The Signature Injury of the Iraq War

Traumatic Brain Injury is the signature injury of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.  According to Dr. Robert Van Boven's article Dealing with PTSD, in the Washington Times up to 320,000 soldiers have already sustained TBI, in Iraq alone.

With these staggering numbers it stands to reason that Veterans Affairs (VA) would pour money into the Central Texas Veteran's Health Care System, and especially Dr. Van Boven's Brain Imaging and Recovering Laboratory, that is working to "test and introduce new effective methods to help TBI survivors regain higher cognitive abilities."

http://www.centraltexas.va.gov/services/BIRL.asp 

Tragically, instead of bolstering this excellent program, because of some bad eggs in management, the VA is currently considering closing the program entirely.  This closure would be unconscionable.  Not only would closing this important clinic harm the veterans who have suffered terribly defending this country, but is also a blow to all TBI survivors by slowing advancements in methods of recovery.  

Still worse it harms society as a whole. Recovery from TBI is a life-long process.  Even with the best medical care, long term consequences include impaired social skills, dementia, inability to maintain relationships, unemployment, and aggressive behavior.  My anger flashes frighten me; the thought of experienced marksmen with brain injuries who are unable to afford cognitive therapy is petrifying.

If enough people contact the government, then hopefully we can save this program, or better still encourage VA to put more money into this important program.  

http://veterans.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?page=committee_members

http://veterans.house.gov/

I would love to hear your opinion on this situation, ideas to help, or any other questions or comments you might have.