Brain Injury Among Military Veterans

by Larry Jameson

Military veterans suffering from brain injury after serving in Iraq or Afghanistan could number 360,000 according to Department of Defense doctors.

A year ago the Rand Corporation released an estimate of 320,000 troops suffering symptoms of brain injury.

Most of these injuries come from concussions due to explosions and doctors estimate that most of the troops recover fully. But, even they state that an estimated 90,000 may have long lasting consequences.

The Army spent $242 million in 2008 for staff, facilities and programs to benefit soldiers with brain injury. While the military was slow to recognize the significance of brain injury, it was not unlike the rest of the world.

Concussion related brain injuries have often been trivialized or thought to be of little significance. Those of us in the brain injury community who have lived firsthand with the memory, cognitive and behavioral problems know all too well the true significance.

The military should be commended for taking steps that will benefit veterans. So much more is needed.