NEW CITY, N.Y. — Rockland County Legislature has unanimously approved a resolution calling for expanded federal and state support for veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries and early-onset dementia linked to military service.
The measure urges the United States Congress, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and New York state officials to increase funding for research, treatment and long-term care services for veterans exposed to blast-related injuries during combat.
County officials said the resolution specifically addresses veterans exposed to improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, during conflicts including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Medical research has increasingly connected repeated blast exposure and traumatic brain injuries, commonly known as TBIs, with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of early-onset dementia.
“These brave men and women answered our nation’s call and faced dangers many of us cannot imagine,” said Rockland County Legislator Jay Hood Jr. in a statement. “As we learn more about the long-term impact of blast exposure and traumatic brain injury, we need to make sure veterans receive the care, support, and dignity they deserve throughout their lives.”
The resolution highlights ongoing challenges veterans face in obtaining neurological care, behavioral health treatment and specialized long-term services. Officials also cited growing demand for memory care programs, skilled nursing facilities, home-based care and caregiver support services.
The issue was brought before lawmakers by 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.
Branam described cases in which younger combat veterans experiencing cognitive decline and behavioral health issues have been placed in traditional nursing homes not designed to handle the needs of patients with combat-related brain injuries.
“Many veterans are struggling with cognitive decline, behavioral health challenges, and now this wave of early-onset dementia connected to their service,” Branam said. “We owe it to them to advocate for greater awareness, expanded screening, specialized treatment, and accessible long-term support services.”
She added that families are often left navigating limited care options and support resources while trying to assist affected veterans.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day, whose two sons served in the Army, also voiced support for the resolution.
“Our veterans made tremendous sacrifices in defense of our country, and we have a responsibility to stand with them long after their military service ends,” Day said in a statement.
The resolution also calls for stronger collaboration among government agencies, medical institutions and veterans organizations to improve treatment and support services for veterans living with traumatic brain injury-related conditions.
