The U.S. military will now begin to record blast exposures experienced by troops during their period of active duty military service. The recently passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requires the Department of Defense to track blast exposure, duration, and if possible, blast pressure readings. The new record is intended to aid Veterans after service to receive the appropriate medical care, as well as being assessed accurately for VA disability benefits.
Many troops are exposed to explosions and the accompanying concussive wave. Service members exposed to blasts in-service include, but are not limited to those involved in artillery, infantrymen working with explosive breaching charges, and Explosive Ordinance Techs, among others. Further, soldiers who may not typically exposed to blasts and blast waves may still be exposed during periods of combat usually in the form of Improvised Explosive Devices.
The biggest health risk to exposure to these blasts are Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), which is defined by the Center for Disease Control as, “a disruption in normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury.”
If you have questions about the NDAA, TBI, or any other questions regarding VA disability benefits please contact the experienced Veterans’ disability attorneys at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. today for a free case evaluation. Gardberg & Kemmerly serves Veterans across the United States from their home office in Mobile, Alabama.