WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced the Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Act, which will create a pilot program for alternate forms of care—such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Treatment (HBOT)—for veterans who are suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Companion legislation was introduced earlier this year by Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC-03) and recently passed in the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
Washington Reporter first reported about the bill.
“It is past time we offer our vets alternate forms of care,” said Sen. Tuberville. “These brave men and women often come home with scars from war that we cannot see. For veterans who have exhausted options, access to HBOT treatment could make a life-changing difference. September is Veteran Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and our service men and women facing mental health challenges should have access to alternative forms of treatment. This bill has had great success in the House of Representatives, and I’m proud to introduce it in the Senate where I hope to see my colleagues prioritize evidence-based treatment options for our vets like HBOT.”
“America tragically loses 17 or more veterans to suicide each day,” said Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D.“Post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries are far more prevalent among the veteran community than most understand. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a promising treatment option that offers a lifeline to veterans with PTSD/TBI on whom other treatments have failed. HBOT has undergone extensive and rigorous evaluation that enjoys great evidential support, not only in the U.S. but other countries, most notably out of Israel. Historic progress was made last Congress despite strong opposition by the Biden Administration. I am proud to continue my fight, alongside Senator Tuberville, to make this therapy accessible to all of America’s veterans.”
Read full text of the legislation here.
BACKGROUND:
Specifically, the Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Act would:
- Establish a pilot program for three years at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish HBOT for veterans diagnosed with a TBI or PTSD at two designated Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs).
- Designate a general fund at the Department of Treasury for this pilot program funneled through donations received by the VA Secretary.
- Require the Comptroller General to provide an updated report on HBOT research.
Earlier this year, Sen. Tuberville reintroduced the HBOT Access Act to make HBOT treatment an available resource for veterans. He originally introduced this bill in the 117th Congress.
Sen. Tuberville represents Alabama’s more than 400,000 veterans on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and has worked to make targeted, yet meaningful changes to how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) delivers care and benefits for veterans. He has introduced several pieces of legislation that have been signed into law, including the Supporting Families of the Fallen Act, Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act, and legislation to streamline Post-9/11 benefits for service members and their dependents.
MORE:
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Praise Mounts for Tuberville’s HBOT Access Act
Tuberville Leads Effort to Provide Veterans Greater Access to Treatment, Introduces HBOT Access Act
Tuberville Veterans Legislation Passes Out of Committee, Heads to Senate Floor for Final Vote
Tuberville, Moran Introduce Legislation to Give Cost-of-Living Increase to Veterans
Tuberville Introduces Legislation to Help Disabled Veterans
Tuberville Introduces Legislation to Ensure Community Care Access for Veterans
Tuberville, Moran Introduce Legislation to Improve Access to Care for Veterans
Senate Passes Tuberville Legislation to Restore Benefits to Defrauded Veterans
House Passes Tuberville Legislation to Restore Benefits to Defrauded Veterans
Tuberville Continues Fight to Protect Veterans’ Access to Community Care
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.
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