H.R. 6993: Veterans TBI Breakthrough Exploration of Adaptive Care Opportunities Nationwide Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Veterans TBI Breakthrough Exploration of Adaptive Care Opportunities Nationwide Act of 2026 (or BEACON Act of 2026), aims to establish grant programs through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) specifically designed for research and treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in veterans. Here are the key components of the bill:

Establishment of Grant Programs

The bill establishes two main grant programs:

• TBI Innovation Grant Program: This program will award grants to eligible entities for the development, implementation, and evaluation of new treatment methods for chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in veterans.
• Research Grant Program: This program will allow the VA to provide funding to conduct research studies on treatments and methodologies related to TBI in veterans.

Eligible Entities for Grants

Entities eligible to apply for these grants include:

• Nonprofit organizations.
• Academic institutions involved in TBI research.
• Non-VA health care providers with neurorehabilitation expertise.
• Other entities determined appropriate by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Use of Grant Funds

Grants from the TBI Innovation Grant Program must be used for activities such as:

• Designing and testing new treatments that prioritize patient care, including non-drug therapies.
• Conducting clinical studies to assess treatment effectiveness on mental health, reducing suicidality, and mitigating long-term mTBI effects.
• Training for clinicians and outreach to veterans and families to enhance awareness of innovative treatments.
• Establishing partnerships with community and health organizations to implement best practices.

Grant Amounts and Limitations

Grant amounts will be capped at $5 million per fiscal year for the TBI Innovation Grant Program, while the Research Grant Program allocates grants up to:

• $625,000 for exploratory research projects.
• $1.5 million for collaborative research initiatives.

Administration of the Grant Programs

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs will oversee the applications and distribution of grants, ensuring rigorous evaluation of the grant programs and periodic reporting on their effectiveness. This includes:

• Regular monitoring and evaluation of funded activities.
• Annual reports submitted to track progress and outcome measures.

Coordination with Mental Health Services

The bill emphasizes the necessity for the grant programs to align with existing VA mental health services, specifically the Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. This aims to provide comprehensive support for veterans dealing with mTBI and associated psychological conditions.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes appropriations of $30 million for the TBI Innovation Grant Program and $10 million annually for the Research Grant Program for fiscal years 2026 through 2028. The funding will support the efforts to improve TBI treatment and research.

Term and Review of Grant Programs

The authority to operate these grant programs will last for three years, with annual reviews to evaluate their effectiveness and potential for continuation or expansion beyond the initial period.

Definitions

The bill includes definitions of terms such as:

• TBI: Traumatic brain injury.
• Treatment: Interventions, devices, or rehabilitation care provided to veterans with TBI.
• Veteran: As defined in section 101 of title 38 of the United States Code.

Relevant Companies

None found.