The Rockland County Legislature has unanimously approved a resolution urging federal and state officials to expand care and support services for veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries and early-onset dementia linked to military service.
The measure calls on Congress, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and New York State officials to increase funding for research, treatment, specialized memory care, and long-term support services for veterans exposed to blast-related injuries during military conflicts, including Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom.
County officials said growing medical research continues to connect repetitive blast exposure and traumatic brain injuries with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia.
The issue was brought before lawmakers by Rockland County Veterans Service Agency Director Susan Branam, who said an increasing number of veterans in their late 40s and early 50s are developing dementia-related conditions connected to their military service. Officials also pointed to growing demand for neurological care, behavioral health treatment, memory care programs, skilled nursing facilities, home-based care, and caregiver support services.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day and county lawmakers voiced support for the resolution, saying veterans and their families deserve stronger long-term support systems following their military service. The resolution also encourages increased collaboration between government agencies, medical institutions, and veterans organizations to improve treatment outcomes and expand access to care for veterans living with TBI-related conditions.
