Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

According to a RAND study released in April 2008, 19 percent of returning OIF/OEF service members reported a possible TBI, caused by IEDs, gunshots and other combat occurrences. Even in the mild-to-moderate form, TBI can cause permanent brain damage when left untreated. 

To date, DoD lacks a system-wide approach for identification, management, and tracking of individuals who sustain mild-to-moderate TBI and VA programs addressing their needs have not been fully developed. It is essential for this to change.

Beyond better programs to diagnose and treat the condition, we believe that a VA Central Office-based TBI program be established to coordinate TBI care and improve VA's responsiveness to veterans with TBI.  Along with this, the DoD and VA need to hire more specialists with TBI expertise to assist in identifying and managing the complex conditions common in this population, and to develop best practices in treating these injuries.

With Congressional oversight, we hope to see the needs of veterans with TBI met by the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DBVIC) – one of the Defense Centers of Excellence where innovative clinical research initiatives, educational programs and medical care can improve the lives of veterans with TBI.