A traumatic brain injury occurs when a blow or jolt to the head takes place that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain.

According to the CDC, each year in the United States, approximately 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury. Of these, about 50,000 die, 275,000 become hospitalized, and 1.4 million end up treated and released from an emergency room. In addition, according to the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, each year, over 20,000 U.S. military service men and women sustain a traumatic brain injury.

The most common reason that military personnel suffer a traumatic brain injury is due to shrapnel or being hit with some other object from a blast. Physical symptoms can include blurred vision, dizziness, headaches, problems with coordination that affects walking or other activities, vomiting, ringing in the ears, seizures, or unconsciousness. Psychological symptoms can include agitation, confusion, depression, memory problems, mood swings, or slurred speech. Symptoms can last for a short time, or they can last a lifetime.

According to the Military Times, in 2016, more than 24,000 veterans qualified for a second medical exam for brain injury. Due to confusion with the VA’s policy of requiring exams by only certain doctors, a large number of veterans were erroneously denied disability or received a lower disability rating.

If you’re a veteran and have suffered a traumatic brain injury while serving your country and haven’t received the compensation you’re due, contact us immediately. The Veterans Law Group — though located just outside of San Diego, California — represents veterans in every state. Working with a trusted veterans disability lawyer is your best chance for getting more benefits from the earliest effective date possible.