Veterans’ Health: Understanding the Underlying Factors

This presentation provides an overview of the military experience, including service, deployments, and the transition to civilian life. It explores the unique exposures and health concerns that disproportionately affect Veterans, the role of occupational therapy in supporting Veterans, and available organizations and services. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience, the presentation will also offer practical strategies for fostering meaningful relationships with Veterans.

Educational Objectives

• Develop a broader understanding of the military experience, including unique exposures and health conditions that disproportionately affect combat Veterans.
• Explore the role of occupational therapy in supporting Veterans’ health, well-being, and transition to civilian life.
• Identify practical strategies for effectively engaging and building meaningful relationships with combat Veterans.

Guest Speaker:

James Wersal, PhD, OTD, MSOT, OTR/L, CBIS, DRS

Dr. James Wersal is an occupational therapist, educator, researcher, and U.S. Army Veteran who served eight years in the military, including a combat tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He has more than a decade of occupational therapy experience, with expertise in neurological and driver rehabilitation, community reintegration, and return-to-work evaluation. He is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (DRS), and CarFit Technician.

Dr. Wersal’s teaching and research interests explore the intersection of occupational therapy, technology, and meaningful participation, including adaptive and autonomous transportation, generative artificial intelligence, Veteran health, and community reintegration. He also has extensive experience teaching and mentoring occupational therapy students, as well as supporting Veterans navigating VA healthcare and benefits.