Senators Push Pentagon for Answers on Protecting Troops from Blast Brain Injuries
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Bipartisan group of senators demands answers from Pentagon on protecting troops from brain injuries caused by blasts from firing weapons
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Brain injuries from repeated blast exposure can lead to depression, cognitive issues, and other mental health problems
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Military often fails to recognize blast risks or protect troops, mistaking symptoms for PTSD or misconduct
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Congress has previously mandated military track blast exposures and study health effects, but changes for rank-and-file troops remain limited
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Veterans and families pushing for more protection see Pentagon's studies and recommendations as "window dressing" without urgent action