The U.S. military has seen an increase in the number of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from prolonged combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Marines and soldiers have greatly suffered TBI-related injuries from improvised explosive devices (IEDs), RPG attacks, and similar ambushes against troops. 

These coordinated attacks against coalition troops both wound and kill personnel, with wounded soldiers treated in rehab centers in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Just a few years ago, many of these soldiers would have arrived stateside without receiving any pre-medical screening able to pinpoint possible medical and mental issues.

Immediate treatment at these polytrauma centers overseas helps provide assistance, and soldiers can head back into combat according to Military Times. 

The U.S. Army can better manage TBI suffered in combat without sending a soldier back to the United States. If not treated immediately, researchers believe the brain injury leads to both emotional and physical issues. TBI also have been a problem in the United States, with 1.4 million new cases reported each year. 

Similar to military breakthroughs, the private industry has made strong developments, including the hope to one day aid in brain cell recovery through the use of stem cells. Mild traumatic brain injury also is often ignored by soldiers, with Army doctors pleading with soldiers to come forward if they've endured a concussion. 

As the number of TBI cases increased, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has also tried to keep up by increasing disability compensation for TBI cases. Furthermore, screening and evaluation efforts by the VA help soldiers get faster treatment -- but continued errors within the VA mental health department has led to confusion and misdiagnosis.