This is especially important to me as my son John is soon to be evaluated for TBI (traumatic brain injury). TBI can occur when soldiers encounter the percussive blasts associated with bombing and IEDs and symptoms can mimic some of those associated with PTSD. USA Today reports
At least 20,000 U.S. troops who were not classified as wounded during combat in Iraq and Afghanistan have been found with signs of brain injuries, according to military and veterans records compiled by USA TODAY.
The data, provided by the Army, Navy and Department of Veterans Affairs, show that about five times as many troops sustained brain trauma as the 4,471 officially listed by the Pentagon through Sept. 30. These cases also are not reflected in the Pentagon’s official tally of wounded, which stands at 30,327.
Ignoring the significance of TBI dshonors the sacrifices made by our fighting men and women and their families. It may also play heavily into the administration effort to continue to diminish the high price the US is paying for the occupation of Iraq.
