Thousands of veterans of the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan have returned from their tours of duty with the signature wounds of the conflicts: post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. These "invisible wounds" require specialized and ongoing care. Each person responds to a brain injury and PTSD differently and also responds to treatment differently. A range of treatments and rehabilitation approaches is often needed.

The military has not been especially quick to effectively treat these conditions, but, fortunately, other organizations have stepped in to fill the gaps. The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund has raised $100 million to build clinics on military bases for service members with PTSD and brain injuries.

The plan is to form a network to treat these signature wounds. The clinics will be able to offer a variety of treatments, such as acupuncture to treat chronic pain and other holistic approaches to treating service members. The clinics will aim to keep the service members in one place for their various treatments and give the soldiers the attention they need.

PTSD and brain injuries may not be readily visible but the invisible wounds cause a service member considerable difficulty readjusting to civilian life. A veteran who suffers from these conditions may need to apply for disability benefits.

Source: Huff Post, "Intrepid Falled Heroes Fund To Raise $100 Million For Military To Build Vet Medical Centers," Kristin M. Hall, Aug. 21, 2012