The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced it will offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as a treatment option for a small number of Veterans with persistent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms resistant to standard options. HBOT is a procedure that increases oxygen in the body, under pressure, to encourage healing. This use of HBOT for treatment of PTSD is considered an 'off-label' use and will occur under the supervision of a trained physician. The VA Center for Compassionate Innovation (CCI) is also facilitating use of HBOT for a subset of Veterans who have noticed no decrease of symptoms after receiving at least two evidenced-based treatments. For information about VA's Center for Compassionate Innovation, visit the Center's website.
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