Veterans STAND Act

This legislation mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provide annual preventative health evaluations to veterans with spinal cord injuries or disorders who elect to receive them. These comprehensive evaluations are designed to assess potential health complications, chronic pain management, dietary and weight management, and the functionality and safety of existing prosthetic equipment. A significant focus is placed on evaluating the need for and suitability of assistive technology , including advanced spinal cord neuromodulation technologies, to enhance motor function, independence, and mobility. To ensure effective implementation, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must consult with spinal cord injury specialists, clinicians, and assistive technology experts when developing guidance for these evaluations. The VA is also required to annually inform eligible veterans about the availability and benefits of these evaluations. Furthermore, the bill mandates biennial reports to Congress detailing the number of veterans utilizing, assessed for, or prescribed assistive technologies, along with associated functional outcomes, and requires consideration of these evaluations in VA performance metrics.