Correlates of functional status among OEF/OIF veterans with a history of traumatic brain injury

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify factors related to functional status within a clinical sample of Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Medical chart review was conducted for a consecutive group of OEF/OIF Veterans who were referred for neuropsychological evaluation within a Veterans Affairs Medical Center Polytrauma Program related to history of TBI (n = 57). Level of involvement in occupational and academic activity, presence or absence of housing insecurity, and clinician ratings of overall functioning served as indicators of functional status. Reduced functional status was most strongly related to poorer cognitive function, particularly motor function, processing speed, and executive function. Lower levels of functioning were also related to increased severity of postconcussive symptoms, lower levels of education, and ongoing medication treatment for sleep or psychiatric symptoms. Comprehensive evaluation of cognitive, affective, and behavioral functioning among OEF/OIF Veterans with a history of TBI is likely to provide valuable information to inform rehabilitation strategies and identify potential warning signs for poor postdeployment reintegration. Increased awareness of these factors may aid clinicians in identifying patients at risk for poor outcomes and in more effectively targeting symptoms for intervention. © Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S. All rights reserved.