Policy Information

Veterans and Returning Servicemembers with TBI

Overview

America's armed forces are sustaining attacks by rocket-propelled grenades, improvised explosive devices and land mines almost daily in Iraq and Afghanistan. These injured soldiers require specialized care from providers experienced in treating traumatic brain injury. Although the data on blast injury induced brain injury is very limited, states and communities are beginning to receive request for services ranging from treatment to housing and other financial assistance.

NASHIA supports initiatives that would screen returning soldiers for traumatic brain injury, provide information on brain injury and available resources and provide services necessary for rehabilitation, transition and return to work and home in the community.

On May 25, 2007, President Bush signed a $120 billion emergency supplemental appropriations bill for FY 2007, the ‘‘U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007” (H.R. 2206), which included $300 million for research, care and treatment of returning troops with TBI.

Legislation/Regulations

The Federal TBI Program's TBI Technical Assistance Center at NASHIA has
prepared this narrative and corresponding grid summarizing bills
introduced by Congress addressing traumatic brain injury, as well as
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), associated with servicemen/women
involved in the War on Terror.

TBI TAC's Summary of Legislation to Improve Health Care Benefits for Returning Servicemembers [PDF 118 KB]

TBI TAC's Bills Introduced Regarding Returning Servicemembers with TBI--110th Congress [PDF 23 KB]

Positions Statements