Invisible Wounds Foundation

Too many veterans are diagnosed with PTSD or anxiety when the root cause is actually a brain injury from blast exposure.

That's the diagnostic gap Invisible Wounds Foundation exists to close. In a recent Facebook Live conversation with DAV (Disabled American Veterans), IWF Chief Medical Scientist Dr. James Kelly spoke directly to veterans, advocates, and families about what's being missed, and what better care could look like.

Watch the full conversation, including questions submitted by veterans, here:
https://youtu.be/k7n9aZDDD0o?si=XPkf275KohhMgrDZ

Since 2000, over 500,000 cases of TBI have been reported. Now, with ongoing military action against Iran, TBI has become the defining injury of modern warfare, and veterans with combat-related brain injury are four times more likely to attempt su***de than those without.

PBS NewsHour covered the issue recently: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/traumatic-brain-injuries-become-defining-injury-for-u-s-troops-in-post-9-11-conflicts

IWF Chief Medical Scientist Dr. James Kelly made the case to Congress directly: https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2026/04/06/congress_must_support_research_on_military_brain_injury_and_veteran_su***de_1174862.html

Invisible Wounds Foundation exists to accelerate the research that leads to better detection, diagnosis, and treatment for blast-exposed service members and veterans, in partnership with DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and others committed to getting this right.

Traumatic brain injuries become defining injury for U.S. troops in post-9/11 conflicts More than 350 U.S. service members have been injured since military action against Iran began in February. The majority of those are traumatic brain injuries. TBIs have become the defining injury of post 9/11 conflicts, and the symptoms can often linger for years, or even a lifetime. Liz Landers dis...

Spots are going fast for the 2026 Invisible Wounds Foundation Golf Invitational at Olympia Fields Country Club on June 15.

Olympia Fields is one of the most prestigious private clubs in the country and a four-time major championship host. Last year, we left that course reminded of why this work matters—a room full of people who showed up not just to play golf but to stand behind the research that service members, veterans, and their families deserve.

That research is urgent. And so is this invitation.

Foursomes, twosomes, and individual spots are available. Sponsorship opportunities are also open.

Register here: https://invisiblewounds.networkforgood.com/events/95645-2026-invisible-wounds-foundation-golf-invitational

The science is advancing. The expertise is there. What's missing is coordination.

Across military, academic, and clinical communities, important work is happening. But fragmented efforts slow translation into real-world diagnostics and care.

Through the Military Brain Health Collaborative, we are working with researchers, clinicians, and partners to advance precision diagnostics and move promising science toward meaningful outcomes.

Progress is possible, and it depends on clarity, collaboration, and sustained commitment.
The work can't wait. Support military brain health research today: https://givebutter.com/0X7ZQk

Post 4 of our Brain Injury Awareness Month series.

Military brain injury is often invisible. The consequences on service members and their communities are not.

"The misdiagnosis of TBI has a rippling effect on the spouse, family, and community at large and is why we urgently need to develop a precise diagnostic …" –Dr. Shannon Finn Connell, IWF CEO & Founder.

Among veterans in VA care, those with a recent TBI diagnosis had su***de rates nearly 94% higher than those without (VA, 2025 National Veteran Su***de Prevention Annual Report).

"Ryan died from his combat injuries from his service to this nation. He just didn't die right away." –Frank Larkin, IWF Board Member, speaking about his son Ryan, a Navy SEAL who died by su***de following years of blast exposure.

Behind every statistic is a life that could have unfolded differently. We can do better. And we must.

If you or someone you know is struggling, contact the Veterans Crisis Line: call or text 988, then press 1.