Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury

The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury was established in 2007 to develop excellence in prevention, outreach and care for service members with psychological health conditions including TBI. It oversees three centers: the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, the Deployment Health Clinical Center and the National Center for Telehealth and Technology. DCoE support responsibility is transitioning from DOD’s TRICARE Management Activity to the Army Medical Research and Materiel Command under a Defense Department directive.

DCoE’s mission and vision is to provide DOD with advice on managing care for post-traumatic stress disorder and TBI and to make the system better so that service members, their families and veterans get better care. DOD and the Veterans Affairs Department are collaborating to shape policies and programs with a long term impact on returning warriors, during military service and after transition to civilian life.

A top Defense Department health official recently told a Pentagon task force that determining the impact of mental health programs across the military will be a key project this year for the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury. The challenge or difficulty is ensuring that they are clear on what their role is and what the relationship is with the services. Additionally, the Official called for increased screening and referral of service members believed to be experiencing PTSD, and for improved access to quality care for those being treated. He called on DOD as well as the services to adopt strategies to better recognize PTSD among returning warriors and to step up efforts to ensure those who need treatment stick with it.

Help for Veterans with PTSD and TBI

Medical treatment and veterans disability compensation benefits are available to service members and veterans struggling with PTSD and TBI. You can learn more here: veterans disability compensation for PTSD or veterans disability compensation for TBI. If you need help with a claim or appeal, our advocates for veterans are always available. Call Veterans Help Group at (855) 855-8992 or complete our free online veterans disability case evaluation form.