WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) introduced the Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act. The bill would direct the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a pilot program for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to treat Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While serving in the North Carolina State Assembly, Murphy sponsored and passed legislation providing HBOT for veterans in North Carolina.

In 2015, a study found as many as 500,000 veterans who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan have been diagnosed with PTSD – a number that has grown since the study was conducted. Research also suggests that TBI and PTSD are linked to an increased risk for suicide. An average of 17 veterans per day take their own lives.

HBOT is conducted by placing an individual in a pressurized tank and pumping in a large amount of pure oxygen. By delivering more oxygen to the patient’s lungs, their blood can carry more oxygen to help heal cells in their body, including in the brain.

“According to the VA, veterans are 50 percent more likely to die by suicide compared to average adults. Our veterans who have bravely seen combat overseas fighting to preserve our freedom deserve better. Since September is National Suicide Prevention Month, I thought it fitting to introduce legislation to help combat this national tragedy,” said Murphy.

“While more research needs to be done to determine HBOT’s overall effectiveness in treating TBI and PTSD, I have found that it has helped many veterans. There isn’t a known cure for TBI and PTSD, but we can treat their symptoms. Different people who suffer from TBI and PTSD respond differently to different treatments. While HBOT may not help one patient, it could save another’s life. It is my hope that we can expand HBOT for veterans so they can have a larger variety of treatment options at their disposal. My legislation would do exactly that,” concluded Murphy.

The text of the bill can be found here.