Post Tag: "VA healthcare"

Medical Technology Helps Veterans with Devastating Injuries

On September 17th, 2012 by Rob Kane

NY Times – Sgt. Ron Strang’s left thigh is still missing a lot of muscle, but the little that regrew helped improve his movement significantly. Before an operation last fall, Sergeant Strang could not move his leg forward. Now he can walk easily and even run on a treadmill. The explosion and subsequent rounds [...]

SF VA Brain Research Technology Advances

On August 28th, 2012 by Rob Kane

“Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are returning from combat zones where the IED is the enemy’s weapon of choice. The brain trauma from those blasts may not manifest immediately but may result in a degenerative condition known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. It shares some symptoms with post traumatic stress such as paranoia, depression, and bursts [...]

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TOPICS: brain trauma • magnetic resonance imaging • MRI • PTS • PTSD • TBI • VA healthcare

Army Probing PTSD Diagnoses at All of its Medical Facilities

On May 18th, 2012 by Rob Kane

The Army on Wednesday launched a review of its handling of post-traumatic stress disorder and other behavioral health evaluations at all of its medical facilities since 2001, in response to fears that some soldiers had their diagnoses reversed because of concerns about the cost of treating them. The announcement follows disclosures that some soldiers [...]

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TOPICS: medical care • mental health • post traumatic stress • PTS • PTSD • VA healthcare

New Study Links Exposure to Even a Single Bomb Blast to Serious Lifelong Brain Disease

On May 17th, 2012 by Rob Kane

WASHINGTON — Researchers for the first time have linked troops exposed to even a single roadside bomb blast to serious degenerative brain disease and resulting long-term cognitive failures, suggesting that tens of thousands of returning veterans may face significant long-term health problems. Investigators from Boston University and the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System on [...]

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TOPICS: brain trauma • head injury • PTS • TBI • VA healthcare

Waiting for More Than a Check

On May 4th, 2012 by Rob Kane

Bay Citizen – Until the VA says they are disabled, returning soldiers cannot get tax breaks. Nearly 90,000 Californians are waiting for the Department of Veterans Affairs to rule on their disability claims. Most have been waiting for more than four months. They are not just waiting for a check. The department must determine veterans are [...]

Combat-Related Mental Illness Was Denied Immediate and Appropriate Care

On March 22nd, 2012 by Amy Fairweather

In 2011, the Palo Alto VA refused to admit a suicidal Iraq veteran, William Hamilton, claiming it was too late in the afternoon. Instead, Hamilton was taken to David Grant Medical Center for overnight observation. Despite his mother’s pleas to keep him in psychiatric care, he was discharged the next day. Hours after he [...]