Veterans STAND Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6835
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-30: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-03T08:06:30Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Veterans Spinal Trauma Access to New Devices Act (H.R. 6835), also known as the Veterans STAND Act, aims to improve healthcare for veterans with spinal cord injuries or disorders (SCI/D) by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide annual preventative health evaluations and expand access to assistive technologies. This legislation seeks to help these veterans manage health risks, chronic pain, and daily needs, ultimately enhancing their independence and quality of life.
Key Provisions
- Annual Preventative Health Evaluations: The VA Secretary must offer an annual evaluation to any veteran with SCI/D who chooses to participate. This can be provided directly, through referral, or via telehealth (remote healthcare delivery using technology like video calls).
- Components of the Evaluation:
- Assessment of risks for health complications related to SCI/D, including related conditions (comorbidities, meaning additional health issues that often occur alongside the primary injury).
- Review of chronic pain and its management.
- Guidance on diet and weight control.
- Check of prosthetic equipment (devices replacing or supporting body parts), including needs, functionality, and safety.
- Evaluation of assistive technologies, such as spinal cord neuromodulation (devices that stimulate nerves to improve movement or bodily functions), focusing on suitability for home use, training needs, and remote monitoring.
- Consultation and Guidance: The VA must consult spinal cord program managers, specialist clinicians, neuromodulation experts, and representatives from recognized veterans' organizations when creating rules or guidelines. It must also consult manufacturers and related entities if rules affect them.
- Outreach and Support: The VA must inform eligible veterans annually about the evaluation and its benefits. As needed, the VA can offer training, setup, remote monitoring, and follow-up for assistive technologies via telehealth.
- Reporting Requirements: Starting one year after enactment and every two years after, the VA must report to congressional Veterans' Affairs Committees on:
- Numbers of veterans using, assessed for, or prescribed assistive technologies.
- Categories of technologies prescribed (e.g., neuromodulation) and any available outcomes (like improved function).
- Year-to-year changes in evaluation participation rates.
- Performance Metrics: One year after enactment, the VA must factor in evaluation provision when reviewing regional network (Veterans Integrated Service Network) performance.
- Definition of Assistive Technology: Includes powered devices or tools to treat SCI/D symptoms, such as mobility aids (e.g., powered exoskeletons), speech devices, non-invasive nerve stimulation for better movement or autonomy, and FDA-approved implantable stimulators where appropriate and aligned with VA policies.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends Section 1706 of Title 38, United States Code (which covers VA healthcare management), by adding a new subsection (d). Previously, there was no specific mandate for annual SCI/D evaluations or structured assessments of assistive technologies like neuromodulation. This introduces a proactive, required framework for prevention and technology access, building on general VA care provisions under Section 1710(a) without altering broader eligibility rules.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The VA will face increased administrative duties, including consultations, annual outreach, telehealth expansion, and biennial reporting, potentially requiring more resources for staffing, training, and technology integration. Regional networks' performance evaluations will now emphasize compliance, which could influence funding or oversight.
- On Citizens: Veterans with SCI/D (estimated at tens of thousands served by the VA) may gain better health monitoring, pain relief, and independence through timely evaluations and devices, reducing complications and improving daily life. Other veterans or the public are unlikely to be directly affected.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic VA operations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans with SCI/D: Primary beneficiaries, gaining mandatory access to specialized evaluations and technologies.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Responsible for implementation, including clinicians, program managers, and telehealth providers.
- Healthcare Experts and Organizations: Spinal cord specialists, neuromodulation technologists, and veterans' groups (e.g., those recognized under VA accreditation rules) involved in consultations.
- Manufacturers and Providers: Companies producing assistive devices (e.g., exoskeletons, stimulators) affected by VA guidelines and procurement.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens VA obligations under federal veterans' benefits law (Title 38), promoting evidence-based care through required consultations, which could reduce litigation risks from inadequate treatment. Aligns with FDA standards for devices, ensuring safety without creating new regulatory burdens.
- Constitutional: No apparent challenges; it expands executive branch (VA) duties within Congress's authority to provide for veterans' welfare under Article I, Section 8, without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (from 16 representatives across parties) signals broad support for veterans' issues. Could set a precedent for mandating preventative care and telehealth in niche VA programs, potentially influencing future healthcare expansions amid ongoing debates on VA efficiency and funding.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (18)
Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2], Rep. Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2], Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. James, John [R-MI-10], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7], Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-30: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-02-12: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2025-12-18: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-12-18: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Veterans Spinal Trauma Access to New Devices Act — issued 2025-12-18 — PDF (7 pages)