Bill > HR1336

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The program will be implemented in two Veterans Integrated Service Networks, with medical facilities providing HBOT required to be accredited by recognized medical organizations like the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organizations. The therapy will use only FDA-approved medical devices, either fully approved or under investigational device exemption. The program will be funded exclusively through donations to a newly created "VA HBOT Fund" in the Treasury, with funds available without annual budget restrictions. Additionally, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit a report within one year, updating previous research on HBOT's effectiveness in treating TBI and PTSD, including clinical trials conducted by the VA, Department of Defense, and private entities. As a secondary provision, the bill extends certain pension payment limits for veterans until October 30, 2034. The overall goal is to explore and potentially expand treatment options for veterans suffering from TBI and PTSD.