U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, has introduced legislation aimed at permanently authorizing the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Bowel and Bladder program. The initiative is designed to address the needs of disabled veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI-D), as well as their caregivers.
The proposed Disabled Veterans Dignity Act would establish the VA’s Bowel and Bladder program in law. This program reimburses caregivers, family members, or agencies for providing essential care such as bowel programs, ostomy or colostomy care, and urinary catheterization to veterans who cannot manage these functions independently.
“Care in this area is often associated with significant challenges for disabled veterans and their caregivers,” said Sen. Moran. “This specific care is critical to preventing severe medical complications, minimizing hospitalizations and maintaining the independence and quality of life for veterans with SCI-D. This legislation would help make certain caregivers, family members and agencies that provide services to veterans for bowel and bladder care receive timely reimbursement and quality training to adequately provide these services to veterans, and I look forward to its passage.”
Robert Thomas, National President of Paralyzed Veterans of America, stated: “Bowel care and bladder care are critical medical services for many veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). If it isn’t provided in a timely manner by skilled caregivers, veterans with SCI/D can develop life-threatening complications. While VA’s Bowel and Bladder program provides essential care for veterans with SCI/D, it’s not working as effectively as it could be for them and their caregivers. We appreciate Chairman Moran’s introduction of the Disabled Veterans Dignity Act, which would improve the program so veterans who need this type of care can maintain their health and independence.”
Steve Schwab, Chief Executive Officer of Elizabeth Dole Foundation added: “For many veterans with specific injuries or conditions, access to consistent bowel and bladder care is a critical medical need, and when that care is delayed or disrupted, the consequences can be very serious. Family caregivers are often the ones providing this care, and their ability to do so directly affects a veteran’s health and quality of life. We are grateful for Chairman Moran’s leadership in easing the process by which some of our most vulnerable veterans receive this care and ensuring family caregivers are able to provide it. Strengthening VA’s bowel and bladder care program is a practical, necessary step to improve care and uphold dignity for those who have served and the families who support them.”
Jon Retzer from Disabled American Veterans commented: “For veterans living with spinal cord injuries, specialized bowel and bladder care is not just a medical necessity—it is a cornerstone of their dignity and independence. Without it, veterans face grave risks ranging from chronic infections to life-threatening kidney and bladder damage. DAV strongly supports the Disabled Veterans Dignity Act, which reinforces the VA’s capacity to provide compassionate, high-quality bowel and bladder care that is essential to veterans' dignity, health[,]and independence. We applaud Sen. Moran for leading this effort to strengthen support for veterans with spinal cord injuries and their caregivers.”
The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee plays an important role in overseeing benefits such as health care programs supporting U.S. military veterans through legislative oversight (https://www.veterans.senate.gov/). The committee works closely with organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs (https://www.veterans.senate.gov/) on measures intended to enhance support systems available nationwide.
Senator Jerry Moran currently serves as chairman while Richard Blumenthal holds the position of ranking member (https://www.veterans.senate.gov/). The committee has contributed significantly over time by improving access to healthcare services through policy initiatives such as expanding benefits under various acts (https://www.veterans.senate.gov/).
