U.S. Marine Capt. Derek Herrera, 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, takes his place during his awards and retirement ceremony aboard MCB Camp Pendleton, CA. Capt. Derek Herrera was paralyzed on June 14, 2012, while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. As part of his recovery, Capt. Herrera was able to walk again with the help of an exoskeleton. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Scott A. Achtemeier / Released)
In December of 2015, the Department of Veterans Affairs issued the first-ever national policy for the procurement of exoskeleton technology for all qualifying veterans with spinal cord injury. Across the United States, paralyzed veterans have access to this groundbreaking technology, which allows them to stand and walk again.
ReWalk Robotics, the leading manufacturer of robotic exoskeleton systems and the first company to receive FDA clearance, is proud to be a long-time partner with the VA, providing veterans access to ReWalk systems in the rehabilitation setting. With the new SOP issued by the VA, ReWalk is able to extend the experience for veterans to their homes and communities.
In 2016, we are seeing the policy come to fruition with veterans across the country undergoing evaluations and the necessary training to take home their own ReWalk system. The VA’s goal is to provide every veteran who meets the physical qualifications, access to exoskeleton technology.
How to undergo evaluation for the system: Veterans with spinal cord injuries are strongly encouraged to contact their local VA hospital, VA rehabilitation center or ReWalk Robotics Directly at www.rewalk.com/contact or (508) 251-1154 EXT 741 to undergo initial assessment for qualification to use the system. Generally, ReWalk users need to be between 5’3” and 6’2” and under 220 pounds and have full use of their arms and hands. Other factors, such as bone density and range of motion are also considered.
How the ReWalk system works: The ReWalk exoskeleton 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 weight of the device is not felt by the user; instead, the device weight rests on the footplates inside the user’s shoes. The user will stand up and bear his/her own weight with the support of the exoskeleton.
Non-Veterans with spinal cord injury who would like to be evaluated as a potential candidate for use of the system can contact ReWalk directly by phone or on its website. ReWalk’s team is able to set up an assessment in your region. ReWalk is committed to its mission to fundamentally change the Quality of Life for individuals with lower limb disability through the creation and development of market leading robotic technologies.