The U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee on Tuesday approved legislation offered by U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC) that would help support United States military veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
“Providing innovative treatment solutions for our veterans has been a priority of mine since taking office,” Rep. Murphy said. “Sadly, this nation loses more than 17 veterans a day from suicide. One of the greatest reasons for this is TBI/PTSD. Our veterans need new therapies to help combat the suicide epidemic.”
The subcommittee approved the bipartisan Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act, H.R. 1336, which Rep. Murphy sponsored on Feb. 13 with eight original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Don Davis (D-NC).
If enacted, H.R. 1336 would establish a pilot program at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for veterans suffering PTSD or TBI, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Murphy’s staff.
HBOT — which accelerates the brain’s healing process by providing the bloodstream with elevated oxygen to reach and repair damaged tissue and restore normal function — is a well-proven intervention that helps veterans suffering from TBI/PTSD, the congressman said, and the nation’s veterans should have access to it at their VA.
“I’m honored to announce that the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee has passed my Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act, paving the way for national reform,” added Rep. Murphy. “I’m deeply grateful for the support of my colleagues and look forward to continuing my advocacy on behalf of this lifesaving treatment.”
The bill now moves to the full committee for consideration.