Sponsors (17)
The bill expands VA preventive care, telehealth, and access to advanced assistive technologies for veterans with spinal cord injuries—improving health, independence, and oversight—but increases costs, strains procurement and clinical capacity, and raises data-privacy and conflict-of-interest concerns.
Veterans with spinal cord injuries (and other people with mobility disabilities) can receive access to a broader set of assistive technologies (including neuromodulation, implantable stimulators, powered mobility, exoskeletons) plus associated training, improving function and independence.
Veterans with spinal cord injuries will be eligible for an annual preventative health evaluation covering comorbidities, pain management, nutrition, prosthetics, and assistive device needs, enabling earlier detection and better coordinated care.
Veterans, especially those in rural areas or with limited mobility, can receive evaluations, training, and follow-up via authorized telehealth services, increasing access and continuity of care.
Veterans and taxpayers face higher VA program costs because providing annual evaluations and expanded access to advanced assistive technologies will require additional funding or reallocation of resources.
Collection and reporting of health and device-use data related to devices and outcomes creates privacy and data-protection risks for veterans unless robust safeguards are implemented and maintained.
Increased demand for advanced assistive technologies (e.g., implantable stimulators, exoskeletons) could strain VA procurement, clinical infrastructure, and staffing, complicating timely delivery and follow-up care.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires VA to offer annual preventive evaluations to veterans with spinal cord injuries/disorders, assess assistive technology including neuromodulation, and report usage and outcomes.
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, delivered through VA care, referral, or VA telehealth. The evaluation must screen for risks and comorbidities, address chronic pain, diet/weight, prosthetic equipment, and assess assistive technologies including spinal cord neuromodulation. Sets rules for consultation when the VA issues guidance, requires annual notification and telehealth follow-up as appropriate, adds reporting requirements to congressional VA committees (initial report within one year, then every two years), and directs that VISN performance reviews include provision of these evaluations. Defines assistive technology broadly to include powered mobility, speech devices, neuromodulation (including non-invasive and certain FDA-approved implantable systems).
Introduced December 18, 2025 by John Bergman · Last progress December 18, 2025