Wounded Warrior Project applauds introduction of traumatic brain injury bill

Sep 17 2010

Wounded Warrior Project Applauds Sponsor, Urges Speedy Legislative Action

Wounded Warrior Project applauds Congressman Tim Walz (D – MN) for introducing legislation today in the U.S. House of Representatives that would ensure fuller lives for warriors who sustained severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in Iraq and Afghanistan, and urges speedy action on this measure. 

H.R. 6123, the Veterans' Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services' Improvement Act of 2010 would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide veterans who have severe TBI with ongoing, long-term rehabilitative care.

"This important bipartisan legislation would close critical gaps in VA rehabilitation programs for warriors who have suffered traumatic brain injury," said Steve Nardizzi, Executive Director for Wounded Warrior Project.  "These complex injuries often require long-term rehabilitative care.  The legislation would help ensure that rehabilitation is not prematurely cut off and that these veterans get the support they need – whether those are health-services or non-medical assistance – to achieve maximum independence and quality of life."

 Traumatic brain injury represents one of the most complex injuries incurred by service members of the OEF/OIF conflicts. While symptoms from a mild or moderate TBI will usually dissipate, severe TBI can result in lasting and persistent neurological and cognitive issues.

"We salute Congressman Walz for legislation that addresses the often agonizing experience of wounded warriors who have been denied crucial assistance and who have experienced premature termination of rehabilitation services," said Nardizzi.  "This bill offers new hope to these warriors and their families."

"Enactment of this legislation would open the door to providing 'low-tech,' low-cost services like employment and life-skills coaching that can open up new avenues for greater independence," Nardizzi explained.  "It's not enough to provide these warriors medical care; we have to recognize and support their search for the fullest and most empowered possible lives in their communities."