The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is testing an exoskeleton system that enables veterans with spinal cord injuries to walk again. The ReWalk Exoskeleton equipment has motors at the hip and knee region that give the user the ability to stand from a seated position. With the assistance of a caregiver and the use of forearm crutches, wearers bear weight through the bones in their legs, allowing them to take steps without needing to contract muscles. Trials feature a 45-day period of learning how to use the exoskeleton in a gym, followed by another 45-day training period for home use. At the conclusion, the medical center will put in a request to have the equipment ordered for personal use at no additional cost. For more information, read the VA VAntage Point Blog.
For more on veteran benefits, visit the Military.com Benefits Center.
