Sponsors (16)
The bill expands preventive care, assistive-technology access, outreach, and oversight for veterans with spinal cord injuries — improving safety and options for many — but increases VA costs and raises risks of uneven access and adoption before long-term evidence is mature.
Veterans with spinal cord injuries will receive an annual preventive evaluation to identify and manage risks and comorbidities, improving early detection and ongoing care.
Veterans (including those with mobility or neuromuscular impairments) will gain access to assessments, follow-up, and telehealth-based training and remote monitoring for assistive technologies — including non‑invasive spinal neuromodulation — increasing treatment options and continuity of care.
Veterans who use prosthetics and mobility devices will get improved device reviews, which can increase safety and functional independence.
Taxpayers and veterans may face increased VA costs because annual evaluations and expanded assistive-technology services will require additional resources or appropriations.
Rural and underserved veterans could experience greater inequities if mandated assessments or advanced device prescriptions depend on access to specialized clinics or uneven telehealth coverage across VISNs.
Hospitals, VA facilities, and veterans may incur higher procurement, training, and coordination costs as novel neuromodulation and other advanced assistive devices are adopted.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer an annual preventive health evaluation to any veteran with a spinal cord injury or disorder who chooses it. The exam can be provided in VA facilities, by referral, or through VA telehealth and must assess risks from the spinal injury, chronic pain, diet/weight, prosthetic needs and safety, and assistive-technology needs including spinal cord neuromodulation and suitability for home use. The VA must consult relevant spinal cord clinicians, program managers, neuromodulation experts, recognized veterans service organizations, and affected manufacturers when issuing guidance; notify known veterans annually about the evaluation; allow telehealth-based training, programming, and remote follow-up when clinically appropriate; and submit specified reports to congressional veterans committees on use and outcomes every two years after an initial report within one year of enactment.
Introduced December 18, 2025 by John Bergman · Last progress December 18, 2025