Blast Overpressure Research and Mitigation Task Force Act

This legislation mandates the establishment of the Blast Overpressure Task Force within the Department of Veterans Affairs, to be formed within 180 days through the VA-DoD Joint Executive Committee. Members of this Task Force must be involved in research concerning the mitigation and treatment of blast overpressure or exposure. The primary goal is to enhance how the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, provides healthcare and benefits to veterans and service members diagnosed with traumatic brain injury, PTSD, or other symptoms resulting from blast overpressure.

The Task Force's duties include aligning research agendas, establishing physiological and cognitive performance baselines, and prioritizing translational research in areas such as sleep therapy, gut health, and neuroinflammation. It will also monitor sensory decline and stress-related impairments, and support continuity of care through integrated diagnostic tools. Annually, the Task Force must submit reports detailing its activities, research initiatives, and clinical advancements, along with recommendations for evaluating claims and neurological injuries for benefits. The Task Force is set to terminate on September 30, 2029.