Noteboom The Law Firm

New Legislation Helps Veterans Suffering From TBIs

September 20, 2010 - Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) have been called the signature injuries of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. They are more common than they should be and very little is known about them or how to treat them. Congressman Tim Walz (D-MN) introduced a bill to the U.S. House of Representatives last week that if passed, would significantly help veterans suffering from TBIs.

Congressman Walz introduced H.R. 6123, which is also known as the Veterans' Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services' Improvement Act of 2010.  The bill not only seeks to provide help for veterans with severe TBIs, it also pushes urgent action.  Should the bill pass, it would mandate the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provide continuing and if necessary long-term health care.

There is a real issue right now with veterans requiring long-term rehabilitative care due to the nature of their injuries, and that care being eliminated too hastily. This legislation will stop the premature elimination of benefits to veterans in need and will allow veterans to continue to receive necessary support, be it health-related aid or not. The ultimate goal is to have the veteran living comfortably and independently.

TBIs can be very difficult to treat because of their complex nature. They can be caused by multiple sources, and do not always present with the same symptoms, making them difficult to diagnose. Depending on the severity of the TBI, outcomes can range from symptoms completely dispersing to severe, unrelenting, and long-term neurological problems. 

Wounded soldiers and veterans seeking critical help and being denied is unacceptable. This legislation will hopefully put an end to the premature termination of benefits to deserving veterans in need. Beyond health care, these veterans need the services to get them back into the community.