Press Releases

Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI), Chairman Mike Bost (R-IN), Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) introduced the Veterans STAND Act - bipartisan legislation aimed at closing gaps in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system by ensuring Veterans with spinal cord injuries or disorders (SCI/Ds) receive consistent, comprehensive health evaluations and are considered for innovative treatments that enhance mobility, independence, and quality of life.

The VA currently provides care to more than 27,000 Veterans with SCI/Ds each year through a nationwide network of 25 regional SCI/D centers and more than 130 primary care teams and support clinics at VA medical centers across the country.

While this network delivers critical care, many Veterans continue to face gaps in preventative services and limited access to emerging assistive technologies that could significantly improve daily functioning and long-term health outcomes. Nearly half of all spinal cord injuries occur between the ages of 17 and 30, leaving many Veterans to live for decades with conditions that could be better managed through modern medical innovation.

Technologies such as powered exoskeletons and non-invasive spinal stimulation systems have shown promise in restoring movement, improving autonomic function, and reducing secondary health complications. However, without standardized annual evaluations or clear guidance on integrating these technologies into VA care, too many Veterans never learn about or gain access to these advances.

“Veterans with spinal cord injuries have already overcome challenges most Americans will never face - the least we can do is ensure the VA is keeping pace with modern medicine,” said Rep. Jack Bergman. “The Veterans STAND Act is about accountability and opportunity. It makes sure Veterans receive regular, comprehensive evaluations and are informed about emerging technologies that can restore mobility, improve independence, and dramatically enhance quality of life. Our Veterans deserve access to the very best care our Nation can provide.”

“VA has long been a leader in mobility research to re-enable veterans with the latest and greatest emerging technologies,” said Chairman Mike Bost. “The Veterans STAND Act, is a commonsense yet groundbreaking solution that would build on this work by expanding access to exoskeletons and research to promote independence and mobility for veterans. I appreciate my friend and colleague General Bergman’s continued leadership on this issue on behalf of veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders.”

"It is our duty as Americans not only to honor all soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and guardians, but to do everything we can to fight for them when they return. This is especially important as veterans face challenges from rising costs, health care struggles, and transitions into civilian life,” said Rep. Josh Gottheimer. “Together with legislation like the bipartisan STAND Act, we reaffirm our enduring promise to fight for our veterans the same way they fought for us.”

The Veterans STAND Act seeks to address these shortcomings and modernize care for Veterans with SCI/Ds.

Key Provisions of the Veterans STAND Act include:

• Annual Preventative Evaluations.
• Requires the VA to offer annual preventative health evaluations for Veterans with SCI/Ds through in-person visits, referrals, or telehealth. These evaluations would assess health risks, chronic pain, nutrition, prosthetic needs, and opportunities to use new assistive technologies.
• Access to Innovation.
• Ensures Veterans are evaluated for advanced assistive technologies, including powered mobility devices, exoskeletons, and spinal cord neuromodulation therapies that can restore movement, reduce pain, and improve daily functioning.
• Expert Consultation.
• Directs the VA to consult with spinal cord specialists, clinicians, Veteran Service Organizations, and medical device manufacturers to ensure VA policies reflect the latest advancements in SCI/D care.
• Reporting and Oversight.
• Requires the VA to report to Congress on the utilization and outcomes of assistive technologies and to integrate these evaluations into VA performance metrics to strengthen accountability and oversight.

The Veterans STAND Act represents an important step toward ensuring Veterans with spinal cord injuries receive the preventative care and innovative technologies they have earned through their service to the Nation.