Akaka urges cooperation by agencies to deal with traumatic brain injuries

Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka is urging stronger coordination between the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs over traumatic brain injury.

Akaka, the chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and other senators wrote the secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs yesterday, saying TBI has become the signature wound over the past nine years of war.

The senators are calling for prompt action to finalize and implement the Defense Department’s draft policy mandating evaluation and rest periods for those with TBI.

The lawmakers also want the expedited establishment of Defense Department centers of excellence for military eye injuries, hearing loss and amputations.