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Safeguarding the brain health of our most elite warriors.

The Invisible Wounds Foundation exists for one reason: to accelerate how we diagnose and treat invisible brain injuries among our service members, with a focus on Special Operations Forces.

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We bring together

leading medical and science researchers, top academic and health institutions, government agencies, philanthropic supporters, industry, and other public and private stakeholders committed to accelerating TBI research.

A Review of U.S. Military Traumatic Brain Injury Studies: Trends, Gaps, and Opportunities

The 2025 RAND Corporation study, commissioned by the Invisible Wounds Foundation, reviews ten years of military traumatic brain injury research. With $2.1 billion invested since 2015, the study reveals significant progress in imaging and biomarker identification—while identifying critical gaps that need immediate attention to better serve America’s service members.

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A Review of U.S. Military Traumatic Brain Injury Studies: Trends, Gaps, and Opportunities

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the

Signature Wound of the Global War on Terror

Special Operations are more than two times as likely to sustain a TBI as conventional forces.

Special Operations Forces are more than twice as likely to sustain a traumatic brain injury as conventional forces.

The average wait time for SOF personnel to receive TBI rehabilitation: 1,746 days from injury.

The average wait time for SOF personnel to receive TBI rehabilitation: 1,746 days from injury.

Veterans with a history of traumatic brain injury have suicide rates nearly three times higher than U.S. adults.

Help Close the Gap

They can’t wait any longer. We must act now.

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WE ARE

Science-Forward

We fund and drive blast-related TBI research for the military, centering Special Operations Forces. We advance rigorous, data-driven science focused on understanding, early detection, prevention, and practical pathways to impact.

WE ARE

Collaborative

We coordinate researchers, clinicians, operators, policymakers, and funders working in military brain health. Our collaborative approach aligns efforts, reduces duplication, and drives progress, centering Special Operations Forces while advancing outcomes across the military.

WE ARE

Catalyst

We move science forward by deploying private funding with urgency and focus. Guided by our Medical and Science Advisory Council, we identify high-potential research and help advance it through coordinated, targeted investment.

"Ryan’s last mission will be accomplished when we see these men and women getting the care that they need...and mitigating the risk on the front end with prevention."

– Frank Larkin

Board of Directors, Invisible Wounds Foundation

"It's important that we broaden our focus to recognize and treat our warriors’ cognitive, emotional, and mental health, both on and off duty."

– Vice Admiral Tim Szymanski (Ret.)

Board of Directors, Invisible Wounds Foundation

“The science is evolving. The stories are being heard. Together, we can create meaningful change for every warrior and every family.”

– Shannon Finn Connell

CEO, Invisible Wounds Foundation

“Those who defend our country and protect our way of life deserve the best medical care. We as a society owe it to them, and until we advance this field, we won’t live up to our responsibility.”

– Dr. Brian l. Edlow

Critical Care Neurologist Co-Director, Mass. General 
Neuroscience Assoc. Prof. of Neurology, Harvard Medical School

A dad's mission to uncover brain injuries after Navy SEAL son's suicide | 60 Minutes