Service Members & Veterans
More than 1.6 million American service members have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Each following a tradition of selfless dedication and tireless work set down by the millions of American veterans who served before them.
The character of America’s soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines is one of toughness, dedication and self sacrifice. Like American veterans, they prefer to place the well being of others before themselves. So when a member of our military or veteran community sustains an invisible wound such as a concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) — there may be little evidence to indicate that help is needed. Even while on deployment, servicemembers may deny symptoms of physical injury while they help their buddy cope with the stress of family separation and long work hours on high alert.
This website presents a wealth of information in the hopes of helping individual service members and veterans to understand the significance of TBI and perhaps even identify it as a potential health concern in themselves and others. Most troops return from duty having never sustained a concussion/mTBI and many who do have symptoms that resolve on their own over time. This section provides resources for those with continuing symptoms including information and resources about TBI. A licensed healthcare provider is the only one who can accurately diagnose the presence of concussion/mTBI.
WHO MAY BE REFERRED TO THE DEFENSE AND VETERANS BRAIN INJURY CENTER (DVBIC)?
Any service member or veteran with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) who is covered by TRICARE or Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits may be referred to DVBIC.
WHO MAY REFER SOMEONE WITH TBI TO DVBIC?
We accept self-referrals as well as referrals from family members, primary care physicians, and other healthcare providers.
HOW CAN YOU REFER A PATIENT TO DVBIC?
To begin the referral process, use our Interactive Map to call the DVBIC regional office nearest to you, or, use our Contact Us form and headquarters will direct you to the appropriate staff member.
FOR DVBIC INFORMATION & REFERRAL (24/7):
Defense Centers of Excellence (DCoE)
Outreach Call Center
1.866.966.1020
HOW CAN WE HELP?
DVBIC clincial care can address the needs of service members and veterans who sustain injuries through events that often affect the civilian population (motor vehicle crashes, falls, etc.) as well as incidents usually more unique to a military setting (blast/explosion, penetrating shrapnel, paratrooper injuries).
TBI may result in a broad range of physical, cognitive, behavioral, emotional and social challenges. DVBIC is committed to providing excellence in care that addresses the wide- ranging needs of patients and their families. We work to provide services and support to help the individual with TBI return to duty, work and community. Individualized evidence-based treatment and expert case management and care coordination serve to maximize function and decrease TBI-related disability.