U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has introduced the Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Act, a bill aimed at expanding alternative treatment options for veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The legislation proposes a pilot program to provide access to treatments such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Treatment (HBOT), which is intended for veterans who have not found relief through traditional therapies.
The House version of the bill, led by Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC-03), recently passed in the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
“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.”
Senator Tuberville serves on several Senate committees including Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees. He represents over 400,000 veterans in Alabama and has previously introduced legislation such as the Supporting Families of the Fallen Act and measures aimed at restoring benefits for defrauded veterans.
The new bill follows earlier efforts by Sen. Tuberville with his reintroduction of the HBOT Access Act during this Congress after first introducing it in the previous session.
The push for alternative therapies comes amid ongoing discussions about how best to address mental health issues among former service members.
