For Military and Veterans Military & Veterans

Who Is Affected by TBI and PTSD?

The numbers of those affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is unclear. There are estimates that up to a third of combat veterans suffer from either PTSD, TBI or depression. Up to 5% may suffer from all three.

Dr. Stephen Cozza, Uniformed Service University,  discusses TBI and PTSD statistics and the impact it has on service members and their families.

Posted on BrainLine May 18, 2015.

Comments (7)

Please remember, we are not able to give medical or legal advice. If you have medical concerns, please consult your doctor. All posted comments are the views and opinions of the poster only.

Anonymous replied on

I experienced a TBI after a fall in July 2017, the military has denied care for over three years. It's treated as if I were the first military member to experience a TBI. DOD and VA are FUBRed!

Michael Longfellow replied on

I was in the Artillery, around the big guns 175 and 8 in. We were never provided any hearing protection of any kind. Every time a gun was fired it would rattle your brain. I have fought with the VA over this now for almost 48 yrs. tillS can't get help.

F. Rogers replied on

My MOS was 0811 105 & 155, I have what is known by the DOD as BOP Exposure, that's Blast Over Pressure Exposure it's a real thing. Basically, with or without ear protection you can get a concussion from the back blast of a cannon.

Wayne Harvey replied on

I suffered from TBI while in boot camp at Parris Island, SC. I was accidentally kicked in my left temporal lobe by the heel of a combat boot. I did not lose consciousness and thought there would be no problem. Several days later I started having auras of which Naval Drs. diagnosed as iron deficiency anemia, and I was medically discharged.

I went to my personal physician after discharged who performed an EEG and diagnosed the auras as epilepsy due to traumatic brain injury.

Ten years later I had to have my right temporal lobe removed for the damage incurred from the injury. This was in 1983 and the only important decision I ever made on an uninjured brain was to join the United States Marine Corps.

Jay B Balaski replied on

I was in AIT in Hawaii at Schofield Barracks when I had a brain aneurysm an that was in 1987 when I was 23 yrs old. I am 56 now an married living in the Philippines. 100% service connected disabled unemployable and still affected and have been since. Still seeing doctors and have been and still on seizure meds among many other meds. But still alive.

MJ replied on

Hello, thank you for your service. My husband was 20-years in Navy and had a training accident about 17 years ago. He has progressivily gotten angrier and angrier and more confused. He did not have an MRI 17 years ago because he had a helmet in. They were more worried about his back. He is highly medicated and stil very angry and physically sick. I cannot take it anymore. That being said is EEG the same as an MRI?

Dr. T replied on

EEG and MRI are different tests. If your husband has not had a full neuropsychological assessment, he should have one. Then, with the results of that evaluation, a plan can be formulated to treat him. Although treatment is later than it should be at this point, it's never too late. Find a truly good neuropsychologist to perform the assessment. When he goes for treatment with a neuropsychologist, it should be one that is a good "fit" for him. A professional with whom your husband feels he can develop a good rapport and mutual respect as they work toward his goals and education about TBI.