Noteboom The Law Firm

Army Studying Use of Blood Test to Detect TBIs in Wounded Veterans

With hundreds of soldiers suffering combat-related injuries each year cases of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) have been steadily on the rise. This disabling condition may qualify many veterans for disability benefits but only if they have the proper diagnosis for a disability rating.

A new experimental blood testing is being used by the U.S. Army to diagnose signs of a TBI in wounded soldiers. The 1,600-patient study is in the trial period and should be submitted to the Food and Drug Administration by the end of the year.

In many cases of TBI, the symptoms are not immediately obvious, leaving many soldiers to experience ongoing damages as their condition is left untreated. Earlier intervention can help prevent long-term damage and decrease the disabling conditions associated with a TBI.

The blood test looks for a certain protein, hyperphosphorylated tau protein, which is found in higher quantities when brain damage is present. By diagnosing a TBI, doctors can insure that soldiers obtain the treatment appropriate to their condition. In many cases, the TBI symptoms are similar to post-traumatic stress disorder, which requires a different strategy for treatment.

Obtaining proper medical care for combat-related disabling conditions is often contingent on applying and being approved for veterans’ disability benefits. Without proper medical evidence, such as a TBI diagnosis, disabled veterans may be denied their disability compensation until they seek help from a veterans disability attorney.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.