States Expanding PTSD and TBI Treatment for Veterans
A growing number of states have passed legislation to expand access to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries.
As the demand for a more effective solution for Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) grows, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is gaining traction as a valuable option for addressing the mental scars that military combat can leave behind. Legislators in Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, North Dakota, New York, and Oregon have proposed legislation to expand HBOT programs to provide alternative therapies for veterans struggling with conditions that traditional therapies have been unable to address.
During HBOT treatment, patients are placed in pressurized chambers where they breathe pure oxygen, allowing it to dissolve directly into the bloodstream. This process enhances the body’s ability to repair and regenerate tissue, promotes healing in the brain, and can help alleviate the symptoms of both physical injuries and psychological trauma.
HBOT calms the brain’s fear response and reduces anxiety induced by past trauma. The results can be profound, offering relief for veterans who have struggled for years with symptoms that other treatments have not resolved.
A 2024 study found that 68% of veterans with combat-associated PTSD showed significant improvement from HBOT. During the study, a group of veterans participated in 60 daily sessions over three months, each lasting 90 minutes. Afterward, the group that was treated with HBOT showed significant improvement in all PTSD symptom areas, while the control group showed no improvement. 25% of patients in the HBOT group achieved complete remission from their PTSD.
In 2019, Florida created a pilot program focused on treating neural issues, which was expanded in 2023. The expansion reflects growing confidence in the potential of HBOT to make a significant difference in the lives of veterans.
In addition to Florida, other states including Arizona, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming have also passed legislation to support similar pilot programs and long-term treatment plans.
The scope and funding of HBOT programs varies considerably by state in order to meet the specific needs of its veteran population. Many of the programs offer additional benefits, such as making them accessible to veterans who might not have the financial means to pursue this treatment.
As these programs continue to grow and evolve at the state level, federal leaders are also exploring ways to support HBOT treatment nationwide. For example, Congressman Greg Murphy (R-NC) recently introduced the bipartisan Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Act, which would establish an HBOT pilot program at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
With veterans returning home in greater numbers and facing new challenges, it is more important than ever to explore innovative solutions that can address the complexities of modern-day service-related injuries. The growing support for HBOT legislation across the states demonstrates a strong commitment to improving healthcare options for veterans who have served our nation. Like many other areas of public policy, the states are leading the way.