% of Americans) say it is crucial for VA clinicians and staff to lead medical research that drives improvements in care.
• 92% of Veterans (and 86% of Americans) support ensuring Veterans have access to the latest research and innovative treatments.

Additional findings include:

• 86% of Veterans and 71% of Americans agree that VA leaders should prioritize delivering high-quality healthcare, rather than focusing on cost savings.
• A substantial 83% of veterans and 70% of Americans believe efforts to fund and facilitate VA medical and health research should be strengthened or maintained at their current levels.
• Despite this strong support, public awareness of VA’s research contributions remains limited. Only a quarter of Americans correctly identified that VA researchers produce a significant amount of medical and health research.

“The American people and our nation’s Veterans have spoken with one voice: VA research matters,” said Rashi Romanoff, CEO of NAVREF. “VA research saves lives and honors the sacrifices of those who have served. This overwhelming support is a call to action—to invest boldly, to innovate fearlessly, and to ensure that every Veteran has access to the best that medicine can offer.”

The survey results send a clear message that VA research is valued by the public and viewed as foundational to delivering the care Veterans deserve – and continued investment is critical.

Since its inception in 1925, VA research has pioneered numerous breakthroughs, including the development of the first implantable cardiac pacemaker, the first successful liver transplant, and the creation of the nicotine patch for smoking cessation. VA researchers have also been instrumental in advancing treatments for tuberculosis, heart disease, diabetes, and mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression.

NAVREF urges increased federal investment in VA research to ensure Veterans receive cutting-edge care and to accelerate medical innovation nationwide. This message is echoed by a broad coalition of more than 80 healthcare institutions and member organizations—including the Association of American Medical Colleges, American Psychological Association, American Thoracic Society, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Nurses Organization of VA—calling on Congress to provide sustained, predictable funding in FY26. These investments are essential to advancing priority research areas and delivering lifesaving treatments to Veterans across the country.

To learn more about NAVREF advocacy and hear directly from those who’ve benefited from VA research, visit navref.org/Voice-of-the-Veteran.

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For media inquiries please contact:

Elizabeth Stout

estout@navref.org

Communications and Public Policy

About NAVREF

The National Association of Veterans' Research and Education Foundations (NAVREF) is dedicated to advancing the success of the VA-affiliated research and education foundations. NAVREF's mission is building a stronger veteran research and innovation community through support and collaboration. Our organization represents a network of over 75 VA-affiliated research foundations legislated by Congress to maximize VA research efforts.