What are some effects of a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and what are my options if any?

Question

Back in Aug 04 while deployed in support of OIF II, I was wounded (3rd time). The extent of the injury was a was hit square in the left eye by an unexploded grenade. It then bounced of my face, rolled along side a wall, and detonated embedding shrapnel in the corner of my left eye. The blast of the grenade and impact of the shrapnel caused my brain to swell so I underwent a Craniotomy where they cut a piece of my skull out to relieve the swelling of my brain, hence the TBI. What are some effects after receiving such an injury and what are my chances of either a MED BOARD or Reclass in MOS. In addition, you may be wondering if this happened in 04 why am I still in the Army today. The response is, I was not offered a MED BOARD then.

Answer 1

Your story sounds full of c**p. If you had a TBI you would have been separated from the service in double quick time. And just cutting a section out to relieve pressure does not necessarily mean TBI. With shrapnel in your eye you couldn't pass physical requirements to stay in so you don't sound very truthful.

If you want to find out what it is really like read "Once A Marine" by Gunny Popaditch. He was hit in the side of the helmet with an RPG, lost all sight in one eye and most in another and most of his hearing. He wanted to stay in the Corps but they wouldn't let him. He is currently fighting for others who are REALLY injured and not getting what they deserve. Take your story back to the kids you hang around with. I'm not impressed.

Answer 2

What have your symptoms been? If the swelling was more in the frontal lobe, a lot can be involved. Your mood is a big one. If it is more on the side, it could affect hearing and other things. Look up the case pf "Phinneus Gage."

Answer 3

YOU qualify to reclass into Military Intelligence field!

Answer 4

First...Bob...you are 1000% wrong...

I think they kept you in because of the Complicated Injuries...

If they give you a MED Board...(Nothing more than a bunch of

paper pushers) make sure they Rate you at 100%...

Most important they Service Connect you for TBI...

Get Copies of every Medical Record you can...

Xrays/Scans/Diagnosis etc

(You are entitled to have them no matter what any Officer says...)

Please contact me [e-mail]

Answer 5

The long-term effects of brain injury can span every aspect of life. The Army has historically not placed enough emphasis on the severity of TBI, but now with the signature injury in Iraq being TBI, they are starting to pay more attention and take it more seriously. Just because  the chronic injury is not visible, does not mean it isn't disabling.

Cognitive Effects of Brain Injury

Depending upon the severity of the injury, long-term cognitive effects are possible. The most common long-term cognitive effects include memory loss, post-traumatic amnesia, concentration and attention problems, communication and language issues, and post-traumatic dementia.

Sensory Effects of Brain Injury

Long-term effects on the senses are also possible, including problems with vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.

Emotional Effects of Brain Injury

Some patients experience long-term emotional or behavioral problems after experiencing a brain injury. Common emotional effects include irritability, anxiety, insomnia, depression, confusion, frustration, agitation, mood swings, and clinical depression. Behaviors may include violence, inappropriate actions, emotional outbursts, lack of self control, impulsivity, poor self-awareness, and alcohol and drug abuse.

Physical Effects of Brain Injury

Seizure is the most common long-term physical effect among those who have experienced a brain injury, especially those who have contusions or hematomas. Other physical that may result from brain injury include Parkinson’s disease, loss of coordination, partial paralysis, and sudden muscle contractions.  

Answer 6

you need to ask a doctor or a specialist and not people in here...if you want to get the answer that you need..

Answer 7

Some that I have been informed of copy's being drunk, not as in a weekend drunk but as life long type. For more information talk with your DR. You will be qualified for VA benefits, disability payments. Good Luck Thank you for your sacrifices.

Vet-USAF