Greenville Reporter

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.'s legislation, H.R. 3649, the Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act, passed the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health by voice vote. This bipartisan bill would establish a pilot program at the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

"Since entering office, advocating for new treatment pathways for our veterans has been one of my top priorities," said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. "I'm proud to announce that the U.S. House Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee has passed my Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act which would enact similar reform at the national level."

The bill has garnered support from various cosponsors, including Reps. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA), Don Davis (D-NC), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), William Timmons (R-SC), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), and Del. James Moylan (R-GU).

Background information provided on hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) highlights its ability to accelerate the brain's healing process by providing elevated oxygen to damaged tissue, aiding in the restoration of normal brain function. Studies have shown that HBOT is an effective treatment for veterans dealing with PTSD and TBI, with one study describing it as having "one of the greatest reductions in PTSD symptoms in a four-week period with any reported treatment."

Despite its proven efficacy and calls from Members of Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs currently does not utilize HBOT in its treatment protocols.