House and Senate Are Looking Into Expanding Chiropractic Coverage for Veterans

PRESS RELEASE

The House and the Senate are currently looking into the expansion of chiropractic access in all facilities of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). There are two bills that are being reviewed: one in the House (HR 329) and another in the Senate (S 1147).

HR 329, which was introduced by Representative Bob Filner (D-CA), will require the DVA to include a doctor of chiropractic to their staff in all major VA medical facilities by the year 2014. S 1147, which was introduced by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), will require system-wide access to chiropractic care in all facilities of the DVA by 2014.

If these two bills are passed, veterans will be given a choice as to which health care they want to use. This could make a difference in their treatment since a 2009 report by the VA showed that the top health problems of veterans are neuromuscuskeletal ailments such as joint and back pain or disorders.

As of this writing, 80% of the medical facilities of the VA do not offer chiropractic care to their patients. This will change once the House and Senate gives HR 329 and S 1147 a chance.

Dr. Ali of ChiroCarolina® strongly supports these two new bills. Chiropractic care will be beneficial to veterans as it may provide them with long-term relief without resorting to surgery.