Autumn Latham, an occupational therapist and ReWalk trainer with the New Mexico VA Health Care System, assists 52-year-old Army Veteran Tyrone Scott who suffered a spinal cord injury in the line of duty approximately six years ago, into an exoskeleton suit at the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center, Albuquerque, N.M., as part of a months-long study to determine the benefits of an exoskeleton suit, June 13, 2019. (Photo by Dave Overson) The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
By: FEDweek StaffMore paralyzed veterans would gain access to technology from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that would greatly improve their mobility, under a measure now pending before the House of Representatives.
Rep. Jack Bergman, a Michigan Republican and former Marine, sponsored H.R. 6373 – the Veterans STAND Act.
“We are systematically failing those veterans paralyzed from service if they are being denied expeditious access to essential technology,” Bergman said, in remarks to both chambers of Congress.
The devices Bergman referred to include powered exoskeletons. Many veterans who have these suits that aid upright walking, he said, only have succeeded in getting them after “extreme self-advocacy,” long delays, or arduous travel to find VA doctors who are willing to help them.
“All of this is in spite of the fact that VA’s own research has shown the tremendous physical and mental health benefits these technologies offer for veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders,” Bergman said.
The bill is now pending before the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, of which Bergman is a member.
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