As many as 300,000, or 20 percent, of combat veterans who regularly worked...away from bases" may "have suffered at least one concussion, according to the latest Pentagon estimates." The concussions may leave many with "longer-term problems that can include...persistent memory loss, headaches, mood swings, dizziness, hearing problems, and light sensitivity. These symptoms, which may be subtle and may not surface for weeks or months after their return, are often debilitating," and could lead "to financial problems, job losses, divorce, and mental-health issues."

Last year, the Department of Veterans Affairs began "screening all Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans who come in for clinical help. So far, 33,000 of 227,015, about 15 percent, have screened positive for mild brain injury since April 2007." It remains unclear, however, "how many service members, particularly those who fought earlier in the war, remain unscreened, and whose injuries go undiagnosed."

Related Links:

- "War Veterans’ Concussions Are Often Overlooked," Lizette Alvarez, New York Times, August 25, 2008.