Legislative Update
A new bill demands more oversight for troops injured from heavy weapon blasts, TBIs and the Army is developing a tool for troops to check their blast exposure risk.
https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-legislation-provide-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-veterans-passes-va-health
Murphy Legislation to Provide Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Veterans Passes VA Health Subcommittee
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.’s legislation, H.R. 3649, the Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act, passed the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health by voice vote. This bipartisan bill would establish a pilot program at the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
“Since entering office, advocating for new treatment pathways for our veterans has been one of my top priorities,” said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. “During my time in the North Carolina House of Representatives, I successfully led the effort to make hyperbaric oxygen therapy accessible to veterans in our state. I’m proud to announce that the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee has passed my Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act which would enact similar reform at the national level. I’m grateful for the support of my colleagues and look forward to continuing my advocacy on behalf of this lifesaving treatment.”
Cosponsors: Reps. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA), Don Davis (D-NC), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), William Timmons (R-SC), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), and Del. James Moylan (R-GU).
Background
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy accelerates the brain’s healing process by providing the bloodstream with elevated oxygen to reach and repair damaged tissue and restore normal function.
Studies demonstrate that HBOT is an effective treatment for veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI. Authors of one such study described HBOT as having “one of the greatest reductions in PTSD symptoms in a four-week period with any reported treatment.”
Despite its proven efficacy and requests by Members of Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs currently does not employ HBOT.
ACTION on the Bill thus far; date for full Comm vote TBD.
[Attached, please find our response to the VA Testimony at the hearing on 3.21.2024. All our testimony inserted into the Record can be found at: https://treatnow.org/knowledgebase_category/congress_house_veterans_affairs_2024/
| Date | All Actions |
|---|---|
| 04/16/2024 | Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote. Action By: House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health |
| 04/16/2024 | Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held Action By: House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health |
| 03/21/2024 | Subcommittee Hearings Held Action By: House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health |
| 06/20/2023 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. Action By: Committee on Veterans’ Affairs |
| 05/24/2023 | Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Action By: House of Representatives |
| 05/24/2023 | Introduced in House Action By: House of Representatives |