New ICD-10 Diagnostic Code Will Promote Better Care for Blast Injury Veterans
March 03, 2023
Recently, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs released a new diagnostic code that will help promote the care and treatment of veterans who have experienced blast injuries to the brain. This new code is the result of a collaboration between the VA, the Department of Defense, and the Military Health system, and is the first of its kind.
The 2023 ICD-10-CM code updates a series of codes for “S06.8A – Primary blast injury of the brain, not elsewhere classified.” This will allow a physician to bill for services and radiologists can bill for needed specialized imaging studies. In turn, it will help to better diagnose and treat veterans with this type of injury. It will be used by VA providers and the Department of Defense to make sure that veterans are receiving the appropriate care and treatment they need.
The ICD-10 diagnostic code will also be used to help track the number of veterans who have experienced blast injuries to the brain and track the outcomes of their care.
VA and DoD researchers are investigating more sensitive ways to identify brain injuries from blasts. Two examples are the use of special imaging to identify subtle brain damage and measuring chemicals in the blood, called biomarkers.
This is an important step forward in providing better care for veterans who have experienced blast injuries to the brain. Ensuring that veterans are receiving the care they need and deserve. It is also a reminder of the importance of research and clinical care in the treatment of blast injuries.
If you’re a veteran who experienced a blast injury to the brain and are interested in pursuing a claim for VA disability compensation. please contact our office at (800) 693-4800 or visit our website to receive a free claim evaluation.