Nebraska Helping Veterans with Brain Injury

The Veterans Brain Injury Task Force, which includes representatives from the civilian and military sector, and key government agencies, have been meeting to address the increasing needs for brain injury awareness and education as many of our Nebraska veterans return from Afghanistan and Iraq with the wars' signature wound of brain injury.

Veterans Brain Injury Task Force Member List - PDF

According to a report released in the spring of 2008, from the Rand Center for Military Health Policy and Research, approximately 320,000 or 19.5 percent of the U.S. service members returning from Afghanistan and Iraq report experiencing a brain injury during deployment. Since the brain injury screening by the Veterans Administration (VA) began in April 2007, 2,029 Nebraska veterans have been screened for brain injury. Of those screened, 500 Nebraska veterans have screened positive and 316 have agreed to undergo a full brain injury assessment. We anticipate these numbers will continue to grow.

Although the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) are working hard to reach out to veterans, statistically, the VA reports only 40 percent of the veterans return to the VA health care system once they are back in their community. There are many reasons why veterans might not return to the VA health care system: some prefer care through private employer-sponsored health plans; some prefer to seek care from their local medical professional because of convenience; and some prefer to seek care from their local medical professional because of their previous knowledge of their health history.

Because of the low return rate back to the VA for screening, it is very important for community leaders, who are providing support to these veterans, to be aware of the signs and symptoms of brain injury so they can refer the veterans for appropriate treatment. The VA states some common symptoms of brain injury are headaches, dizziness, pain, fatigue, seizures, spasticity, sleep disturbances, vision problems, irritability, liability, depression, personality changes, impaired judgment, slower thinking, physical aggression, substance abuse, decreased concentration and focus. These symptoms can also be commonly seen by a person experiencing PTSD. Because of this, it has been more challenging to identify if a veteran has a brain injury, PTSD, or both.

It is important to identify these issues and seek treatment in a timely manner. Research shows improved outcomes when treatment is implemented early. The Rand report indicated if brain injury goes untreated, just like PTSD and depression, individuals afflicted with these conditions face a greater likelihood of unhealthy behaviors such as excessive smoking, drinking and suicide attempts. These conditions also can impair work and social relationships, disrupt marriages, aggravate the difficulties of parenting and cause problems in children that may extend the consequences of combat trauma across generations.

The Nebraska Veterans Brain Injury Task Force has been working to increase the awareness of brain injury across the state as veterans with brain injury may not always be able to self identify problems. It is important to reach out to many different audiences since veterans with brain injury need support not only from the VA and DoD, but also from family members, employers, educators, clergy, the local health care systems, the state, and community leaders to have a successful transition back home.

Email Peggy Reisher for more information on the Veteran Task Force.

National Resources

American Heroes at Work • Toll Free 866-487-2365 •
A U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) project that focuses on the employment challenges of returning service members living with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Designed for employers and the workforce development system, the site is your link to information and tools to help returning service members affected by TBI and/or PTSD succeeds in the workplace - particularly service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) • Toll Free 800.444.6443 •
BIAA is the leading national organization serving and representing individuals, families and professionals who experience a brain injury.

Center for Disease Control • Toll Free 800.232.4636 •
An on-line source for information about brain injury.

Article on Defense & Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) • With traumatic brain injury (TBI) being one of the leading diagnoses of combat injuries, the Defense & Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) has launched a new website to provide useful content and assistance to those service members affected.

Defense & Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) Website • Toll Free 800.870.9244 • Serves active duty military, their dependents and veterans with traumatic brain injury through state-of-the-art medical care, innovative clinical research initiatives and educational programs.

Military OneSource • 800.342.9647 •
A 24/7 Resource for military members, spouses & families

Nebraska Resources

Brian Injury Support Group for Veterans and Military Families
6:30-8:00 p.m., Western Nebraska Community College, First Monday
Email Marcia Stuckey or call Marcia at 308.635.6152.

Hotline for Disability Services • Toll Free 800.742.7594 •
Information and referral for Nebraskans who have questions or concerns related to a disability, including financial resources, rehabilitation services, transportation, special parking permits, legal rights, and any other questions related to a disability.

Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs • 402.471.2458 •
Veterans and their families will find information on their rights, benefits, Nebraska's veterans' homes, county offices, and links to other federal and state sources of information

Nebraska Ticket to Work
The Ticket to Work Program offers SSI and SSDI disability beneficiaries greater choice in obtaining the services they need to help them go to work and achieve their employment goals.

Returning Veterans Resource Network
Provides mentoring, information, and referrals to appropriate and necessary services

Events/Training

Networking, 4th Annual Nebraska Brain Injury Conference, March 25-26 - PDF

Legislative News

Resource Facilitation: A Solution to Help Nebraska Veterans - PDF