20 mobile apps for veterans and military families

PTSD COACH: Find education on PTSD and information about professional care, take a self-assessment test and learn new ways to find support. Tools range from relaxation skills and positive

self-talk to other self-help strategies. ​ RALLYPOINT: Join the social network made by and for service members and veterans. In addition to staying connected, there are also opportunities

for peer mentorship, obtaining employment, and ways to meet other veterans based on shared interests. ​​SANDBOXX: Developed by veterans, Sandboxx has changed the way letters are written to

recruits. With over 6 million letters sent to date, messages are first drafted online, then Sandboxx physically prints your mail (including return stationary) and sends it overnight to

soldiers at any recruiting base. It also provides news and content for veterans of all eras.​​​ VA ONLINE SCHEDULING: Offers a secure way to request, schedule and track appointments at VA

and community care facilities. The app accesses your VA Electronic Health Record and allows you to view details about upcoming appointments. ​ ​VETSAPP: This app streamlines access to VA

benefits, services and websites. Veterans can manage their appointments, download their records, refill prescriptions and message their health providers. Users may also apply for the GI Bill

and VA Home Loans, explore jobs and access discounts. (Note: The platform is not affiliated with the VA.)​​​ VETCALC: Created by a former VA disability rating specialist, this app can help

you learn how the VA determines disability percentages and estimate your monthly disability benefit payment. This app is available only for iPhone users. ​​​ VETCHANGE: This free

self-management program is for service members concerned about their drinking by helping them build skills to better manage their alcohol consumption, PTSD symptoms and triggering emotions.

​​​ VETERAN CONNECTION: Gain access to veteran resources in your state in education, employment, housing, and rehabilitation programs. Available only on iPhone.​​ _Aaron Kassraie writes

about issues important to military veterans and their families for AARP. He also serves as a general assignment reporter. Kassraie previously covered U.S. foreign policy as a correspondent

for the Kuwait News Agency’s Washington bureau and worked in news gathering for _USA Today_ and Al Jazeera English.​ ​_