Pentagon Report On ‘Real Toll’ Of Iraq War: 1 In 5 Vets Affected by TBI

[babylonsister]

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/01/20/iraq-brain-trauma/

Pentagon Report On ‘Real Toll’ Of Iraq War: 1 In 5 Vets Are Affected By ‘Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries’

On the Chris Matthews Show this morning, Time magazine Managing Editor Richard Stengel discussed a new Pentagon report that says “1 in 5 American servicemen and women who have been in Iraq are coming back with brain injuries.” Stengel called it the “real toll” of the war, adding that “the legacy of that will last all of our lifetimes and it’s incalculable.”

In total, according to Stengel, “more than 250,000 people” are affected by “mild traumatic brain injuries” sustained in Iraq.

Watch it at link~

According to the Pentagon, some of the soldiers who sustained concussions “do not realize they need treatment.” Additionally, they may be sent back to the war zone:

The task force praised work done at Fort Carson, Colo., where soldiers going back to war are screened for brain injury. Surveys there found that about 17 percent of the soldiers returning to war could have a traumatic brain injury.

As recently as 2006, the Pentagon was “refusing to release data on how many soldiers have suffered brain injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan,” arguing that “disclosing the results would put the lives of those fighting at risk.”

At that time, it was estimated that just 10 percent of combat troops suffered concussions during their tours of duty. Now, in 2008, it’s estimated closer to 20 percent.

[IdesOfOctober]

1. K+R

[Solly Mack]

2. Last October my nephew was hit by an IED...his second

Now he's experiencing frequent headaches and mood swings - primarily turned upon himself. The first IED didn't cause any obvious injuries. The second one injured his head "slightly", as well as one arm and one leg.

He's currently on his 2nd tour in Iraq.

We've encouraged him to seek treatment for possible TBI...so far, nothing is being done while he's still down range.

He's only 22

[babylonsister]

3. Geeze, Solly, I didn't know that.

:hug: He's one of the guys they're talking about; sending him back in for more abuse without trying to at least diagnose what if anything is wrong. I shake my head in despair at how we're treating these patriots.

[Solly Mack]

4. Thanks, babylonsister

:hug:

I've never brought it up before

We're all just holding our breath...waiting.

[fed-up]

5. sorry to hear about your nephew-make sure he gets copies of ALL his medical records

and if possible have him see a doctor (non military) when he comes home on leave.

This will be imperative down the road for any care the VA tosses his way in the years to come.

This is what the Gulf War vets had to do-en masse and it worked!

I hope he comes home soon for you and your family's sake.

[DemReadingDU]

6. morning kick