Improving Care for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Across the Lifespan

Between 2000 and 2021, the U.S. Department of Defense diagnosed more than 444,300 service members as experiencing at least one traumatic brain injury (TBI) during their military service. The number of TBIs experienced, and their severity, can affect the trajectory of and prognosis for recovery. Much progress has been made in developing, implementing, and disseminating effective treatments for TBI, yet gaps remain in understanding the long-term care and support needs for veterans who have sustained one or more TBIs during their military service. This report presents the findings from a study commissioned by Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and conducted by the RAND Corporation to identify the long-term outcomes of TBI for veterans serving since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001; the future needs of this population; effective treatments for TBI; and the availability of community-based resources. The information in this report can be used to better understand which approaches may offer the best care for veterans with TBI, as well as help inform the care and support offered to veterans and their caregivers.