Veterans STAND Act

This legislation, known as the Veterans Spinal Trauma Access to New Devices Act or the Veterans STAND Act , mandates the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide annual preventative health evaluations for veterans with a spinal cord injury or disorder. These comprehensive evaluations, which veterans can elect to receive, are designed to identify and address potential health complications, assess chronic pain management, and review dietary and weight management needs. A key focus of these evaluations is the assessment of prosthetic equipment and advanced assistive technologies , including spinal cord neuromodulation, to improve motor or autonomic function, independence, and mobility. The bill requires the VA Secretary to consult with internal specialists, external clinicians, technologists, and relevant manufacturers when developing guidance for these evaluations and the provision of assistive technologies. Furthermore, the VA must annually inform eligible veterans about the availability and benefits of these evaluations. The legislation also establishes a reporting requirement, mandating biennial reports to Congress on the utilization and outcomes of assistive technologies and the rate of veteran participation in these preventative evaluations, while also incorporating the provision of these evaluations into Veterans Integrated Service Network performance metrics.