Blast injuries in military personnel are a significant concern due to the increasing frequency of explosive devices in combat situations. These injuries can be complex and multifaceted, affecting various parts of the body and leading to both immediate and long-term health issues.
With all of this in account, the Defense Department has revealed new parameters to protect and prevent troops from blast injuries. For some troops, these improvements have come along too late.
At WHG, our team is available to veterans coping with service-connected blast injuries to pursue VA disability claim appeals to secure benefits. You can reach us by calling 1-800-320-HELP or submitting a contact form to schedule a free consultation.
What are Blast Injuries?
There are several types of blast injuries: Primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary, and quinary-based blast injuries. Military personnel may be vulnerable to long-term health complications from any of these types.
- Primary blast injuries are caused by the shock wave from the explosion. These injuries primarily affect air-filled organs like the lungs, ears, and gastrointestinal tract.
- Secondary blast injuries result from shrapnel or debris propelled by the explosion. These can cause lacerations, fractures, and other trauma.
- Tertiary blast injuries are caused by being thrown or propelled by the blast force. These injuries result from the impact of the ground or other objects.
- Quaternary blast injuries are a result of other effects of the explosion, including burns.
- Quinary blast injuries occur when personnel are exposed to contaminates after the explosion, such as the inhalation of toxic fumes.
Veterans can sustain service-connected or secondary conditions as a result of these injuries.
Military Proposes New Blast Injury Prevention Methods Based on Growing Research
Blast injuries can prove catastrophic and disabling for veterans. With this in mind, the military has sought to address service-connected blast injuries, particularly brain injuries. The Pentagon has issued new policies laying out concerns regarding troops developing Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and how to treat them.
It recently unveiled a plan to reduce blast-related brain injuries, highlighting the risks of TBIs to military personnel. “Blast injuries are caused by waves of air pressure pushed out by weapons. The larger the wave, the more it can shake or compress organs in the body. Repetitive pressure strikes to the brain can cause increasing damage, leading to a host of health problems.”
New Guidelines Prioritize Treatment and Prevention
The Department of Defense’s memo also hones in on several weapons that cause blast injuries. Under these new amendments vets can benefit from technology that prevents and identifies brain damage resulting from blast exposure. One way to improve treatment is by developing better technology that can detect TBIs, like the i-STAT TBI testing device.
This new device can detect traumatic brain injuries with a single drop of blood, within 15 minutes. This can help focus on immediate care for life-threatening conditions such as airway obstruction, severe bleeding, and shock. The Department of Defense is taking further action to understand and develop better measures for the prevention of blast exposure.
Hopefully, this can support millions of military personnel affected by such traumatic events and continue to improve their quality of life. These new measures will have an impact on the future of VA benefits and VA medical resources for those seeking compensation.
Let WHG Deal With the VA Regarding Your Veterans Disability Claim
Our veterans benefits lawyers can offer you expert advice and comprehensive support. If you are a veteran seeking compensation from the VA, reach out to the law offices of Werner, Hoffman, Greig, & Garcia PLLC as your first step. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 1-800-320-HELP or submit a contact form today.
