| Copyright 2007 Colorado Veterans Alliance |
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, is the signature wound of the Iraq
Conflict. Blasts from mortar attacks or roadside bombs cause the
brain to hit the inside of the skull, and the resulting damage can lead
to emotional problems; vision, hearing, or speech problems;
dizziness; and memory loss. Brain injuries can accumulate if troops
are exposed to multiple blasts during their deployment. In severe
cases, TBI causes brain damage and requires a lifetime of care and
rehabilitation.
TBI is invisible, and often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Based
on existing data, veterans' advocates believe that between 10 and
20% of Iraq veterans, or 150,000 and 300,000 people, have some
level of TBI. Among wounded troops, the rate of TBI rises to 33%.
The VA and DoD need to immediately implement policies that require
troops deploying to a combat zone and returning troops be screened
for TBI as well as recent Veterans who were not screened for TBI
during discharge.
Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, is the signature wound of the Iraq
Conflict. Blasts from mortar attacks or roadside bombs cause the
brain to hit the inside of the skull, and the resulting damage can lead
to emotional problems; vision, hearing, or speech problems;
dizziness; and memory loss. Brain injuries can accumulate if troops
are exposed to multiple blasts during their deployment. In severe
cases, TBI causes brain damage and requires a lifetime of care and
rehabilitation.
TBI is invisible, and often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Based
on existing data, veterans' advocates believe that between 10 and
20% of Iraq veterans, or 150,000 and 300,000 people, have some
level of TBI. Among wounded troops, the rate of TBI rises to 33%.
The VA and DoD need to immediately implement policies that require
troops deploying to a combat zone and returning troops be screened
for TBI as well as recent Veterans who were not screened for TBI
during discharge.
| Our Mission: To ensure the enactment of policies that properly provide for our Troops and Veterans, keep our military strong, and guarantee our national security for the purpose of a stronger America. CVA uniquely empowers Veterans to use their credibility and experiences to speak truth to power, shape public opinion, and place a priority on these issues. |
| COLORADO VETERANS ALLIANCE |
| "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive how the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation." - George Washington |
