Understanding the Effects of Concussion, Blast, and Brain Injuries: A Guide for Families, Veterans, and Caregivers

Just navigating the complex system of health care and benefits for various branches of the service and national guard is a challenge. This can be even more stressful when a family is dealing with the effects of a traumatic brain injury and the uncertainties of the future.

While many programs and agencies dedicated to supporting service members discussed post deployment adjustment, it was difficult to identify resources that addressed this for the service member who had had a traumatic brain injury. On the other hand, there are many programs and services in the civilian sector with expertise in traumatic brain injury, but they may have little knowledge of, or experience with, service members. There is also the challenge of figuring out eligibility under the Veterans Administration, TRICARE, Social Security, private insurance and state services. The resources described in this section provide a starting point for understanding this complex system.