Recently, legislation was introduced in the House aimed at improving the care of veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). The Veterans Spinal Trauma Access to New Devices Act, also known as the Veterans STAND Act, (H.R. 6835), requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to offer annual preventative health evaluations for veterans with SCI/D through in-person visits, referrals, or telehealth. These evaluations would assess health risks, chronic pain, nutrition, and prosthetic needs. 

Other provisions in the bill would help ensure veterans are evaluated for advanced assistive technologies and require the VA to report to Congress on the utilization and outcomes of assistive technologies and how these evaluations have been integrated into VA performance metrics to strengthen accountability and oversight. 

Finally, the bill directs the VA to consult with specialists, clinicians, veterans organizations, and medical device manufacturers to ensure the department’s policies reflect the latest advancements in SCI/D care.

PVA Position:

Congress must approve H.R. 6835 to restore the department’s focus on the needs of veterans with SCI/D. Annual preventative health evaluations are extremely important because they help veterans with SCI/D maintain a healthy lifestyle and maximize their independence. The VA is required to provide them, but they do not always remind veterans that they are available. Also, while advancements in technology have significantly improved the care and rehabilitation of veterans with SCI/D, VA tends to wait until a veteran has a specific need before making available new technologies that could improve their lives.