The Defense and Veterans Affairs departments could and should be doing more to help service members and veterans who suffer from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder, (PTSD), according to a report by the nation’s largest veterans’ service organization. The report, released by the American Legion on Sept. 11, is available for download from the Legion’s Web site at http://www.legion.org. It concludes that:
* DoD and VA providers treat TBI symptoms only, and otherwise lack a "well-defined approach" to the condition.
* Initial diagnosis of TBI often is clouded by an overlap with PTSD and substance abuse issues.
* Even though patients could benefit from new advances in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, virtual-reality therapy, and other non-pharmacological treatments, both VA and DoD have shied away from researching their potential efficacy. Neither agency has any "fast-track mechanisms" for bringing such treatments online as well.
* Congress should step in and increase DoD and VA budgets for TBI and PTSD treatment, and provide oversight to research activities.
* Both DoD and VA should "accelerate research efforts" for diagnosis and treatment of the conditions.
* Health-care providers at DoD and VA facilities should avoid prescribing medications that have not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Participants in studies should be fully aware when experimental drugs or treatments are being used, and provide their consent accordingly and only when fully informed of potential negative effects.
