Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Veterans

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is just one of many conditions that veterans may develop as a result of their service. Recent research indicates that CTE may develop from head injuries caused by IEDs and other explosions. Many people are familiar with CTE because of the recent new reports regarding CTE development from concussions and other head injuries suffered by football players.

Research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy

CTE often causes depression, anger, and memory problems. It has been linked to frequent blows to the head and was first seen in boxers. A recent CNN article discusses some veterans who appear to be showing signs and symptoms of CTE. This article notes that 10 to 20 percent of Iraqi veterans are suffering from some sort of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

A number of research articles have been published on CTE in veterans from blast injuries. Several of these articles demonstrate that blast injuries from conventional blast explosions or improvised explosive devices (IEDs) contribute to the development of CTE. If these articles are correct, many veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan in recent years are likely to develop CTE.

The good news is that doctors and other scientists continue to work to better understand the human brain. Better understanding of CTE and other brain injuries should lead to better treatment options for veterans suffering from these injuries.

Applying for VA benefits for chronic traumatic encephalopathy

Veterans that begin to develop problems with depression, memory, and anger should certainly seek medical evaluation and diagnosis. A proper diagnosis will help you understand the problem and get appropriate treatment. Since these symptoms are often caused by military service, veterans suffering from these conditions should also consider applying for disability compensation benefits.

If you decide to apply for benefits, make sure that you use VA’s standard forms when applying for benefits. VA’s 2015 regulation changes require the use of standard forms to apply for benefits.

Questions about veterans benefits

If you have questions about the process of applying for benefits or any other question about veterans benefits, you can have a consultation with one of our attorneys for free. Just call us or complete the “Need Help” form on this page to set up a free consultation.

Travis Studdard is an attorney who focuses on representing veterans in VA disability compensation claims. He regularly writes about issues that are important to veterans and their families.

You can subscribe to his Veterans Disability channel on YouTube.

Jessica and Travis listened and worked very hard getting us a really great disability payment. Thank you so much for listening and every month we appreciate your time and energy. Thanks againJeannie Brown

Working with Jason was an absolute pleasure if I had any questions or concerns they were right there with the right answers I would recommend Perkins and Studdard to anyoneRickey

I recently needed a lawyer for a Workers Compensation Inj. The Dr. I saw ordered back surgery. The company declined to approve the surgery. So i went to the Law firm of Perkins & Studdard, as they were highly recommended…Mr. Studdard is a Veterans Affairs Lawyer. Mr. Perkins & his staff handled my case… every person in the firm were nice, helpful, and showed empathy for my situation. Mr. Perkins is very thorough & at the same time worked diligently for me. He got me compensated fairly. If not for this Law firm im not sure what i would’ve done. Thankfully they lowered my stress and communicated regularly. If you need help with an injury etc… Perkins & Studdard is who I highly recommend!!!tim copley

After my VA claim was denied, I felt defeated, depressed, and overwhelmed. I spent a lot of time researching different agencies, only to find that many of them made promises they couldn't back up and were not properly accredited. I decided to give Perkins Studdard LLC a chance because they were accredited, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made. From the very beginning, Jessica, Travis, and the entire team were professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to helping me navigate the VA claims and appeals process. Their guidance, communication, and dedication made a difficult process much easier to manage. Thanks to their hard work and expertise, I finally received the benefits I had been fighting for. I highly recommend Perkins Studdard LLC to any veteran seeking assistance with a VA claim or appeal. Don't waste your time elsewhere—this team truly cares and delivers outstanding service.nelson figueroa

Travis, Jessica and the team were amazing. I’ve been working for the benefits I’ve deserved for years and should have worked with Perkins Studdard initially. They were always great answering questions and helped me more than I ever could have imagined. I highly recommended them as a VA disability law team to help anyone. I’d give more stars if I could.Theodore Tarbush

I highly recommend Travis and his team. From start to finish, the communication and professionalism were outstanding. Jessica was absolutely amazing — responsive, knowledgeable, patient, and always willing to help answer questions and keep me informed throughout the process. Travis was also excellent and made me feel confident that I was in good hands. Their entire office treated me with respect and care, and I truly appreciate everything they did for me. If you’re looking for an attorney and legal team that genuinely cares about their clients, I would definitely recommend them.Carlos Thornton

Travis Studdard and his team were always professional and from intake to case resolution, they were extremely pleasant to work with. After working closely with them for roughly six years, they successfully appealed my sleep apnea claim with the VA. At times I thought about giving up, but it was their diligence and confidence in their approach that gave me the ability sustain. There were no surprises, they led me by hand every step of the way. My family and I are truly appreciative for their great work. His team truly cares and it shows. They will fight to the end for veterans. I couldn't be happier with the results.James

I had the pleasure to be helped by Travis and his team on my VA disability claim. They know what they are doing, and I would definitely work with them again. I recommend them to any veteran that has a wrongfully denied claim with the VA...Joel Onomo

Travis and his team helped me get my case done when I couldn't get it done by myself.Everything went much faster and better than I expected.I highly recommend his team for any veteran trying to get a claim processed. Norman Scott,U.S.Army veteranNorman Scott

Jason Perkins and his team are so kind, knowledgable and helpful. They were thorough with all my legal needs and made sure my medical needs were taken care of financially. What I most appreciate is that he was always very clear about what was best for my case, but he also always told me I needed to do what was best for me, both mentally and physically. He was always available to answer questions, made sure I understood, and was willing to let me make decisions regarding my case. His ethics are beyond reproach. He would not take a percentage of a payment he did not help me receive. You can trust him. He always made it clear that my mental and physical well-being were more important than any part of my case. Then he would explain what would be best for the case and why, and allow me time to decide. Being in the Worker's Compensation system was an incredibly demeaning experience. I am a strong, educated woman, but when everyone in a system tells you that you are not worthy of the care you have received your entire life, and you instantly become less than to many of those who are suppose to be caring for you, it would weigh on anyone. I am so thankful I had Jason and his team fighting for me, getting me things I never would have imagined would be denied, like a second opinion before surgery, or physical therapy instead of opioids. I cannot imagine trying to handle this experience by myself.Andri Pilgrim

Veterans need to understand how VA pay rates differ and whether a higher rating would provide additional benefits

VA Pay Rates for Disability Compensation

The First Stages of Your VA Disability Claim

New Medical Treatment for TBI

Do I Get a Special VA Presumption for Combat?

Play

What if I have more questions about my VA claim?

I understand you want your VA claim to be done as quickly as possible. But remember the ultimate goal – to win your VA disability compensation claim. You may eventually get there on your own, but it may be after a series of decisions by the Regional Office and Board of Veterans Appeals. Sometimes claims are appealed and remanded several times, which can cause a claim to drag on for years. If you are interested in avoiding unnecessary delay in your claim and want to do everything you can to maximize your chances of success, it is probably a good idea for you to consult with an accredited veterans disability attorney. We would be happy to talk to you. If you would like a free consultation with our Perkins Studdard veterans disability attorneys just click here or give us a call to begin the process.

Schedule a time with with a Veterans Benefits Experts

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Veterans

Research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy