VA to provide robotic legs to paralyzed vets

VA to provide robotic legs to paralyzed vets so they can walk again.

I think this an awesome thing for the VA to "finally " do for paralyzed Vetetans. I am so happy that some of these vets will be able to walk again, after the necessary training.

When I think about our vets still suffering with AO, I wish the Food and Drug administration would give the VA the go ahead for the same opportunity they have given the paralyzed vets. Anyway, this isn't about AO, so I won't dwell on it. These exoskeletons are a great invention, and I'm happy the VA is picking up the $77,000 tab. I hope to see some of these vets at the VA I go to, and I hope it happens very soon.
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The Veterans Affairs Department has agreed to pay for robotic legs that could allow scores of paralyzed veterans with spinal cord injuries to walk again.

Veterans have been petitioning the VA to do this because many cannot afford the $77,000 needed to pay for the powered exoskeleton called the ReWalk. The device was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2014 for individuals to use at home. VA officials told The Associated Press that that the agency sent a memorandum Dec. 10 outlining its plans to train staff to be able to provide the ReWalk.

"The research support and effort to provide eligible veterans with paralysis an exoskeleton for home use is a historic move on the part of the VA because it represents a paradigm shift in the approach to rehabilitation for persons with paralysis," said Dr. Ann Spungen, who led VA research on the system.

Check out this article from Army Times:

VA to provide robotic legs to paralyzed vets

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/benefits/veterans/2015/12/17/va-provide-robotic-legs-paralyzed-vets/77470074/