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VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guidelines

DOD, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other leading professional organizations, has been developing clinical practice guidelines since the early 1990s. In 2010 the Institute of Medicine identified VA/DOD as leaders in clinical practice guideline development.

Choose a Clinical Practice Guideline:

These Clinical Practice Guidelines are intended for use only as a tool to assist a clinician/health care professional and should not be used to replace clinical judgment.

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Rehabilitation of Lower Limb Amputation and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with lower limb amputations.

Clinical Practice Guideline: Rehabilitation of Lower Limb Amputation (2025)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

Helpful Links

The ULA CPG is designed to address the key principles of rehabilitation and clinical care for patients with upper limb amputation. The overall goal of amputation rehabilitation is to optimize the patient’s health status, function, independence, and quality of life. Ongoing medical assessments and therapy interventions to address psychosocial, physical and functional limitations are necessary to achieve these desired end states.

The Management of Upper Limb Amputation Rehabilitation (2022)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

  • Pregnancy Childcare Parenting (2022)
  • This two-sided handout addresses common concerns that may be experienced during pregnancy and early parenting by people with upper limb amputation.
  • Within Reach (2022)
  • The Rehabilitation Journey After Upper Limb Amputation is a 103-page book covering eight topics:
    1. Rehabilitation Journey
    2. Coping with Amputation
    3. Pain Management
    4. Care of Residual Limb
    5. Physical Rehabilitation
    6. Functional Rehabilitation
    7. The Prosthesis
    8. Resources

Helpful Links

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Management of Asthma and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with Asthma.

The Primary Care Management of Asthma (2025)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Management of Bipolar Disorder and provides clear and comprehensive evidence-based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with bipolar disorder.

Management of Bipolar Disorder (2023)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

  • Management of Bipolar Disorder Pocket Card (2023) 
    This tool helps guide clinical decision making in the treatment of bipolar disorder. (Accessible descriptive text for the charts can be found in the Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Bipolar Disorder, Appendix M, page 190)
  • Psychosocial and Recovery Oriented Therapy for Bipolar Disorder (2023)
    Fact sheet describing and summarizing evidence-based psychotherapies for treating bipolar disorder cited in the clinical practice guideline.
  • Pharmacologic Treatments of Bipolar Disorder (2023)
    Fact sheet describing effective pharmacotherapies for the treatment of bipolar disorder referenced in the clinical practice guideline.
  • Bipolar Disorder: Do I Need Help? (2023)
    Fact sheet for patients describing bipolar disorder, including signs, symptoms, and treatment options.
  • Understanding Bipolar Disorder (2023)
    Fact sheet with information on bipolar disorder symptoms, causes, and effective treatments.
  • Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Family and Friends (2023)
    Fact sheet for family, friends, and other caregivers of individuals with bipolar disorder. Provides an overview of bipolar disorder, and the recommended treatment and management options.
  • Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Department of Defense Line Leaders (2023)
    Fact sheet for line leaders to help identify and respond to their service members who may be experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder.

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Management of Chronic Kidney Disease and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with chronic kidney disease.

Management of Chronic Kidney Disease (2019)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the management of Chronic Multisymptom Illness and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with CMI.

The Management of Chronic Multisymptom Illness (2021)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with COPD.

Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (2021)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Use of Opioids in the Management of Chronic Pain and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The workgroup consensus statements are provided to minimize harm and increase patient safety in patients requiring opioid therapy.

Use of Opioids in the Management of Chronic Pain (2022)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the management of Major Depressive Disorder and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with MDD.

Management of Major Depressive Disorder (2022)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with diabetes mellitus.

Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Care (2023)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

  • Diabetes Self-Care Guide (2023)
    A 118-page patient book containing information on what is diabetes, healthy eating, being active monitoring.
  • What is Pre-diabetes? (2023)
    A two-page educational handout for pre-diabetic patients, family members, care givers, and clinical staff on what is pre-diabetes, how to prevent it, and the importance of eating healthy and moving more.
  • Diabetes Placemat Handout (2023)
    A two-sided educational placemat handout for diabetic patients, family members, care givers, and clinical staff on eating healthy, including information on hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
  • Diabetes Placemat (2023)
    A two-sided educational placemat for diabetic patients, family members, care givers, and clinical staff on eating healthy, including information on hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
  • Educating Patients with Diabetes (2023)
    For the Clinical Educator
  • DM Survival Skills Guide (2023)
    This educational tool is basic information to help you get started understanding your diabetes and how to live well with it.

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Management of Dyslipidemia and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with dyslipidemia.

The Management of Dyslipidemia for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction (Lipids) (2020)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Management of Headache and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients who are suffering headaches.

Primary Care Management of Headache (2023)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Diagnosis and Management of Hypertension in Primary Care and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with hypertension.

Diagnosis and Management of Hypertension in Primary Care (2020)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

  • High Blood Pressure Brochure (2020)
  • Tri-fold brochure with patient information on high blood pressure including causes, consequences, and how to monitor and manage.

Videos

  • Home BP Monitoring Video
  • This video provides recommendations to help patients measure blood pressure at home using an automated blood pressure monitor.
  • Clinic Setting BP Monitoring Video
  • This video for health care teams provides recommendations on the correct way to perform blood pressure measurement in the clinical setting.

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Management of Chronic Insomnia Disorder and Obstructive Sleep Apnea and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with Insomnia/OSA.

Management of Chronic Insomnia Disorder and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (2025)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

  • PHCoE Treating Insomnia Providers Guide (2020)
  • Fact sheet for providers with tips for considering which behaviorally-based treatment for chronic insomnia disorder is right for a patient, what to tell patients about treatment options, and provider resources.
  • PHCoE Insomnia Meds Providers (2020)
  • Brochure for providers with information about short-term pharmacotherapy and complementary and integrative health treatments for chronic insomnia disorder and tips for patient-centered care.
  • PHCoE Patient Summary Brochure (2020)
  • Brochure for patients which summarizes information in the clinical practice guideline relating to diagnosis and treatment of chronic insomnia disorder and obstructive sleep apnea.
  • PHCoE Insomnia Meds Patients And Families (2020)
  • Fact sheet for patients and families with information about medications for chronic insomnia disorder including medication-related precautions, questions to ask your doctor, and what to know about herbal supplements.
  • PHCoE Treating Insomnia Patients Guide (2020)
  • Fact sheet for patients with information and resources about behaviorally-based treatments and techniques for chronic insomnia disorder.
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea CPAP Therapy Booklet (2020)
  • This 19 page patient booklet includes information on what OSA is, symptoms, treatments, CPAP myths and facts, benefits, obstacles, maintenance, and references.
  • Insomnia Severity Index (2020)
  • Insomnia Severity Index.
  • Sleep Study Machine Ordering Guide (2020)
  • A guide to help providers order a PAP machine for patients.
  • STOP Questionnaire (2020)
  • Snoring—Tired—Observed—Pressure. Patient questions and guideline for scoring and interpretation.

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the diagnosis and Management of Low Back Pain and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with low back pain.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Low Back Pain (2022)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

Webinars

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Management and Rehabilitation of Post-Acute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with Post-Acute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Management of Post-Acute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (2021)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

Helpful Links

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Management of Adult Overweight and Obesity and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients who are obese or overweight.

Management of Adult Overweight and Obesity (2020)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

The OA CPG recommends a framework that includes a structured evaluation and diagnosis of veterans and service members who may be suffering from hip and knee OA. Additionally, the CPG provides treatment options, including pharmacological, non-pharmacological, complementary, and alternative medicine, as well as options for referral for surgical consultation.

The Non-Surgical Management of Hip & Knee Osteoarthritis (2020)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

  • Taking Control of Your Osteoarthritis
  • A four-page patient handout to help patients work with their health care team to develop non-surgical actions plans for treating osteoarthrosis.
  • OA Treatment Plan for Patients (2020)
  • For patients diagnosed with Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and/or knee. Assess pain, severity, and functional limitations of the individual to determine the best treatment plan.

