In his 2011 budget, Obama hopes to increase research for treating post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury and other mental health conditions. The research would "develop new evidence-based approaches."

The VA announced the beginning of a 10-year study of health issues that may affect veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom. The VA said the study will "compare the deployed and non-deployed veterans in terms of chronic medical conditions" and traumatic brain injury, among other medical conditions. 

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced plans to combine its Brain Injury and Recovery Lab in Austin with its Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans in Waco, Texas to better understand brain injuries and help with the recovery process.

Former Illinois Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth, who has advocated for more resources to treat traumatic brain injuries, is sworn in as the VA's assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs.

The conference version of the FY2010 budget resolution, which was passed in both chambers, allows Congress to provide more funding for the VA to "research and treat mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury."

In an effort to expand screening and treatment of mental health and cognitive injuries, Obama's FY10 budget outline for Veterans Affairs calls for an increase in the number of Vet Centers and mobile health clinics in rural areas. In addition, funds will be devoted to informing veterans and their families of these resources.