Why is the Purple Heart Medal important to combat-wounded veterans and their family members?

The Purple Heart is the most recognized symbol of a combat injury.  It is not an award for which service members are recommended, rather it is an award that is issued based on specific criteria. Currently, the U.S. military awards Purple Heart medals for Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), however, inconsistently.   

Traumatic Brain Injuries deserves as much recognition as any other physical wartime trauma. Its effects can last as long or longer than non-neurological trauma and has the potential to negatively impact a service member's quality of life.  Further, the Purple Heart medal has a very important role in making this invisible injury, visible. 

A recent study found that the Purple Heart validates the uniquely invisible injury and serves as a conduit for Combat Veterans to receive care (Moceri-Brooks, et al., 2023).