Yellowhammer Times

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has introduced the Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Act, a bill aimed at expanding alternative treatment options for veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The legislation would establish a pilot program to provide access to treatments such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Treatment (HBOT).

The bill follows companion legislation introduced by Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC-03), which recently passed in the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

“It is past time we offer our vets alternate forms of care,” said Sen. Tuberville. “These brave men and women often come home with scars from war that we cannot see. For veterans who have exhausted options, access to HBOT treatment could make a life-changing difference. September is Veteran Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and our service men and women facing mental health challenges should have access to alternative forms of treatment. This bill has had great success in the House of Representatives, and I’m proud to introduce it in the Senate where I hope to see my colleagues prioritize evidence-based treatment options for our vets like HBOT.”

“America tragically loses 17 or more veterans to suicide each day,” said Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D.“Post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries are far more prevalent among the veteran community than most understand. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a promising treatment option that offers a lifeline to veterans with PTSD/TBI on whom other treatments have failed. HBOT has undergone extensive and rigorous evaluation that enjoys great evidential support, not only in the U.S. but other countries, most notably out of Israel. Historic progress was made last Congress despite strong opposition by the Biden Administration. I am proud to continue my fight, alongside Senator Tuberville, to make this therapy accessible to all of America’s veterans.”

Senator Tuberville serves on several Senate committees including Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees. He represents Alabama’s veteran population—over 400,000 individuals—and has previously introduced measures such as the HBOT Access Act during both this session and previous sessions of Congress.

He has also sponsored legislation addressing benefits for families of fallen service members and efforts to streamline post-9/11 benefits for service members and their dependents.

The full text of the new legislation can be found online.