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43,299 veterans diagnosed with brain injuries over 9 years

On Behalf of | Jun 14, 2013 | Veterans' Issues

As many people in Atlanta follow the lawsuits coming out of the NFL, it is clear to them that concussions can cause serious problems later in life. While the effects of those traumatic brain injuries are not always immediately apparent, they nonetheless can wreak havoc later in a player’s life. Unfortunately, many of our veterans are experiencing similar head trauma as they serve overseas and nearly 43,300 veterans were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries between 2003 and 2012.

No matter the severity of the initial injury, a soldier runs the risk of becoming disabled when he or she suffers head trauma. And, for a returning soldier struggling with his or her memory, concentration and changes to personality, trying to apply for veterans disability benefits can be overwhelming. Working with an experienced disability benefits attorney, however, can make the process quicker and easier for a returning vet.

Take, for example, the case of a young private first class who had two tours in Iraq. Over the span of 27 months at war, he was involved in six different explosions, one of which knocked him unconscious. Eventually, he was dismissed from active duty because he started abusing drugs for anxiety, insomnia and pain. It was only after he was dismissed and wound up in a veterans hospital that he was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. Even though it has been some time since his last explosion, he still has issues with finishing school and holding a job.

For veterans to sacrifice so much for our country the way they have, they deserve to be well cared for following their return. Whether that means programs to get them back into civilian life or disability benefits for those veterans who were seriously wounded, veterans should not have to worry following their return.

Source: The Huffington Post, “Osama Bin Laden Raid Member Has Traumatic Brain Injury,” Matt Sledge, June 10, 2013

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