Dust kicks up from the back blast as Tankers from 1-9 Field Artillery, 2nd HBCT, 3ID fire a 155 mm howitzer round, while nearby Soldiers cover their ears, Iraq, Feb. 20, 2010. (Photo: Gregory Gieske)
Editor’s Note: The National Academies are seeking the perspectives of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans who have adverse neurological conditions believed to be caused by select military experiences.
A federal panel is asking Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans to come forward as it examines possible links between military service and long-term neurological conditions that may not appear until years later.
The review, led by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, is focused on understanding whether exposures during Post-9/11 deployments are connected to issues affecting memory, thinking, and motor function. According to Stars and Stripes, the panel is gathering input from Veterans, along with families and caregivers, to better understand how these conditions develop over time.
A major concern in the review is that many symptoms do not show up right away. Some Veterans report that problems such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or changes in behavior only started well after leaving the military. In some cases, those changes were subtle at first and became more noticeable over time. That delay has made it harder to connect those issues directly to service and has left gaps in both research and care.
Repeated exposure to blast waves is one area being closely examined. Many Service Members in Iraq and Afghanistan were around explosions regularly, even if they were never diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. Researchers are also looking at burn pits, environmental toxins, and the cumulative strain of long deployments in combat zones as factors that may contribute to neurological impairment later in life.
Veterans groups have been raising concerns about these types of injuries for years. Unlike physical wounds, neurological issues are not always visible, but they can still have a serious impact on daily life. Some Veterans describe ongoing problems that affect their ability to work, maintain relationships, or handle routine tasks. Others say the symptoms have changed how they interact with family members or manage stress.
Officials involved in the review say collecting firsthand accounts is critical. While medical records provide part of the picture, personal experiences can help identify patterns that might otherwise be missed. Those accounts may also help researchers better understand how symptoms progress and what early warning signs could look like.
The findings could also influence how the VA handles disability claims, especially in cases where symptoms appear long after service. For now, the panel continues to gather information, with the goal of building a clearer understanding of how Post-9/11 service may still be affecting Veterans today. The review is expected to continue as more data and personal accounts are collected.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
