WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) – the ranking member and chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – introduced legislation to require VA to offer annual preventative health evaluations to veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders and increase assistive technologies to best serve veterans.

The Veterans Spinal Trauma Access to New Devices (STAND) Act would create a preventative health program to allow any veteran who has been referred or treated by VA for a spinal cord injury to undergo assessment to potentially receive treatments for chronic pain, diet management, risk of comorbidities and assistance through prosthetic equipment. This legislation would also require VA to report to Congress the number of veterans receiving care through assistive technologies to determine how many veterans are being evaluated for spinal cord injuries on a yearly basis

“Spinal cord injuries can be devastating, but by providing veterans with the right tools and treatments, we can help them regain mobility and hope through treatment and innovative technology,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation makes certain veterans, who have suffered a spinal cord injury or disorder, will be able to receive the care they deserve while maximizing their independence and mobility.”

“Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders deserve health care that meets their individual needs,” said Sen. Tester. “That starts with ensuring they have the prosthetic equipment and innovative assistive technologies they require. Our bipartisan bill will make sure they receive the necessary care they have earned through yearly comprehensive health evaluations.”

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.).