Skip main navigation

Military Health System

Hurricane Milton & Hurricane Helene

Emergency procedures are in place in multiple states due to Hurricane Milton & Hurricane Helene. >>Learn More

Skip subpage navigation

15-Year Longitudinal Study

Study Overview

Section 721 of the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act required a 15-year longitudinal study on the effects of traumatic brain injury incurred by members of the armed forces serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. The following questions describe what the research program intends to answer.

  • What are the long-term physical and mental health effects of TBIs?
  • What are the health care, mental health care, and rehabilitation needs?
  • What is the availability of long-term care and rehabilitation programs within and outside the DOD and VA?
  • What is the effect on family members and caregivers?

The Section 721 research program is made up of the 15-Year Longitudinal TBI Studies which include the:

  • Natural History of TBI study
  • Caregiver and Family Member study
  • Archival studies

The research program also includes the Improved Understanding of Medical and Psychological Needs in Veterans and Service Members with Chronic TBI study—or IMAP study.

This research began in 2010 and a final report will be issued in 2025. Progress reports at the three-, seven-, and 11-year marks are available to view or download. 

Learn more about some of the work being done in these new infographics, click each image to view or download.

Thumbnail image of the downloadable infographic describing the demographics of the Section 721 15-year study program structure, methodology, and timeline.  Thumbnail image of the downloadable infographic describing the demographics of the 15-year natural history of TBI study.  Thumbnail image of the downloadable infographic describing the demographics of the 15-year caregiver and family member study.

Graphic of the downloadable P D F of an infographic describing blood-based biomarkers of T B I.

You also may be interested in...

Publication
Jul 10, 2024

Infographic: NDAA FY07 Section 721 Program Structure, Methodology, and Timeline

.PDF | 569.06 KB

This infographic describes the congressional mandate, the program structure, timeline, and TBICoE's role related to Section 721 of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2007: Longitudinal Study on Traumatic Brain Injury Incurred by Members of the Armed Forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Publication
Jul 10, 2024

DVBIC-TBICoE 15-Year Studies Population and Demographics: Natural History Study Infographic

.PDF | 1.10 MB

TBICoE's natural history study seeks to advance our understanding of the body’s response to traumatic brain injury in military populations. This infographic describes the method that service members and veterans could participate in the study and provides an overview of demographic details.

Publication
Jul 10, 2024

DVBIC-TBICoE 15-Year Studies Population and Demographics: Caregiver and Family Member

.PDF | 979.96 KB

TBICoE's 15-year caregiver and family member study seeks to understand the health and service needs of caregivers of service members and veterans with TBI. This infographic provides an overview of study demographics.

Last Updated: October 18, 2024
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on X Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery