TLDR

Diabetic foot ulcers classified at Wagner Grade 3 or higher are a UHMS-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and veterans may be eligible for coverage when medically authorized through the VA Community Care Network. OxygenWell in Sherman Oaks and Calabasas is an authorized VA Community Care provider with experience treating veterans with diabetic wounds. Veterans with diabetes who have non-healing foot wounds should ask their VA provider about a Community Care referral for HBOT evaluation. Call (818) 661-0939 after authorization to coordinate care.

Table of Contents

• Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Veterans
• Why Non-Healing Wounds Are an Oxygen Problem
• Is HBOT a UHMS-Recognized Indication for Diabetic Wounds?
• Does the VA Cover HBOT for Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
• How to Request VA Community Care Authorization
• What to Expect at OxygenWell
• Why OxygenWell
• Frequently Asked Questions

Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Veterans

Veterans have higher rates of diabetes than the general population, a consequence of service-related factors including exposure to Agent Orange, burn pits, and the physical and psychological toll of military service. Among veterans with diabetes, diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represent one of the most serious and costly complications.

A study published in PMC found that veterans with DFUs represent the highest percentage of lower extremity amputations within the VA system. (PMC/NCBI, 2020) Amputation rates in veterans with diabetic foot wounds are disproportionately high, and in many cases preventable with timely advanced wound care including HBOT.

The UHMS has also documented VA underutilization of HBOT for diabetic foot ulcers despite strong evidence for its effectiveness, noting that expanded access through the VA Community Care Network could reduce amputation rates among veteran patients. (UHMS, Pressure)

Why Non-Healing Wounds Are an Oxygen Problem

Diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease reduce circulation to the feet, creating tissue that is chronically hypoxic, starved of the oxygen cells need to repair, fight infection, and build new tissue. Standard wound care (debridement, dressings, offloading) addresses the wound surface. It cannot address the underlying oxygen deficit in the tissue.

This is where HBOT changes the equation. At 2.0 to 2.4 ATA, breathing 100% medical-grade oxygen raises plasma oxygen levels high enough to penetrate tissue that no longer has functional capillary flow. HBOT also stimulates new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), enhances white blood cell killing capacity, and accelerates collagen synthesis, all critical to wound closure in a diabetic patient.

Is HBOT a UHMS-Recognized Indication for Diabetic Wounds?

Yes. Diabetic lower extremity wounds, specifically those classified at Wagner Grade 3 or higher that have not responded adequately to standard wound care, are a UHMS-recognized indication for HBOT. This classification, along with CMS coverage criteria, forms the basis for both Medicare and VA coverage decisions.

Wagner Grade 3 wounds include wounds with deep ulceration reaching tendon, capsule, or bone, or wounds complicated by abscess or osteomyelitis. The qualification threshold exists because these wounds carry the highest risk of amputation and are the patients most likely to benefit from HBOT-driven tissue regeneration.

Does the VA Cover HBOT for Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

HBOT for diabetic foot ulcers may be covered when medically eligible and authorized through the VA. Coverage is aligned with CMS criteria, which the VA uses as a reference for HBOT reimbursement decisions. Key eligibility factors include:

• Confirmed diabetes mellitus with a Wagner Grade 3 or higher wound
• Documentation that the wound has not improved with at least 30 days of standard wound care
• Medical clearance from your VA provider that HBOT is appropriate

Because VA facilities rarely have hyperbaric chambers on site, veterans who qualify are routinely authorized through the VA Community Care Network to receive care at approved civilian providers. OxygenWell holds VA Community Care authorization with locations in Sherman Oaks and Calabasas, convenient to veterans across the San Fernando Valley, West Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

How to Request VA Community Care Authorization for HBOT

Step 1: See your VA primary care provider or wound care specialist.
Bring documentation of your wound, photographs, wound measurements, prior treatment records, and specifically ask your provider to evaluate you for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Request that your wound be classified using the Wagner scale and documented in your chart.

Step 2: Request a Community Care referral through the VA CCN.
Ask your VA team to submit a Community Care referral to an authorized hyperbaric provider. HBOT for diabetic wounds typically involves 30 to 40 sessions, five days a week, making proximity to an authorized local clinic essential. OxygenWell's Sherman Oaks and Calabasas locations serve veterans across greater Los Angeles.

Step 3: Schedule at OxygenWell after authorization.
Once your authorization is issued, call OxygenWell at (818) 661-0939. Our team works directly with veterans and VA referring providers to schedule promptly after authorization and medical clearance, handling the coordination so you can focus on healing.

What to Expect at OxygenWell

HBOT sessions at OxygenWell take place inside FDA-cleared Fortius420 monoplace chambers. You breathe 100% medical-grade oxygen at pressures up to 2.4 ATA through a non-rebreather mask for 90 minutes per session.

For diabetic foot wounds, standard protocols run 30 to 40 sessions, conducted five days a week. Treatment response is monitored throughout your course, and protocols are adjusted based on wound progress. Our clinical team coordinates with your VA wound care provider to document healing and support any ongoing authorization requirements.

OxygenWell is open seven days a week, offering morning, afternoon, and evening appointments, a practical advantage for veterans balancing VA appointments, work, and family schedules.

Why OxygenWell

OxygenWell was founded by Dr. Beth Meneley, DAOM, L.Ac., with 25+ years in integrative medicine and 12+ years dedicated to hyperbaric medicine in Los Angeles. Our clinical team has supervised more than 50,000 HBOT sessions and has deep experience treating diabetic wound patients across both locations.

We are an authorized VA Community Care provider and understand the documentation requirements, authorization process, and clinical coordination that VA-referred patients need. Our goal is to make the transition from VA referral to treatment start as direct as possible.

Sherman Oaks: 15301 Ventura Blvd., Suite P-12, CA 91403
Calabasas: 23500 Park Sorrento, Suite A2, CA 91302
Phone: (818) 661-0939
Website: www.oxygenwell.com

For more information on VA Community Care coverage at OxygenWell, see our VA Community Care overview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my diabetic foot wound qualify for HBOT through the VA?

Qualification is based on wound classification (Wagner Grade 3 or higher), documentation of failed standard wound care, and a VA clinical determination. OxygenWell's team can help guide you through what documentation to bring to your VA appointment.

How many HBOT sessions does a diabetic wound typically require?

Standard wound care protocols run 30 to 40 sessions. The VA authorization process will specify the number of authorized sessions, which can be extended based on documented healing progress.

Can I use HBOT alongside my VA wound care team?

Yes. HBOT is designed to complement, not replace, your existing wound care. OxygenWell works alongside your VA wound care provider, sharing progress documentation to support your overall treatment plan.

What if my wound has been treated for less than 30 days?

The standard clinical threshold for HBOT eligibility requires documentation that the wound has not responded to at least 30 days of standard wound care. If your wound is new, your VA provider can begin the documentation process now so a referral is ready when the threshold is met.

Is OxygenWell accessible for veterans with mobility challenges?

Both locations are accessible. Contact us at (818) 661-0939 to discuss your specific needs before your first appointment.

OxygenWell is an authorized VA Community Care provider. HBOT coverage for diabetic foot ulcers is subject to VA eligibility determination and individual authorization. Contact your VA provider to begin the referral process.

(818) 661-0939 | www.oxygenwell.com | Sherman Oaks · Calabasas