How does TBI impact servicemen and women and their loved ones?
This video discusses firsthand accounts from veterans regarding injuries during service – specifically brain injuries, experiences in training and deployment, and the impact of crisis.
This year Veterans Day falls on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Veterans Day is observed for the purposes of honoring and commemorating the service of all U.S. veterans.
Many of our veterans face challenges with disabilities acquired through their time in service. They are unable to access proper healthcare for their mental and physical well-being after active duty. They also can experience homelessness and sometimes intersect with the legal system.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs states that ‘Military service members and veterans are also at risk of brain injury from explosions experienced during combat or training exercises. Depending on the severity of the brain injury, a person with TBI may experience a change in consciousness that can range from being dazed and confused to losing consciousness. They may also experience memory loss.
Due to improved diagnostics and increased vigilance, there are now more accurate statistics on military TBI rates. The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) reported nearly 414,000 TBIs among U.S. service members worldwide between 2000 and late 2019. More than 185,000 Veterans who use VA for their health care have been diagnosed with at least one TBI. The majority of those TBIs were classified as mild. TBI and its associated co-morbidities are also a significant cause of disability outside of military settings.’
It is encouraged that those viewing or listening to the video take care of themselves as they navigate through the conversation. Veteran Crisis Line offers 24/7, confidential support. Dial 988, then press 1 or text 838255.