VA extends benefit coverage to veterans seeking ReWalk's exoskeleton

Though this was announced a few months ago, somehow our crackerjack news team missed the story, so we’re hereby announcing that ReWalk Robotics, the Massachusetts-based exoskeleton device maker, reached an agreement with the Dept. of Veteran Affairs that would enable qualified veterans with a spinal cord injury to receive the company’s signature exoskeleton suit.

The evaluation process will now have all veterans flow through one of 24 designated spinal cord injury VA centers (SCI/D). In Northern California, the Palo Alto VA is the nearest center. Once a veteran is determined to be qualified for training and procurement of his or her own exoskeleton system, the individual may be allowed to pursue training in one of three ways: at the applicable SCI/D hub center, at a qualified VA hospital designated by the VA’s “hub & spoke” program, or at a qualified private rehabilitation center through the VA’s Veterans Choice Program, a program through which Veterans can receive care from a community provider paid for by the VA.

If a veteran with SCI is unable or unwilling to travel to a VA Exoskeleton Training Center for training, case-by-case consideration will be given to enable the veteran and companion to receive training at a VA facility that does not have an exoskeleton training program or at a non-VA facility.

You may contact the Palo Alto VA at (650) 493-5000, extension 65871.