The John Cochran Division, part of the VA St. Louis Health Care System (VASTLHCS), stands as a leading center for Veterans requiring specialized care for Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders (SCI/D). Located within the VASTLHCS, the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI/D) Center provides a full spectrum of services, ranging from immediate rehabilitation to ongoing, comprehensive care throughout a Veteran’s life. Serving as a pivotal SCI/D specialty referral hub for the entire Midwest region, the John Cochran Va Medical Center combines its resources with affiliations to esteemed institutions such as Washington University in Saint Louis and St. Louis University, ensuring Veterans receive cutting-edge and compassionate treatment.
The core mission of the SCI/D Rehabilitation Center at John Cochran VA Medical Center is centered on delivering exceptional, holistic care tailored to individuals with spinal cord injury/dysfunction (SCI/D). The dedicated team is committed to helping each Veteran achieve and sustain the highest possible level of independence and functional ability. Furthermore, the center strives to empower Veterans by providing opportunities to significantly enhance their overall quality of life, ensuring they can live as fully and actively as possible.
The SCI/D Rehabilitation Center at John Cochran VA Medical Center provides a wide array of services to Veterans and active-duty personnel aged 18 and older, offering support on a lifelong journey. The intensive focus is placed on achieving key outcomes that are crucial for long-term well-being and reintegration into community life. These critical areas of focus include maximizing each individual’s rehabilitation potential and facilitating active community engagement, ensuring Veterans can participate fully in life outside of the medical center. Furthermore, the center provides expert management for common and often debilitating conditions associated with SCI/D, such as chronic pain, muscle spasms, and spasticity, utilizing the latest advancements in treatment and pain management strategies. Addressing the complex needs of neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction is another cornerstone of their comprehensive care, alongside specialized services to manage sexual and fertility dysfunction, acknowledging the importance of these aspects of health and well-being for overall quality of life.
The scope of services offered at the John Cochran VA Medical Center SCI/D Rehabilitation Center is extensive, encompassing integrated inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs, as well as sustained inpatient care designed to treat secondary complications arising from SCI/D. This comprehensive approach ensures that Veterans receive the right level of care at every stage of their journey. The center welcomes individuals who are newly injured and require intensive inpatient rehabilitation to begin their recovery process. It also extends its services to Veterans who sustained SCI in the past but may not have had the opportunity to undergo comprehensive rehabilitation previously, recognizing that rehabilitation can be beneficial at any point. Moreover, the center provides specialized rehabilitation for non-traumatic SCI conditions, such as paraplegia or tetraplegia resulting from multiple sclerosis or other non-progressive myelopathies, demonstrating its expertise in addressing a broad spectrum of SCI/D diagnoses. For Veterans previously discharged from SCI/D services who subsequently develop complications, the center offers readily accessible support and treatment. Additionally, for those experiencing a decline in functional independence, comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation programs are available to help regain skills and improve quality of life. Veterans who simply wish to maximize their rehabilitation status are also encouraged to participate in the comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation programs offered. The center also accommodates Veterans needing an annual evaluation, offering the option of an intensive interdisciplinary evaluation during a short admission. Recognizing the diverse needs of Veterans, the John Cochran VA Medical Center SCI/D Rehabilitation Center also offers short-term admissions for specific purposes, such as completing driver’s training, particularly when socio-economic or geographic factors present challenges. Finally, to support caregivers and prevent burnout, short-duration respite care admissions are available annually, depending on bed availability, acknowledging the crucial role of caregivers in the long-term well-being of Veterans with SCI/D.
Learn more about the VA spinal cord injuries and disorders care system
