archive
Tricare Investigation - Chapter 2: Brain Specialists Reach Unanimous Conclusion
December 20, 2010 Top neurologists, psychiatrists and rehabilitation experts say cognitive rehabilitation is the best therapy for injured troops, but cost of care could soar into billions.
Tricare Investigation - Chapter 3: Pentagon Contractor Finds Therapy Inconclusive
December 20, 2010 ECRI Institute's methodology is called into question after they find limited evidence of the benefits of cognitive rehabilitation for those suffering from traumatic brain injuries.
Tricare Investigation - Chapter 4: Service Members Struggle to Receive Care
December 20, 2010 Civilian clinics offering cognitive rehabilitation are reluctant to treat brain-injured troops knowing that Tricare won’t cover the full cost.
Top Army Brass Still Don't Think Brain Injuries Count
September 9, 2010 The Purple Heart is the most powerful symbol that a soldier has sacrificed for his or her country. For generations, the military has awarded Purple Hearts to soldiers wounded in action. But an investigation by NPR and ProPublica has found that Army commanders routinely deny Purple Hearts to soldiers who've suffered concussions from explosions — even though Army regulations say they merit the award. Four soldiers have struggled to get Purple Hearts — and medical help.
Purple Hearts Elusive For Traumatic Brain Injuries
September 9, 2010 NPR News/ProPublica Investigation: Army commanders have routinely denied Purple Hearts to soldiers who have sustained mild traumatic brain injuries in Iraq, despite regulations that make such wounds eligible for the medal.
A History Of The Purple Heart
September 8, 2010 The first Purple Heart was created by Gen. George Washington in 1782 to recognized meritorious service in combat. But it quickly fell into disuse. Revived in 1932, the medal was changed into a recognition of combat injuries and deaths.
Fact Sheet: Traumatic Brain Injury
September 8, 2010 Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a sudden trauma to the brain caused by force. A severe TBI can leave a person almost incapable of functioning. But even a mild TBI, a concussion, can lead to a range of debilitating symptoms.
The Two-Way
Fort Bliss Says It Will Examine Its Handling of Brain Injuries
July 1, 2010 After soldiers' reports of problems, officials at Fort Bliss tell a congressman that they will review the base's care for traumatic brain injuries. But the base is now providing information that seems to contradict earlier statements.
The Two-Way
Pentagon Shifts Its Story About Departure of Leader of Brain Injury Center
June 30, 2010 The Pentagon now says that a general who led the military’s effort to handle brain injuries was asked to step down. A spokeswoman for the general had earlier said that the reassignment was routine.
The Two-Way
Pentagon Issues New Policy For Diagnosing And Treating Brain Injuries
June 29, 2010 The new rules address weaknesses in the handling of mild traumatic brain injuries, requiring rest periods and enhanced tracking for soldiers exposed to blasts.
The Two-Way
After ProPublica/NPR TBI Investigation, Congressman Meets With Military
June 28, 2010 The congressman traveled to Fort Bliss, to meet with the commander of the William Beaumont Army Medical Center.
The Two-Way
Leader Of Military's Program To Treat Brain Injuries Steps Down Abruptly
June 24, 2010 In the wake of a series on traumatic brain injuries, reported by NPR and ProPublica, the leader of the Pentagon's premiere program for treatment and research into brain injury and post traumatic stress disorders has unexpectedly stepped down.
The Two-Way
Senators Press Military To Improve Brain-Wound Care
June 23, 2010 Senators Press Military To Improve Brain-Wound Care
The Two-Way
Congress Questions Brain-Trauma Care At Texas Base
June 17, 2010 Congress Questions Ft. Bliss Brain-Injury Care
The Two-Way
Military Mental Health Probe Widens After NPR-ProPublica Report
June 11, 2010 Military Mental Health Probe Widens After NPR-ProPublica Report