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Congress·Reported·5 months ago

Congress directs VA to test hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans with brain injury or PTSD

Also known as: Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Negative Impacts(1)
Retiree
Hurts
Positive Impacts(6)
Military Veteran
Helps
Veterans Benefits
Helps
Chronic Illness
Helps
Disability Benefits
Helps
Cognitive Developmental
Helps
Mental Health
Helps

Key Points

  • Congress directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to run a pilot program that provides hyperbaric oxygen therapy to veterans with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • The pilot would operate in two VA regional health networks, using certain outside health care providers and only at facilities that meet recognized safety and quality accreditation standards.
  • The program would be paid for only through donations set aside in a special VA fund, not regular VA budget dollars, and it would end three years after the bill becomes law.
  • Within one year of enactment, the Government Accountability Office must update its research review on whether this therapy works for traumatic brain injury and PTSD, including VA, Defense Department, and private trials.
  • The bill also extends the end date for an existing limit on certain pension payments, pushing it from late 2031 to late 2034.
VeteransHealthcareMedicare Medicaid

Milestones

3 milestones8 actions
Oct 17, 2025House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 296.

Oct 17, 2025House

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-344.

May 6, 2025House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Mar 25, 2025House

Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

Mar 25, 2025House

Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Soon after the bill becomes law

VA launches a new HBOT pilot for veterans with TBI or PTSD

Eligible veterans in two selected VA regions could start being referred for VA-paid hyperbaric oxygen therapy at approved community providers.

Early in pilot setup after enactment

VA selects 2 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) for the pilot

Where you live could determine whether you can use the pilot locally or whether you would need to travel or wait for access.

After enactment, as VA sets up the fund

VA begins accepting and using donations for the VA HBOT Fund

The size of the pilot may depend on how much money is donated, which can affect how many veterans can be treated and how quickly.

When the pilot begins providing care

Only accredited HBOT facilities are allowed to treat veterans under the pilot

Veterans may have fewer facility choices, but quality and safety standards should be clearer because facilities must meet recognized accreditation.

No later than 1 year after enactment

GAO delivers an updated report on HBOT research for TBI and PTSD

The report could influence whether VA expands, changes, or ends this kind of treatment coverage in the future based on newer clinical trial results.

3 years after enactment

The HBOT pilot ends and the VA HBOT Fund terminates

Unless Congress or VA extends or replaces it, new HBOT coverage through this pilot would stop after the 3-year end date.

Related News

3 articles
Congressman Greg Murphy (Press Release)·about 1 year ago

Murphy Introduces Legislation to Offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Veterans

Announces introduction of H.R. 1336 to create a VA pilot program providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans with TBI or PTSD.

CR+
Congressman Greg Murphy (Press Release)·10 months ago

Murphy Legislation to Provide Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Veterans Passes VA Committee

Covers committee passage of H.R. 1336 establishing a VA pilot to furnish HBOT for veterans with TBI or PTSD.

CR+
Military Times·over 5 years ago

Veteran suicide is a problem. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a solution.

Opinion piece arguing for HBOT access; references the Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act as proposed policy context.

CR+

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act

Bill NumberHR 1336
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 296.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(15)
D: 5R: 10

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.