Russian hackers infiltrate a VA account, Tricare provider listing inaccuracies, mental health disorders top reason in 2023 for troop hospitalizations, and more

Russian hackers infiltrate VA via Microsoft account

Man sitting in front of an open laptop working on code.

A Microsoft-based VA account was accessed in January by Russian hackers. According to an agency official, no personal information or other data was compromised. Microsoft said the attack originally targeted corporate email accounts within the company in an effort to find information related to the state-sponsored hacker group itself. The hackers used a spray attack, which involves using a variety of predictable, simple passwords to try and gain access to an account, according to Microsoft. That attack also included a breach of the U.S. healthcare system, possibly including the VA.

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Report finds more than three-fourths of Tricare directories' mental health provider listings are inaccurate

Doctor in a white lab coat holding a clipboard.

A federal watchdog has determined that most of the mental health provider listings in Tricare network directories are inaccurate or outdated. The problem could prevent military service members and families from getting vital behavioral health care from psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. The Government Accountability Office estimated that 85% of listings in the Tricare East Region and 79% in the Tricare West Region had troubles with location, gender of the provider, specialty or subspecialty descriptions, or phone and fax numbers.

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Mental health tops list of reasons troops were hospitalized in 2023

Man in dark room holding his face in his hands.

According to two new reports from the Defense Health Agency, mental health disorders were the top reason active-duty U.S. military personnel were hospitalized in 2023. Musculoskeletal injuries remain the No. 1 reason service members visit a medical facility, but mental health conditions are responsible for putting them in hospitals overnight and keeping them there. Of the roughly 62,806 times active-duty service members were hospitalized in 2023, 31% were there for mental health treatment. Adjustment disorders and alcohol abuse were the top diagnoses for men, and adjustment disorders and major depressive disorder were the main diagnoses for women.

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Adjustment disorder VA rating

Woman sitting on the ground with her arms up in front of her face.

A veteran’s life involves countless major changes – from leaving civilian life for basic training, to experiencing combat, getting injured while on duty, or even returning home after years of service. It can be difficult to cope with these changes. The resulting overwhelming stress of such events can lead to intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or even rage. These intense reactions to stressors are known as adjustment disorders, and they commonly affect veterans.

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Bard PowerPort™ lawsuit

If you or someone you know has experienced infection, blood clotting, cardiac arrhythmia, or other serious health issues due to a PowerPort™ migrating, fracturing, or leaking in the body 90 days or more after it was implanted, you may be eligible to join the lawsuit against Bard.

Nominate us for Evansville Community's Choice Awards

The Evansville Community’s Choice Awards recognizes the best our community has to offer in local businesses and organizations. The awards program starts with public nominations. We need your help to be nominated for best Law Firm under the “Services” category. You can nominate us for consideration up to once a day. The nomination round is July 10 through July 31. We appreciate your support!

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