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Washington- Representative Michael Michaud (D-ME),The Ranking Democratic Member of the Health Subcommittee of the House Veterans' Affair Committee,has asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO),Congress' investigative arm,to conduct a comprehensive study of the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) efforts to identify and treat veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI)."Many of our troops who survive the blast from improvised explosive devices are at risk of brain damage. With Thousands of our troops in Iraq and Afganistan at risk of TBI, this injury may be the silent signature wound of this wat,"said Michaud
Servicemembers who sustain a closed head injury may have a mild TBI, which may not be readily identified by medical professionals, veterans,or their families. Mild TBI symptoms,including slower or confused thinking,memory loss ,and changes,may not be evident for months or years after the initial injury.
Michaud's request for GAO study came after newspaer reports that researchers screening troops found that 10% suffered at least one minor brain injury during combat,which may go undiagnosed because troops have no visible wounds.
In addition,the congressionally created VA Committee on the Care of Severely Chronically Mentally Ill. Veterans has identified that the VA needs to develop resources to identify and treat returning veterans who have brain injury. The Committee recommended significant initiatives to address the needs of veterans with TBI.
VA's I nspector General recently issued a report that gave the VA mixed reviews for its treatment of severely and moderately brain- injured veterans. VA's case management of veterans care and support for families dealing with brain-injured veterans were inconsistent.
Michaud's request asked GAO to determine how the VA ensues that veterans who have experienced a mild TBI are identified and treated when they seek care at VA medical facilities,how the VA provides the needed education and support for familes caring for veterans with TBI,and the obstacles to identifying veterans with mild TBI.
Now how much more proof do people in this Country need to see the Democrats are the peoples Party. The replugs talk and do nothing while Democrats show everyday they do what they say.
