ReWalk Robotics Exoskeletons - Veterans Affairs Issues National Coverage Policy

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ReWalk Robotics Ltd., the leading global exoskeleton developer and manufacturer, announced today that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued a national policy for the evaluation, training and procurement of ReWalk Personal exoskeleton systems for all qualifying veterans across the United States. The VA policy, which is exclusive to *ReWalk Robotics exoskeleton systems, is the first national coverage policy in the United States for qualifying individuals who have suffered spinal cord injury (SCI).

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"This historic policy will provide access to our life-changing technology for thousands of veterans across America," said ReWalk CEO Larry Jasinski. "We want all U.S. veterans with a spinal cord injury to know that they now have a path to securing their own ReWalk Personal exoskeleton system. The policy outlines a sound process to educate, train and importantly, to provide individual veterans with a ReWalk Personal device so that they may walk at home and in the community. We expect this landmark national policy will substantially improve the health and quality of life of many veterans in the years ahead," Jasinski added.

The comprehensive policy put forth by the VA provides veterans with spinal cord injury access to referral and evaluation at all designated ReWalk Training Centers across the country. Veterans who meet the physical criteria for ReWalk will be referred for training on the use of the device. Successful candidates will then be eligible to obtain a ReWalk Personal system.

"We are also very pleased that the VA's fundamental clinical research conclusively demonstrated that there are significant medical benefits associated with enabling an individual with a spinal cord injury to walk again," Jasinski said. "Based on their data, the VA's national policy now defines use of an exoskeleton as the standard of care for qualifying veterans with spinal cord injury. We are hopeful the VA policy will pave the way for additional positive national coverage decisions."

ReWalk is the only FDA cleared exoskeleton system in the U.S., with clearances for both personal use at home and in the community, as well as for the rehabilitation setting.

Some additional details of the new VA national policy:

• Veterans with SCI may be evaluated for use of the device at one of the 24 Veterans Health Administration SCI Centers nationwide, according to detailed protocols.
• All SCI Centers are encouraged to pursue designation as a ReWalk Training Center.
• Once preliminary criteria for ReWalk training are met, the veteran will be referred to a VA SCI Center designated as a VA ReWalk Training Center.
• Training begins on an outpatient basis and proceeds to the home or community settings.
• Successful training by an individual will be followed by consideration of procurement for a personal unit for use at home and in the community.

ReWalk Personal 6.0

A wearable robotic exoskeleton that provides powered hip and knee motion to enable individuals with spinal cord injury to stand upright and walk. The system provides user-initiated mobility through the integration of a wearable brace support, a computer-based control system and motion sensors. The system allows independent, controlled walking while mimicking the natural gait patterns of the legs. The ReWalk device is the most studied exoskeleton in the industry. Studies have identified a number of health benefits including: improved bladder and bowel function, improved mental health, improved sleep, reduced fatigue, decreased body fat, decreased pain and improved posture and balance.

• The Most Precise Fit: The Personal 6.0 System is fitted to the user's measurements and custom ordered for each individual. This precise fit enhances system function, safety and alignment of the user's joints.
• Fastest Walking Speed: Clinical research on the ReWalk device has demonstrated that users can walk at speeds up to 0.71 meters / second, faster than any other exoskeleton.
• Streamlined Design: The removal of the backpack eliminates weight from the shoulders, giving the user freedom for clothing choice and movement. The sleek redesign of the strapping and padding provides the users with an easier and faster capacity to put the system on and take it off.

ReWalk Robotics Ltd.

ReWalk Robotics Ltd. develops, manufactures and markets wearable robotic exoskeletons for individuals with spinal cord injury. Their mission is to fundamentally change the quality of life for individuals with lower limb disability through the creation and development of market leading robotic technologies. Founded in 2001, ReWalk has headquarters in the US, Israel and Germany. For more information on the ReWalk systems, please visit www.rewalk.com

* ReWalk is a registered trademark of ReWalk Robotics Ltd. in Israel.

Attribution/Source(s):

This quality-reviewed article relating to our Mobility Aids and Devices section was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its likely interest to our disability community readers. Though the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or length, the article "ReWalk Robotics Exoskeletons - Veterans Affairs Issues National Coverage Policy" was originally written by ReWalk Robotics, and published by Disabled-World.com on 2015-12-17 (Updated: 2018-06-21). Should you require further information or clarification, ReWalk Robotics can be contacted at www.rewalk.com. Disabled World makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith.

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