Study Finds that TBI Increases Risk of Suicide in Veterans

Legal Help for Veterans is a law firm helping veterans get the benefits they deserve.

Northville, MI (Law Firm Newswire) February 4, 2020 – A recent study from researchers at the Institute for Behavioral Health at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management found a link between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and higher suicide rates. Veterans with a moderate to severe TBI are twice as likely to die by suicide. Furthermore, they also face a higher risk of suicide by firearm.

As many as 23 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans returned from service with a TBI. Traumatic brain injury is shockingly common for modern veterans; they suffer TBIs at roughly twice the rate of Vietnam veterans.

“Traumatic brain injuries are the signature injury of the service men and women who have served in conflicts in the Middle East,” noted James G. Fausone, lead attorney at Legal Help for Veterans in Northville, Michigan. “As suicide rates among veterans rise, it is important to investigate every possible cause and connection.”

Traumatic brain injuries are common. Anything from a mild concussion to severe brain damage can lead to a TBI. Traumatic brain injuries can result from many things soldiers face every day in war — explosions, blows to the head and falls. The aftermath of a TBI is devastating and debilitating. Sufferers often have issues with headaches, memory, cognition, sleep, addiction and mental health.

The researchers examined the medical records of 1.4 million veterans who had received treatment at Veteran Health Administration between 2006 and 2015 and relevant mortality and cause of death information from the National Death Index.

The study’s findings should be carefully considered by healthcare providers who treat veterans. Currently, 57,000 Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans are being treated by VA medical facilities for TBI and TBI-related health issues. Because a TBI can be easy to miss many veterans are at risk of not getting the care they require.

Legal Help for Veterans is a veteran-run law firm that specializes in VA disability claims in Northville, Michigan. Visit them online at https://www.legalhelpforveterans.com/.