Summary

Creates a three-year VA pilot to provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to be run in two Veterans Integrated Service Networks and delivered by eligible VA-authorized providers in accredited facilities. The pilot is funded only by donations placed in a newly created VA HBOT Fund and expires three years after enactment. The bill also orders an updated GAO review of HBOT clinical trials and extends a statutory date tied to VA pension payment limits to October 30, 2034.

• Authorizes a three-year VA pilot to provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to veterans with TBI or PTSD in two VISNs.
• HBOT under the pilot must be delivered by eligible VA-authorized providers in accredited facilities (Joint Commission, UHMS, or equivalent).
• Creates a VA HBOT Fund in the Treasury to receive donations; pilot is funded solely by donations and funds are available without fiscal year limit.
• Defines HBOT as therapy using an FDA-approved device or an investigational device authorized by the FDA.
• Requires GAO to update its 2016 report on HBOT research within one year, covering VA, DoD, and private trials since the earlier review.
• Extends a pension-related statutory date to October 30, 2034, affecting the scope of a VA pension payment limit provision.
• Pilot ends three years after enactment; the bill does not authorize recurring appropriations for long-term HBOT expansion.
• Places administrative duties on VA to run the pilot, manage donation funds, and coordinate with accredited providers.