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Murphy Introduces Legislation to Offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Veterans

February 13, 2025

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. introduced the Veterans’ National Traumatic Injury Treatment Act. This bipartisan legislation would establish a pilot program at the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

"America tragically loses 17 or more veterans to suicide each day," said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. "Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are far more prevalent among the veteran community than most understand. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a promising treatment option that offers a lifeline to veterans with PTSD/TBI on whom other treatments have failed. HBOT has undergone extensive and rigorous evaluation that enjoys great evidential support, not only in the US but other countries, most notably out of Israel. Historic progress was made last Congress despite strong opposition by the Biden Administration. I am proud to continue my fight, which started in the North Carolina House of Representatives, to make this therapy accessible to all of America's veterans."

Background
Studies demonstrate that HBOT is an effective treatment for veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI. Despite its proven efficacy and requests by Members of Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs currently does not employ HBOT.

Congressman Murphy previously introduced the Veterans’ National Traumatic Injury Treatment Act in the 116th, 117th, & 118th Congresses and advocated for using HBOT while in the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Supporting Organizations
The American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS, the Fleet Reserve Association, Military-Veterans Advocacy, and TreatNOW.

Read Congressman Murphy's 2024 OpEd on HBOT here.

Cosponsors
Reps. Don Davis (D-NC), Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Sherri Biggs (R-SC), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY).