Diffuse axonal injury. Intracranial injury. Subdural hematoma. All of this sounds impressive, and not in a good way. Because all of these terms are referring to traumatic brain injury (TBI), an unfortunate occurrence of modern warfare. Indeed, traumatic brain injuries are believed to be so common among service people returning from our most recent conflicts, that TBI has been described as their “signature injury”.
One need not go to war of course, to encounter TBI. Traumatic brain injuries are described as one in which the brain is literally jolted around within the skull, or struck by an object that has entered the skull. This type of injury can be broken down into “mild” (if unconscious, it lasts thirty minutes or less) and “severe”. Concussions are probably the best know and the “least” serious of traumatic brain injuries.
But science is learning more about the human brain all the time, and recent findings have shown that even so-called “mild” injuries to the brain can have long lasting and severe consequences. “Mild” TBI can cause:
Medical diagnostic equipment may or may not be able to detect injury in cases of “mild” TBI. These symptoms also may or may not improve with time.
“Severe” brain injury occurs when the victim is unconscious for more than thirty minutes, and marked memory loss is noted more than twenty four hours after the injury occurs. “Severe” TBI can also:
Both forms of TBI are considered to be serious injuries, with lengthy recovery times and therapy periods. Sadly, many TBI sufferers never recover fully or at all from these injuries, profoundly affecting their personal and professional lives, in addition to daily functioning.
While the VA does offer TBI benefits, the onus falls on the affected veteran to prove that he or she deserves them. This is why a claims attorney can be helpful. Such lawyers can file or re-file claims for vets, review records, collect medical documentation and evidence, and interview witnesses and attend hearings for vets. Claims attorney can also establish connections between TBI and brain disorders developed later in life to take advantage of new VA rules, and increase veterans’ overall benefits. So veterans suffering from TBI or their caretakers should call such a law office today, and learn how they can be compensated for their suffering.
