VA Increases Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced in September that it has amended its Disability Rating Schedule to increase disability benefits for veterans with mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) as well as those with burn scars.

TBI, which today is often caused by the blast from an improvised explosive device, is one of the most common injuries from Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, the VA notes. Symptoms of TBI can include headache, sleep difficulties, decreased memory and attention, slower thinking, irritability, and depression. For more information on TBI benefit increases, visit your local VA or the VA Web site.

(October 2008)