Injured in Iraq

[Armywife9704]

What is the name of your state? North Carolina. In Jan. 2004 my husband was injured in Iraq. He had a traumatic brain injury. He was sent to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for his coma/recovery period. He was given the option to get out of the military, but he felt that he would be able to stay in. He reenlisted for 6 years because he felt that was the best decision for him to make. At that time he didn't see any problems. He felt that he recovered well. When at Walter Reed Army Medical Center he was under no real stress. He had one formation a day at 0730 and didn't have to do his job. In July 2005 we moved down to Fort Bragg, NC. Upon returning to Fort Bragg, my husband continuously told his chain of command that he doesn't remember his job due to inactivity in the position and because of his head injury. Because of the stress he is under, he is unable to handle or remember simple tasks. He also has extreme anger issues that have resurfaced from the beginning of his injury. Because of his inadequate training and all of his memory loss, stress, and anger issues we were wondering if there was any way for him to be able to get med boarded out. If so, what steps should we take? Will he still be eligible for a percentage from the military/VA since he decided to stay in the first time? Are there any benefits, such as medical coverage that I am entitled to after he gets out. Please help us.What is the name of your state?

[SHORTY LONG]

Armywife9704, I am surprised that he was returned back to full duty. As far as what needs to be done for help; my hope is, that other Members with much more experience than I can offer will help you all. God bless. Shorty out!

Originally Posted by Armywife9704

What is the name of your state? North Carolina. In Jan. 2004 my husband was injured in Iraq. He had a traumatic brain injury. He was sent to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for his coma/recovery period. He was given the option to get out of the military, but he felt that he would be able to stay in. He reenlisted for 6 years because he felt that was the best decision for him to make. At that time he didn't see any problems. He felt that he recovered well. When at Walter Reed Army Medical Center he was under no real stress. He had one formation a day at 0730 and didn't have to do his job. In July 2005 we moved down to Fort Bragg, NC. Upon returning to Fort Bragg, my husband continuously told his chain of command that he doesn't remember his job due to inactivity in the position and because of his head injury. Because of the stress he is under, he is unable to handle or remember simple tasks. He also has extreme anger issues that have resurfaced from the beginning of his injury. Because of his inadequate training and all of his memory loss, stress, and anger issues we were wondering if there was any way for him to be able to get med boarded out. If so, what steps should we take? Will he still be eligible for a percentage from the military/VA since he decided to stay in the first time? Are there any benefits, such as medical coverage that I am entitled to after he gets out. Please help us.What is the name of your state?

[fozzy2]

You might find the following "users guide" from the Disabled American Veterans handy:

[url]http://www.dav.org/veterans/documents/disability_evaluation_system_guide.pdf[/url]

The DAV has highly trained/experienced service officers who can assist and give advice on the process, I would advise contacting the local DAV to sit down and discuss your case.

There is really no way to estimate what the outcome of this case might be or what the potential benefits, etc. might be for you and your husband. I really don't see how you would be able to "test the water" -- you are probably going to have to plunge in and see what happens. My first piece of advice is common to anyone who has suffered an injury, seek medical evaluation and treatment and document, document, document. The first thing your husband should do is get to medical and start seeking treatment. Now is not the time to "be tough" and try to soldier on in silence despite the difficulties. In effect, the longer you 'fool' the military into thinking that everything is fine and normal, the longer it will take to resolve and the possibility for a bad outcome increases. Brain Trauma is damnably complex, and the fact that there are pscyho-social symptoms can really complicate things, but it is better to face things now than to simply wait until some major work/UCMJ issue forces your hand. Best of luck.