Chairman Moran Introduces Legislation to Permanently Authorize VA Program to Support Disabled Veterans & their Caregivers

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) - chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs - introduced legislation to permanently authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Bowel and Bladder program to better address the needs of disabled veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI-D) and their caregivers.

The Disabled Veterans Dignity Act would enact VA's Bowel and Bladder program into law. The program reimburses caregivers, family members, or agencies for performing necessary care, including a bowel program, ostomy or colostomy care and urinary catheterization to veterans who are unable to manage these functions independently.

"Care in this area is often associated with significant challenges for disabled veterans and their caregivers," said Sen. Moran. "This specific care is critical to preventing severe medical complications, minimizing hospitalizations and maintaining the independence and quality of life for veterans with SCI-D. This legislation would help make certain caregivers, family members and agencies that provide services to veterans for bowel and bladder care receive timely reimbursement and quality training to adequately provide these services to veterans, and I look forward to its passage."

The full text of the amendment here.

"Bowel care and bladder care are critical medical services for many veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D)," said Robert Thomas, National President, Paralyzed Veterans of America. "If it isn't provided in a timely manner by skilled caregivers, veterans with SCI/D can develop life-threatening complications. While VA's Bowel and Bladder program provides essential care for veterans with SCI/D, it's not working as effectively as it could be for them and their caregivers. We appreciate Chairman Moran's introduction of the Disabled Veterans Dignity Act, which would improve the program so veterans who need this type of care can maintain their health and independence."

"For many veterans with specific injuries or conditions, access to consistent bowel and bladder care is a critical medical need, and when that care is delayed or disrupted, the consequences can be very serious. Family caregivers are often the ones providing this care, and their ability to do so directly affects a veteran's health and quality of life," said Steve Schwab, Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Dole Foundation. "We are grateful for Chairman Moran's leadership in easing the process by which some of our most vulnerable veterans receive this care and ensuring family caregivers are able to provide it. Strengthening VA's bowel and bladder care program is a practical, necessary step to improve care and uphold dignity for those who have served and the families who support them."

"For veterans living with spinal cord injuries, specialized bowel and bladder care is not just a medical necessity-it is a cornerstone of their dignity and independence," said Jon Retzer, National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans. "Without it, veterans face grave risks ranging from chronic infections to life-threatening kidney and bladder damage. DAV strongly supports the Disabled Veterans Dignity Act, which reinforces the VA's capacity to provide compassionate, high-quality, bowel and bladder care that is essential to veterans, dignity, health and independence. We applaud Sen. Moran for leading this effort to strengthen support for veterans with spinal cord injuries and their caregivers."

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