Veterans STAND Act (H.R. 6835)

Summary

The Veterans STAND Act (H.R. 6835) is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on December 18, 2025. The main purpose of the bill is to:

1. Direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to offer annual preventative health evaluations to veterans with a spinal cord injury or disorder.
2. Increase access to assistive technologies, including spinal cord neuromodulation technologies, for veterans with spinal cord injuries or disorders.

Key Provisions

• Requires the VA Secretary to provide annual preventative health evaluations to veterans with spinal cord injuries or disorders, covering assessments of:
  • Health complications and comorbidities
  • Chronic pain management
  • Dietary and weight management
  • Prosthetic equipment needs
  • Assistive technology needs, including spinal cord neuromodulation
• Directs the VA Secretary to consult with spinal cord injury experts, clinicians, and veterans organizations when developing guidance and regulations for these evaluations.
• Requires the VA Secretary to report to Congress every 2 years on the number of veterans receiving assistive technologies, the types prescribed, and changes in evaluation utilization rates.
• Specifies that "assistive technology" includes powered mobility devices, speech generators, spinal cord neuromodulation technologies (including non-invasive transcutaneous stimulation), and implantable spinal cord stimulators.

Impact

This bill aims to improve the quality of care and access to essential technologies for veterans living with spinal cord injuries and disorders. By mandating annual preventative evaluations, it could help identify and address health issues early. Expanding access to advanced assistive technologies like neuromodulation could also enhance veterans' functional abilities, independence, and quality of life.

The reporting requirements would also provide greater transparency into the VA's provision of these important services and technologies for this vulnerable veteran population.