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Protecting the brain health of those who serve.

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

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We serve as a Chicago-based national hub

bringing together researchers, clinicians, industry, government agencies, policymakers, and funders working in military brain health. Our collaborative approach coordinates and integrates research, builds partnerships, and ensures shared goals.

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 Terrorism

500,000+ service members have been diagnosed with TBI since 2000. Experts estimate the true number is significantly higher, as many cases go undiagnosed.

The Department of Defense reports more than 19,000 new military brain injury diagnoses among service members every year.

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

Help Close the Gap

Help us advance research on military brain injury for every service member and veteran.

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WE ARE

Science-Forward

We fund and drive rigorous, data-driven research on military brain injury among our service members and veterans, with a focus on Special Operations Forces. Our work advances understanding, early detection, prevention, and practical pathways to impact.

WE ARE

Collaborative

We bring together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and funders to coordinate and integrate research on military brain injury, reduce duplication, and drive progress across the field.

WE ARE

Catalyst

Guided by our Medical and Science Advisory Council, we raise funds, solicit research programs, and select and fund the most promising work on military brain injury.

"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