Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) face lifelong challenges, including neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction. These conditions profoundly impact health, independence, and quality of life. Managing neurogenic bladder and bowel care is costly, unrelenting, and requires specialized attention and caregiver support. 

Veterans with SCI/D who qualify for the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Bowel and Bladder program may receive that care through a home health agency, a family member, or an individually employed caregiver. However, the current program is fraught with problems and is unevenly applied across the VA's health care system.  Timely reimbursement and the tax treatment of payments are the chief complaints of PVA members who must rely on bowel and bladder care to meet their needs. The Disabled Veterans Dignity Act (S. 3647) seeks to help alleviate some of these problems.

What S. 3647 Does:

• Makes VA’s Bowel and Bladder program a statutory requirement.

• Standardizes processes, training, and procedures across the VA system.

• Clarifies participation criteria, reimbursement rates, and frequency.

• Requires review of any denial by one of VA’s 25 SCI/D centers.

PVA Position:

Congress must pass S. 3647. The Bowel and Bladder program is a life-sustaining program providing support to veterans with SCI/D. Codifying the program would allow Congress to resolve most of the existing pain points experienced by family members who perform bowel and bladder care. It's important that your members of Congress hear from you about why this legislation is important.