RELEASE: Gottheimer Introduces Bipartisan “Veterans STAND Act” for Cutting-Edge Technology for Veterans with Spinal Cord Injuries

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) introduced the bipartisan Veterans STAND Act to strengthen care for veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/Ds).

The bipartisan bill will help address persistent shortcomings within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by ensuring veterans receive regular, thorough health evaluations and are informed about, and considered for, cutting-edge treatments that can improve mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.

Each year, the VA serves more than 27,000 veterans with SCI/Ds through a national system that includes 25 regional SCI/D centers and more than 130 primary care teams and support clinics at VA medical facilities nationwide.

Despite the scope of this system, too many veterans still encounter gaps in preventative care and face barriers to accessing new assistive technologies that could meaningfully enhance daily living and long-term health. With nearly half of spinal cord injuries occurring between ages 16 and 30, many veterans spend decades managing conditions that could be better treated with modern medical advances.

Innovations such as powered exoskeletons and non-invasive spinal stimulation technologies have demonstrated potential to restore movement, improve bodily function, and reduce secondary health complications. Yet without consistent annual evaluations or clear standards for incorporating these tools into VA care, many veterans are never made aware of - or given access to - these life-changing options.

"It is our duty as Americans not only to honor all soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and guardians, but to do everything we can to fight for them when they return. This is especially important as veterans face challenges from rising costs, health care struggles, and transitions into civilian life," said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). "Together, with legislation like the bipartisan STAND Act, we reaffirm our enduring promise to fight for our veterans the same way they fought for us."

Key Provisions of the bipartisan Veterans STAND Act include:

• Annual Preventative Evaluations: Requires the VA to offer annual preventative health evaluations for veterans with SCI/Ds through in-person visits, referrals, or telehealth. These evaluations would assess health risks, chronic pain, nutrition, prosthetic needs, and opportunities to use new assistive technologies.
• Access to Innovation: Ensures veterans are evaluated for advanced assistive technologies, including powered mobility devices, exoskeletons, and spinal cord neuromodulation therapies that can restore movement, reduce pain, and improve daily functioning.
• Expert Consultation: Directs the VA to consult with spinal cord specialists, clinicians, Veteran Service Organizations, and medical device manufacturers to ensure VA policies reflect the latest advancements in SCI/D care.
• Reporting and Oversight: Requires the VA to report to Congress on the utilization and outcomes of assistive technologies and to integrate these evaluations into VA performance metrics to strengthen accountability and oversight.

Along with Gottheimer, the bipartisan bill is co-led by Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI), Chairman Mike Bost (R-IN), and Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO).

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