Brain Wars: How The Military Is Failing Its Wounded Traumatic brain injury is considered the "signature injury" of soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. An NPR and ProPublica investigation has uncovered the military's failure to diagnose, treat and document brain injuries.
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Brain Wars: How The Military Is Failing Its Wounded
An NPR and ProPublica investigation has uncovered the military's failure to treat thousands.
Dr. Alex Dromerick co-directs the Brain Research Center at the National Rehabilitation Hospital. Here he observes Stephen Jones, a policeman who was involved in a motorcycle accident. Becky Lettenberger/NPR hide caption
Sgt. Nathan Scheller was twice denied for a Purple Heart, though roadside bomb explosions left him with lasting cognitive damage. Above, Scheller walks with his wife, Miriam, and his family. NPR/Frontline hide caption
Brendan Jannesen, 23, plays Wii ping pong as part of his balance therapy with physical therapist Brian Smith. Project Share provides a combination of physical, speech and occupational therapy, coping skills and psychological counseling to brain-injured troops. John W. Poole/NPR hide caption
Sarah Wade, 36, and her husband, Ted Wade, 33, of Chapel Hill, N.C., often travel to Washington, D.C. for his medical care after he was injured while riding in a Humvee in Mahmudiyah, Iraq, on Feb. 14, 2004, and suffered a traumatic brain injury, as well as an above-the-elbow amputation of his right arm. Sarah has also been actively lobbying to get the right kind of care for her husband. Coburn Dukehart/NPR hide caption
Tricare Investigation: Pentagon Plan Won't Cover Brain-Damage Therapy
Retired Army Major Michelle Dyarman holds the Purple Heart medal she was awarded after suffering a severe concussion from an IED in Baghdad in 2005. Robb Hill for NPR hide caption
Sgt. Victor Medina suffered brain damage in 2009 when a roadside bomb exploded in Iraq. Blake Gordon/Aurora Photos hide caption
Sgt. Derrick Junge was diagnosed with a concussion, but passed over for a Purple Heart. Junge has not received rehabilitation or treatment for ongoing medical difficulties, and he struggles with simple tasks. NPR/Frontline hide caption