Veteran Owned & Operated
When the VA says “No,” your rights say “Go.” Holding the system accountable to the Secretary’s “New Attitude” Mandate.
As of 2026, federal law under H.R. 7112 will codify ten fundamental protections for every veteran. (Still awaiting final approval by the House and Senate). These pillars will ensure that the VA system serves you—not the other way around.
A common frustration occurs when your VA Physician recommends a specific technology, but the PFAS (Prosthetics) department issues a denial.
The Legal Stick: Hamill v. Collins (2026)
A landmark 2026 Federal Circuit ruling has eliminated the "Implicit Denial" doctrine. The VA can no longer simply ignore your request or give you a verbal "No" and walk away.
Your Rights in Action:
Under the Whole Health Mandate (VHA Directive 1137), you have the right to request advanced, non-pharmaceutical modalities that address the root cause of your condition.
Modern Modalities You Can Request:
Save these to your phone. Use them when you encounter resistance at your local VAMC.
"Under the Hamill v. Collins (2026) ruling, a verbal 'No' is an illegal implicit denial. My physician has determined this is medically necessary. I am requesting a formal, written Notice of Denial today so that I can initiate a Clinical Appeal under VHA Directive 1173.01."
"My clinical need takes precedence over your current contracts. All devices represented by Recon Supply are on the FSS (Federal Supply Schedule). I am requesting you use the FSS to fulfill my doctor’s medical order immediately."
"Under the 2026 VHA Reorganization Mandate and the Equity of Care provision of H.R. 7112, my care must be consistent with national standards. If this facility does not provide the [Red Light Therapy/Neurofeedback] device my doctor has determined is medically necessary, you are mandated by the Elizabeth Dole Act to procure it via the FSS or provide a Community Care referral to a provider who will."
"The VA’s 6 Pillars of Pain Management mandate that I am an integral part of my care team. I am exercising my right to a non-drug treatment path and requesting the technologies my care team and I have agreed upon."
The VA’s National Pain Strategy and Whole Health Mandate are built on six pillars that shift the focus from "the pill bottle" to the veteran's quality of life.
The Core Mandate:
The VA is officially required to prioritize non-drug solutions as first-line treatments. Most importantly, these pillars state that you are an integral part of your care team. Your personal goals drive the treatment—and the VA has a responsibility to promote and provide the technology to achieve them.
Science-Backed Modalities You Can Demand:
The 2026 reorganization of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) was launched with one specific goal: "To ensure veterans receive consistent, high-quality care regardless of the VA facility they visit."
The National Standard Mandate: Under the Elizabeth Dole Act and the Veterans’ Bill of Rights, the VA is legally prohibited from denying you a specific technology simply because "that branch doesn't do it."
In February 2026, the Federal Circuit issued a landmark ruling in Hamill v. Collins. For decades, the VA could "implicitly deny" a veteran by simply not responding or ignoring a doctor’s order.
The New Rule:
The VA can no longer give you a verbal "No" and walk away. Under Hamill v. Collins, a veteran has an appealable decision only if the VA provides an explicit, written notice.
If the front-line staff is not listening, move up the chain immediately:
The tech exists, and the coverage is there. Complete this 2 minute form to access sample VA verbiage and simple next steps.
At OPTI Vet Solutions, our mission is simple: help fellow Veterans take back their health and quality of life without relying on more medications.
Disclaimer At OPTI Vet Solutions, we’re Veterans helping other Veterans discover tools that can make a real difference. We’re not part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or any government agency – just sharing what’s worked for us and others in our community. Sometimes we earn a small commission when we help connect Veterans with products or technologies we believe in. That support helps us continue spreading awareness and education, but it never changes our message or mission. Everything shared here is for educational purposes only. Before starting any new therapy, device, or program, always talk with your healthcare provider. The final decision about using any health tool is between you and your care team.