What is a DD214?
Your DD214 is very important. It is your record of service in the military and you must have this document in order to access veterans’ benefits and services. It includes information on when you entered the military and when you were discharged, your military training and education, which medals you are entitled to, your dates, locations, and units of deployment, and dates of last dental and physical examinations, etc.
Keep your DD214 and put it in a safe place.
Make sure the information on your DD214 is complete and correct.
File a copy of your DD214 with your County Clerk’s Office.
If you have lost your DD214 contact your branch of service to request another copy.
Your spouse and/or other family members should know where to find your DD214 and why it is important.

What is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
(Information obtained from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/traumatic_brain_injury_and_ptsd.asp
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs from a sudden blow or jolt to the head. Brain injury often occurs during some type of trauma, such as an accident, blast, or a fall. Often when people refer to TBI, they are mistakenly talking about the symptoms that occur following a TBI. Actually, a TBI is the injury, not the symptoms.
A TBI is basically the same thing as a concussion. A TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe. These terms tell you the nature of the injury itself. They do not tell you what symptoms you may have or how severe the symptoms will be.
Symptoms that result from TBI are known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS). In the days, weeks, and months following a TBI the most common symptoms are:

Physical
headache
feeling dizzy
being tired
trouble sleeping
vision problems
feeling bothered by noise and light
Cognitive (Mental)
memory problems
trouble staying focused
poor judgment and acting without thinking
being slowed down
trouble putting thoughts into words
Emotional (Feelings)
depression
anger outbursts and quick to anger
anxiety (fear, worry, or feeling nervous)
personality changes

These symptoms are part of the normal process of getting better. They are not signs of lasting brain damage. These symptoms are to be expected and are not a cause for concern or worry. More serious symptoms include severe forms of those listed above, decreased response to standard treatments, and seizures.
For more information on TBI please visit the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs webpage: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/traumatic-brain-injury-ptsd.asp

What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
(Information obtained from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/what-is-ptsd.asp
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can occur after you have been through a traumatic event. A traumatic event is something horrible and scary that you see or that happens to you. During this type of event, you think that your life or others' lives are in danger. You may feel afraid or feel that you have no control over what is happening.
Many people who develop PTSD get better at some time. But about 1 out of 3 people with PTSD may continue to have some symptoms. Even if you continue to have symptoms, treatment can help you cope. Your symptoms don't have to interfere with your everyday activities, work, and relationships.
PTSD symptoms usually start soon after the traumatic event, but they may not happen until months or years later. They also may come and go over many years. If the symptoms last longer than 4 weeks, cause you great distress, or interfere with your work or home life, you probably have PTSD.
There are four types of PTSD symptoms:

Reliving the event (also called re-experiencing symptoms):
Bad memories of the traumatic event can come back at any time. You may feel the same fear and horror you did when the event took place. You may have nightmares. You even may feel like you're going through the event again. This is called a flashback. Sometimes there is a trigger -- a sound or sight that causes you to relive the event. Triggers might include:
Hearing a car backfire, which can bring back memories of gunfire and war for a combat Veteran.
Seeing a car accident, which can remind a crash survivor of his or her own accident.
Seeing a news report of a sexual assault, which may bring back memories of assault for a woman who was raped.
Avoiding situations that remind you of the event:
You may try to avoid situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event. You may even avoid talking or thinking about the event. For example:
A person who was in an earthquake may avoid watching television shows or movies in which there are earthquakes.
A person who was robbed at gunpoint while ordering at a hamburger drive-in may avoid fast-food restaurants.
Some people may keep very busy or avoid seeking help. This keeps them from having to think or talk about the event.

Feeling numb:
You may find it hard to express your feelings. This is another way to avoid memories.
You may not have positive or loving feelings toward other people and may stay away from relationships.
You may not be interested in activities you used to enjoy.
You may not be able to remember parts of the traumatic event or not be able to talk about them.

Feeling keyed up (also called hyperarousal):
You may be jittery, or always alert and on the lookout for danger. This is known as hyperarousal. It can cause you to:
Suddenly become angry or irritable
Have a hard time sleeping.
Have trouble concentrating.
Fear for your safety and always feel on guard.
Be very startled when something surprises you.

People with PTSD may also have other problems including:
Drinking or drug problems.
Feelings of hopelessness, shame, or despair.
Employment problems.
Relationships problems including divorce and violence.
Physical symptoms.
For more information on PTSD please visit the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs webpage: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/index.asp

Service Connected Illnesses
The Veterans Administration has recognized the following diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides. Vietnam and now Korean War veterans with these diseases may be eligible for disability compensation and health care benefits.
For information contact the Veterans Administration’s Toll-Free help line: 1-800-749-8387. Or visit the U.S. Veterans Administration webpage: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/herbicide/aono3.htm
Acute and Subacute Peripheral Neuropathy
This is a nervous system problem that causes numbness, tingling, and motor weakness.

AL Amyloidosis
A rare disease caused when an abnormal protein, called amyloid, enters tissues or organs.

Chloracne (or Similar Acneform Disease)
A skin condition that occurs soon after exposure to chemicals and looks like common forms of acne seen in teenagers.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
A type of cancer which affects white blood cells.

Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2)

Hodgkin ’s disease
A malignant lymphoma characterized by progressive enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, and by progressive anemia.

Ischemic Heart Disease
A disease characterized by reduced supply of blood to the heart that leads to chest pain.

Multiple Myeloma
A disorder which causes an overproduction of certain proteins from white blood cells.

Non-Hodgkin’s’ Lymphoma
A group of cancers that affect the lymph glands and other lymphatic tissue.

Parkinson ’s disease
A motor system condition with symptoms that include a trembling of the hands, imbalance, and loss of facial expression.

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
A disorder characterized by liver dysfunction and by thinning and blistering of the skin in sun-exposed areas.
Prostate Cancer

Respiratory Cancers
Cancers of the lung, larynx, trachea, and bronchus.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma (other than Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or Mesothelioma)
A group of different types of cancers in body tissues such as muscle, fat, blood and lymph vessels, and connective tissues.