Greenville Reporter

The House Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee recently approved H.R. 1336, the Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act, sponsored by Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. The bill focuses on establishing a pilot program at the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to veterans suffering from PTSD or TBI.

"Providing innovative treatment solutions for our veterans has been a priority of mine since taking office," Congressman Murphy stated. He added, "Sadly, this nation loses more than 17 veterans a day from suicide. One of the greatest reasons for this is TBI/PTSD. Our veterans need new therapies to help combat the suicide epidemic. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a well-proven intervention that helps veterans suffering from TBI/PTSD and our veterans should have access to this at their VA. I’m honored to announce that the U.S. House Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee has passed my Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act, paving the way for national reform. I'm deeply grateful for the support of my colleagues and look forward to continuing my advocacy on behalf of this lifesaving treatment."

The bill has bipartisan support from cosponsors including Reps. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA), Don Davis (D-NC), Addison McDowell (R-NC), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Josh Harder (D-CA), Sherri Biggs (R-SC), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-MP AL).

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is known to accelerate brain healing by supplying the bloodstream with increased oxygen levels, aiding the repair of damaged tissue and restoration of normal function. Studies have shown its effectiveness in reducing PTSD and TBI symptoms in veterans, with significant improvements noted within four weeks.

Despite HBOT's established efficacy and Congressional requests, the Department of Veterans Affairs has not yet implemented this treatment method.