How can I get checked for TBI after Med. Retired?

H

hamburglar79

PEB Forum Regular Member
I believe that I am having some memory issues that are possibly linked to TBI.

I was roughly 15 feet away from a carbomb/blast that resulted in schrapnel to my hose, eye, and neck. Also I recieved burns to my face, bi-lateral arms, and bi-lateral legs. Both of my Tib's/Fib's were shattered and took roughly 1 year to heal. After the blast I was awake, I remember everything up until I got medvac'd out(20minutes tops). The next time I came to was maybe two weeks later.

QUESTION: What do I need to fill out to get checked for TBI?

Does anyone know what these tests consist of?
 
Welcome hamburglar,

Happy New Year. Sorry to hear of your injuries.

I see that you're in S. Korea and that you were medically retired.

Its a possiblity that with what you went through that you could be experiencing TBI...but other things can cause memory loss too-diabetes, poor diet, stress, many many things.

You definately need to see your physician and have him look at all possiblities.

Some tests that are done are the standard MRI's, CT's (acute), and neurological testing. I'm sure other guys who have been through this will "chime" in and give you ideas of what they've been through.

From your explination of the injury it does sound like your brain was protecting itself from further injury ( going out for a while)...you have probably been told this already...but your body was probably initially in the flight/fight response protecting itself from further injury-that's why you were awake...(shock)...then when you went out, your brain was probably protecting itself from further injury...I'm sure doc's said you had brain contusion(s) (being that close, having facial injuries, having blast injuries)...anyway, when the brain needs to protect itself it will go into a coma...thats why docs put some brain injured patients into induced coma's-to give the brain a chance to heal...so, your body was already doing that. Also, lets not forget that there could be psychological reasons for memory loss...I'm just bringing it up because that might need to be looked at in conjunction with the physical exams. Total health care.

But you need to be seen by your physician. Now, who is that for you? Do you have TRICARE there? VA there? Other guys who know more about that detailed "form" stuff will chime in and help.

Sure hope you are doing well other than that..hope that gives you an idea..take care.
 
Thank you for the fast response. To answer your questions:

* I have Tricare "standard".
* I live next to a U.S. Army base (USAG Yongsan).
* This is for me.
* I do have a VA field rep office, no VA hospital.

I was just wondering if I should fill out a VA form to ask them to make an appointment for me for the TBI check.
 
i was initially worked up for seizures my a civ. neurologist when i started having episodes. had all the EMG's and that type of stuff. not once did the military docs. or civ. neuros. say TBI.

a few weeks ago i had my 1'st VA appointment. they did a TBI screen and i screened positive for it. so i know there is a screen. i was also referred to my VA's TBI clinic. i would start by asking your doc. it's (the screening) kind of like a PTSD screening, if you have ever had one of those. they ask your typical questions like: have you been around explosions? do you have sensativity to lights? any psychological changes? sleep issues? ever lose consciousness?

have you filed a claim for the VA or do you have a rating? i would start there. you can use any VSO to help with the claim. also on-line there's a VA EZ form to apply for health care and that will start the process on that end. like you said about the VA field office, i would start there and do that ASAP. good luck and if you have any questions, i'm always here.
 
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