The American Chiropractic Association reports on May 25, 2010, and FOUND HERE at Chiroeco.com that "the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1017, the “Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act,” putting America’s veterans one step closer to gaining access to chiropractic care at all major Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers. The bill was approved 365:6."

"H.R. 1017 requires the VA to have doctors of chiropractic on staff at no fewer than 75 major VA medical centers before the end of 2011 and for all major VA medical centers to have a doctor of chiropractic on staff before the end of 2013. There are nearly 160 VA treatment facilities nationwide. Currently, the VA provides chiropractic care at 32 treatment facilities across the country."

"The bill comes after a recent VA report, “Analysis of VA Health Care Utilization Among Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Veterans,” from February 2010, which cites “diseases of Musculoskeletal System/Connective System,” such as back pain, as the number one ailment of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans accessing VA treatment."

"The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) believes inclusion of chiropractic care in the VA healthcare system would speed the recovery of many of the veterans returning from current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Chiropractic care has been proven to be a cost-effective and beneficial treatment option. In fact, a 2010 study published in Clinical Rehabilitation found that spinal manipulation provided better short and long-term functional improvement and more pain relief in follow-up assessments than other physiotherapy interventions. Furthermore, a 2003 study published in the medical journal Spine found that manual manipulation provides better short-term relief of chronic spinal pain than a variety of medications."

"House VA Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA), a strong supporter of extending chiropractic care benefits to military retirees and active-duty personnel, introduced the legislation. Over the years, Rep. Filner has worked closely with ACA in securing support for a number of pro-chiropractic measures.  Rep. Michael Michaud (D-ME), Ranking Member Steve Buyer (R-IN) and Rep. Jerry Moran (R-KS) also deserve recognition for their support of this legislation."

"Prior to congressional intervention over the past decade, no doctors of chiropractic served on the staff of any VA treatment facility. The availability of chiropractic care for eligible veterans was limited to VA “referrals” to doctors of chiropractic serving in private practice outside of the VA system. Such referrals were so rare that chiropractic care was essentially non-existent within the VA system."

“I am especially proud that the member institutions that comprise the Association of Chiropractic Colleges will play a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of doctors of chiropractic to serve our military veterans throughout the United States and overseas,” said Frank J. Nicchi, DC, MS, President of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges. “This legislation will assist in making that possible.”

"In the U.S. Senate, a companion bill (S1204) has been introduced by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), who is a member of the Senate VA Committee. This legislation would also expand access to chiropractic care within the VA system."

AirForceTimes.com REPORTS HERE that "the Senate passed a bill earlier this year to require chiropractic treatment at a minimum of 42 locations, an increase from the current 36, but legislation passed by the House on Monday by voice vote requires every Veterans Affairs Department medical center to provide the care.  This big difference between the two bills will have to be worked out later this year, probably as part of a package of veterans health care legislation."

"Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee chairman and chief sponsor of the House bill, said chiropractic care could be important to today’s service members, who may carry up to 55 pounds of combat equipment and armor. 'Consistently supporting such a heavy load places a serious strain on the backs and joints of our service members, causing musculoskeletal injuries,' Filner said."

"'Musculoskeletal disorders “are the single most common ailment facing returning veterans,' he said. 'Among veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom who have received treatment from VA, over 52 percent have been diagnosed with such a disorder; however, VA is not presently equipped to serve this clear need.'"

"Rep. Steve Buyer of Indiana, ranking Republican on the veterans committee, said he is a big supporter of the proposal and wants to ensure that care is available through contracts for veterans who do not live near VA medical centers."

"The Congressional Budget Office estimates each additional chiropractor would cost an average of $115,000 a year."