U.S. Veterans Affairs Hikes Benefits For Soldiers With Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries To $600 Monthly

AHN Staff

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs said Monday it will substantially increase disability benefits for troops who have sustained traumatic brain injuries on the battlefield, an acknowledgment that those soldiers will struggles in the future to make a living.

The move marks the first time the government has acknowledge the impact of this type of injury on veteran's lives.

According to a RAND Corporation study released this year, about 320,000 troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan suffered from some form of traumatic brain injuries. Most of the injuries were caused by exposure to an explosion, primarily roadside bomb blasts.

Tom Pamperin, VA deputy director, said most of those with mild brain trauma eventually recovered, but some sustained permanent damage. Pamperin said the hiked benefit would climb to $600 a month, up from the current rate of $117. He estimated 3,500 to 5,000 veterans will be eligible yearly for the increased benefit for mild brain trauma, which would cost the military $120 million until 2017.

Manifestations of mild brain injuries include headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light, ringing in the ears, irritability and insomnia.

Meanwhile, the VA announced the grant of a total of $10.337 million to six state cemeteries which provide a final resting place to war veterans. The recipients of the grants are the State Veterans Cemeteries in Hawaii, Maine, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Nevada and Wisconsin.

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