Traumatic brain injury benefits and services

RACINE The term polytrauma is defined as a serious injury to two or more body systems which result in physical, cognitive or psychological impairments that limit a persons ability to function. Traumatic Brain Injury frequently occurs in polytrauma. It can be difficult to navigate the maze of benefits information at the Department of Defense and Veterans Administration. Fortunately, case management is an integral part of the Polytrauma System of Care. A clinical case manager will work with veterans, service members and their family to help:

n Transition from a military hospital to a VA medical center.

n Communicate between veteran/service member, family and VA rehabilitation team.

n Identify various VA, DoD, and community resources.

n Apply for appropriate VA benefits.

Early into a service members admission to a treatment facility, they will meet various points of contact. Some POCs will focus mostly on clinical (medical) issues. Others will focus on non-clinical services.

Information on services and benefits changes from time to time. It is therefore important to check with the appropriate POCs at the Veterans Benefits Administration periodically for updates. The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center Family Caregiver Giver Course provides extensive information on how to navigate services and benefits.

Military liaisons are present at each polytrauma rehabilitation center and are instrumental in providing a connection to the service members military community. They assist with the transition from military health care to the VA health care system and interact with service members and their families on a regular basis. Liaisons are responsible for ensuring that military orders are in place and that all service-related needs are addressed in a timely manner.

For more information about submitting a claim for traumatic brain injury, go to: http://www.polytrauma.va.gov/understanding-tbi/ or call or visit Ali Nelson, Racine County veterans service officer; at (262) 638-6667. Her office is located at 1717 Taylor Ave.

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Traumatic brain injury benefits and services