New VA Regulations Link Five Diseases to TBI

According to a story in the December 7 issue of the Military Times, The Department of Veterans Affairs will add five medical conditions that, if diagnosed in conjunction with documented brain injury, will automatically confer "service connected" status. 

This new regulation will speed the process for some veterans in obtaining benefits. 

The diseases included unprovoked seizures, Parkinsonism, some dementias, depression and certain hormone deficiencies.

The decision was based on evidence linking these diseases to moderate to severe traumatic brain injury and linking depression to a history of concussion.

There is a 60 day comment period before the new rule takes effect. 

Prudence Gourguechon, M.D.