Veterans regain hand function, thanks to adaptive technology

For Army Veteran Terry Knight, a former combat medic living with ALS, self-reliance was second nature. But when progressive hand weakness began robbing him of his right-hand mobility, simple daily routines became frustrating hurdles. Basic tasks like picking up a cup, holding utensils or grasping everyday objects required careful strategy and two-handed coordination.

“Before, if I was going to grab a bottle, I’d have to help push it into my hand and then put my finger under it,” he recalled. “Now, I’m back to using one hand.”

The breakthrough

Knight’s regained functionality stems from a VA breakthrough. Through an expanding partnership between local VA medical teams and the soft assistive technology developer Bioservo, he became one of 100 Veterans nationwide so far to receive the Carbonhand®, a smart grip-strengthening glove designed to assist individuals with hand weakness caused by conditions like ALS, Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), stroke or orthopedic injuries.

One of the greatest challenges for Veterans living with neuromuscular or neurological conditions is bridging the gap between rehabilitation and daily home life, moving from “learning to move” to “moving to live.” Losing grip function carries a heavy emotional weight, taking away personal autonomy and often forcing Veterans to rely on caregivers or complex adaptations for basic tasks.

In Knight’s case, working alongside his VA healthcare team in Western Washington opened up new possibilities. Rather than using rigid mechanical alternatives that eliminate natural touch, VA occupational therapists turned to the Carbonhand®, which relies on a “soft extra muscle” approach. The device features a lightweight glove embedded with artificial tendons and sensitive palm and fingertip sensors, which detect the user’s subtle intention to grip and instantly supply smooth, proportional power to complete the movement.

Transformed his day-to-day life

For Knight, that targeted assistance transformed his day-to-day life.

“With the Carbonhand, I have freedom, self-reliance again, and the ability to do things I haven’t been able to do in a long time,” he shared. “Being able to have something that gives back some of your function is priceless.”

Knight’s success demonstrates how the VA ecosystem integrates innovative assistive solutions into long-term patient care. Across more than 40 VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) nationwide, including facilities across Washington, California, Texas, Florida and Virginia, VA clinical teams work closely with technical specialists to ensure assistive technology fits seamlessly into a Veteran’s specific lifestyle.

This patient-centered model goes well beyond dispensing hardware.

VA’s occupational therapists lead patient evaluations and conduct practical tests, either independently or with assistance from a Bioservo clinical specialist. Once a device has been prescribed as a medical assistive device, each device undergoes personalized fitting and digital calibration alongside local therapists. Parameters such as maximum grip force, sensor responsiveness and palm sensitivity are tailored across custom profiles, whether designed for precise tasks like holding a pen or steady movements like carrying items. Ongoing clinical support and the ability to change settings remotely via an app ensure that VA care teams can adjust the settings over time as the Veteran’s mobility needs evolve.

While Knight’s story highlights individual triumph, it represents a wider transformation across VA healthcare facilities. With an estimated 250,000 Veterans nationwide living with impaired hand function, expanded access to soft assistive technology across VA offers a practical path toward restoring physical capability and daily dignity. By combining clinical expertise with responsive assistive devices, VA continues to advance its commitment to empowering Veterans.

For Veterans like Terry Knight, regaining the ability to use one hand again is far more than a physical improvement—it’s a return to independence, confidence and self-sufficiency.