Rep. Walz returns from investigating soldiers' concussion treatment in Afghanistan

by Brett Neely, Minnesota Public Radio

Washington — Minnesota DFL Rep. Tim Walz has just returned to Washington from a fact-finding trip to Afghanistan.

Walz's whirlwind trip took him to Turkey, Afghanistan and Germany in the space of just a few days. He went to see how soldiers who suffer concussions on the battlefield are being treated. Head injuries, usually caused by roadside bombs, are the most common serious injuries soldiers receive in Afghanistan.

Walz said the military has significantly improved its treatment in recent years.

"The thing I noticed most was is this awareness of these injuries and the cultural acceptance," he said.

"'You've got a sprained brain,' " Walz quoted an officer as saying. "'Go take care of it.' "

A bill sponsored by Walz gives the Veterans Administration more leeway to help vets with brain injuries. It passed the House earlier this week with bipartisan support.