Veteran's Resource Manual

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"True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others but the urge to serve others at whatever cost." Arthur Ashe

This quote speaks to common character traits often seen in our military personnel and military culture. By understanding some of the issues that are affecting soldiers, we may be more able to assist our [fellow] heroes as they continue in their military career and/or return to civilian life.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Brain Injury Association of America, brain injuries are noted as the "signature wound" of returning veterans of our Global War on Terrorism. Due to varying signs/symptom presentation, many soldiers have suffered an injury to their brain also known as a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) but may not be aware that they have some level of injury. Of equal importance is the presence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the veteran population. Each impairment can occur separately or may coexist. Social, emotional, physical and community problems may follow these impairments making it more difficult to adapt or re-adapt to civilian life.

This Veteran's Resource Manual is dedicated to assisting individuals, caregivers, professionals and friends/family members in understanding both a TBI or "signature wound" along with PTSD. There will be valuable resources available within this manual to address areas of concern in order to enhance ones quality of life.

-WV Traumatic Brain Injury Services Center for Excellence in Disabilities.

Acknowledgements

This manual is a product of the Center for Excellence in Disabilities at West Virginia University centrally located in Morgantown, WV. This manual has been compiled and guided by staff of the WV Traumatic Brain Injury Services.

The Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED) is proud to serve as the state's designated lead agency for coordination of services for West Virginians with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The development of this manual was funded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Grant #H 21 MC11468.

The West Virginia's TBI Implementation Grant Project team and WV Traumatic Brain Injury Services wishes to thank the many persons, departments, agencies and individuals who have supported the compilation of this manual.

A special thanks to the following people and agencies for their contributions in developing and writing the material for this project:

• Dawn Carpenter, MSW graduate program at West Virginia University
• Kaylynn Shepherd, MSW, LICSW, CBIS - Center for Excellence in Disabilities
• Jeanette Motsch, MS, CBIS - Center for Excellence in Disabilities
• Ashley Young, CBIS - Center for Excellence in Disabilities
• Christopher George, Delena Arthur, Pamela Reynolds, Anita Bock, Teresa Cunningham, Amanda Gum -Center for Excellence in Disabilities
• Special Thank You: All websites devoted to military resources

Disclaimer

The contents of this manual are for informational purposes only and do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

The Veteran's Resource Manual is not intended to replace any medical or legal advice provided to anyone reading this informational resource. This is not a medical or legal document. This manual is for informational purposes only. Please contact your medical physician for all medical care/advice or other health care partners. Please contact your attorney for all legal advice.

*At any time during the course of reading this material you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at 877-724-8244 or e-mail tbi@hsc.wvu.edu. There is no fee involved by contacting us.

WV Traumatic Brain Injury Services

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