Doctor Murphy advocates for hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans' PTSD treatment

The Subcommittee on Health of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss critical legislation aimed at addressing the mental health crisis among veterans, particularly focusing on the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The meeting began with Dr. Murphy advocating for his bill, which seeks to provide veterans access to HBOT. He highlighted the alarming statistic that 17 to 30 veterans die by suicide each day, emphasizing the urgent need for effective treatments. Dr. Murphy shared his initial skepticism about the use of psychedelics but noted a shift in perspective after reviewing literature supporting the efficacy of HBOT. He cited multiple studies, including a recent meta-analysis, that demonstrate the therapy's life-changing effects for veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI.

Dr. Murphy's proposal received bipartisan support, with several co-sponsors and endorsements from various veterans service organizations (VSOs), including the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the American Legion. He urged his colleagues to act decisively, stating that veterans deserve a chance at recovery when traditional treatments have failed.

Following Dr. Murphy, Dr. Morrison expressed concerns regarding the lack of scientific evidence supporting HBOT as a treatment for PTSD and TBI. He proposed an amendment requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a comprehensive literature review on the therapy's effectiveness. Dr. Morrison's remarks highlighted the importance of evidence-based medicine and the potential risks of allocating resources to unproven treatments.

Representative Van Werten shared personal experiences, advocating for the bill based on testimonies from veterans who have benefited from HBOT. He emphasized the importance of saving even one veteran's life, arguing that the emotional weight of such decisions should not be underestimated.

Conversely, Dr. Dexter raised concerns about the quality of research supporting HBOT, describing it as "flimsy" and lacking rigorous scientific backing. He cautioned against diverting funds from proven treatments to support therapies that may not deliver effective results.

The discussion underscored a divide among committee members regarding the balance between innovative treatment options and the necessity for rigorous scientific validation. Dr. Murphy concluded by reiterating the urgency of the situation, urging the committee to consider the overwhelming evidence he presented and the dire need for new solutions to combat veteran suicides.

As the meeting progressed, the committee members continued to deliberate on the implications of the proposed bill, weighing the potential benefits of HBOT against the need for scientifically validated treatments. The outcome of this discussion will play a crucial role in shaping future policies aimed at improving mental health care for veterans.