Over 500,000 service members experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) between 2000 and 2023, and more than 185,000 veterans receiving care in the Veterans Affairs healthcare system have at least one TBI diagnosis.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, TBI is a disruption to brain function caused by an external force, such as a bump, a hit, a jolt to the head, or even a penetrating head injury. Traumatic brain injuries can occur during contact sports, car accidents, falls, or through military training or combat.
In fiscal year 2007, Congress recognized the prevalence and impact of TBI and psychological health conditions on service members deployed in combat zones.
In response to the need for additional research, Congress appropriated funds for the Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research Program.