M14 Forum

GARRARD · May 12th, 2011, 06:51 PM

Quote:

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Army Secretary John McHugh has made it official: Soldiers can get Purple Hearts for traumatic brain injuries.

McHugh’s new guidance institutes a checklist to make it easier for soldiers’ commanders to apply the existing regulations that already include concussions from enemy action as qualifying for the Purple Heart.

The clarification was a project of Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli, who has championed wounded warrior issues.

Human Resources Command officials say soldiers and veterans who previously have been denied Purple Heart consideration for concussion injuries should resubmit documentation.

The guidance, issued as Army Directive 2011-07, does not change existing standards for award of the Purple Heart, and will not result in any policy changes to AR 600-8-22, the Army’s military awards regulation.

However, it does take into account war experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan which have resulted in many thousands of soldiers, Marines and other service members sustaining concussion injuries, including mild traumatic brain injuries and concussion injuries not resulting in the loss of consciousness.

The new guidance was approved by the Defense Department April 25 after being proposed by the Army and Marine Corps.

The new guidance is designed to assist unit chain-of-command officials, soldiers and veterans understand the specific requirements for Purple Heart consideration and reconsideration retroactive to Sept. 11, 2001.

Currently serving soldiers of the Regular Army, Guard and Reserve should resubmit through their company chain of command.

Veterans and retires should send their documents to Human Resources Command as follows: Commander, USA HRC, Attn: Awards and Decorations Branch (AHRC-PDP-A), 1600 Spearhead Division Ave., Fort Knox, KY 40122.

Telephone calls should be directed to HRC’s Contact Center at 888-276-9472, and email to https:// www.hrc.army.mil/awards.

Having a Purple Heart can help you get better VA benefits so if anyone falls into this category, it might be worth your time to resubmit.

Russell40 · May 12th, 2011, 07:33 PM

All though I wont qualify, I believe that this is a good decision. I suffered injuries through exposer to "unknown substances" that caused lung damage and I really feel for those who were injured by enemy activity. Not to say that there were not close calls because there were (hearing aids now for both ears and a good case of PTSD), but those injured through direct enemy activity should receive what they deserve. I can remember some explosions that really rocked your body, I mean you felt the shock wave go through you.
Good luck to those who have earned it!

TheTurtle · May 12th, 2011, 07:52 PM

I agree with giving purple hearts to the soldiers that actually suffered, but how are they going to weed out the posers that just want the purple heart to brag to their buddies and get a free drink at a bar?

GARRARD · May 12th, 2011, 07:54 PM

From what I've read, medical documentation will be necessary to make a claim.