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Management of Pregnancy and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients who are pregnant.

Management of Pregnancy (2023)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Management of First-Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with SCZ.

Management of First-Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia (2023)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

Provider Tools

First Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia Pocket Card (2023)
This tool helps guide clinical decision making in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Pharmacologic Interventions in the Treatment of First Episode Psychosis or Schizophrenia (2023)
Fact sheet for providers with recommended pharmacologic interventions, ways to manage side effects, and a list of resources.

Psychosocial Interventions and Psychotherapies for First Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia (2023)
Fact sheet for providers describing several psychosocial interventions and psychotherapies to consider in treating first episode psychosis and schizophrenia as well as providing a list of resources.

Patient Tools

Psychosis and Schizophrenia: Do I Need Help? (2023)
Fact sheet for patients describing psychosis and schizophrenia, including signs and symptoms and treatment options.

First Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia: A Patient’s Guide (2023)
Fact sheet describing symptoms and treatment options for psychosis and schizophrenia as well as additional patient and family resources.

Line Leader Tool

First Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia: A Guide for Department of Defense Line Leaders (2023)
Fact sheet to help leaders identify the signs and symptoms of psychosis and schizophrenia, when and how to intervene, educate their service members about treatment options and policy, and provide family resources.

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Reaction and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with one of these diagnoses.

Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Reaction (2023)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Management of Stroke Rehabilitation and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients who have suffered a stroke.

Management of Stroke Rehabilitation (2024)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the Management of Substance Use Disorder and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with substance use disorder.

Management of Substance Use Disorder (2021)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

  • Medications for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder (2021)
  • Guide for service members, veterans, and their families regarding medication used in the management of SUD.
  • Alcohol Misuse: Facts About Risky Drinking (2021)
  • Fact sheet with information on preventing risky drinking, indicators, and impacts of risky drinking, and where to seek help.
  • Standard Drink Calculator (2021)
  • Guide with a calculator for the number of standard drinks per each common drink container and mixed drink type and a daily drink tracker to record drinking consumption and see trends in drinking over time.
  • My Plan for Change Worksheet (2020)
  • Worksheet with a plan for how to handle specific situations that may challenge drinking goals.
  • Preparing for Change Worksheet (2020)
  • Worksheet to help consider both the advantages of and drawbacks to drinking and reasons to change drinking habits.
  • Is Your Body Ready for Pregnancy Pregnancy and Substance Abuse Its Not Worth the Risk (2021)
  • Brochure for patients with information on how women and babies are impacted by alcohol, tobacco, and drug use when trying to conceive and during pregnancy.
  • Substance Use Disorder Affects Families (2021)
  • Brochure for families about substance misuse and/or dependence and its impact on families.
  • Substance Use Disorder: What Line Leaders Need to Know (2021)
  • Guide to help leaders identify the signs of substance misuse and/or dependence, educate their service members about treatment options and policy, and address substance misuse early to support mission success, unit readiness, and service and family member fitness.

The guideline describes the critical decision points in the management of Suicidal Risk Behavior for suicidal self-directed violent behavior and provides clear and comprehensive evidence-based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients with SRB.

Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide (2024)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

The guideline describes the critical decision points in tinnitus and provides clear and comprehensive evidence based recommendations incorporating current information and practices for practitioners throughout the DOD and VA Health Care systems. The guideline is intended to improve patient outcomes and local management of patients who have tinnitus.

Assessment and Management of Patients who have Tinnitus (2024)

CPG Clinical Support Tools

  • Tinnitus Reference Card (2024)
  • Care Provider Options for Tinnitus (2024)
  • Information sheet describing potential specialty healthcare provider referrals for patients with tinnitus. 
  • PTM Workbook (2024)
  • A workbook designed to improve activities of daily living for patients experiencing bothersome tinnitus. It is a companion clinical support tool for clinicians who provide tinnitus care. It provides a holistic, patient-centered approach to improve quality of life for patients living with tinnitus.

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Last Updated: January 16, 2025
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