# VA-DoD Long-Term Impact of Military-Relevant Brain Injury Consortium (LIMBIC): Epidemiology Study

> **NIH VA I01** · VETERANS AFFAIRS MED CTR SAN FRANCISCO · 2021 · —

## Abstract

The primary objective of this project is to utilize a variety of existing data sources by integrating and
analyzing them in novel ways to answer key questions related to the long-term effects of mild
traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in veterans over time. Although prior studies have found that moderate
and severe TBI are associated with a variety of adverse clinical outcomes, the effects of mTBI are
less well understood. We propose to build on our past several years of work within The Chronic
Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium (CENC - Epidemiology Study) in which we have assembled a
very large or “mega” data repository of nearly 2 million veterans (including all veterans with a TBI
diagnosis) that comprises multiple different national synthesized databases. We are extremely well
positioned to capitalize on this national resource to continue to maximally study veterans with mTBI.
Specifically, we now have the unprecedented ability to follow these veterans prospectively as they are
embedded within the VA national care system and we can investigate both the course and outcomes
of TBI. We propose to investigate mTBI and its long-term outcomes through four complementary
Specific Aims under the three Objectives of LIMBIC. In Objective 1 Aim 1 we propose to maintain,
augment, and refine our current repository, including creating and refining new variables associated
with TBI. In Objective 2 Aim 1 we will identify subgroups at the greatest risk and resilience for mental
health and neurogenerative outcomes after mTBI, including very-early onset dementia. In Objective 2
Aim 2 we propose to examine and elucidate the complex associations between mTBI and
comorbidities such as substance abuse, PTSD, etc. In Objective 3 Aim 1 we will develop prognostic
models to determine which veterans decline versus sustain/improve after mTBI. Our overall goal is to
investigate how mTBI is interwoven with other comorbidities, especially mental health factors, and
how these other factors may be synergistic or additive, how mTBI remote adverse outcomes evolve
over time and what predicts this evolution. Furthermore, we will translate our findings to develop
prognostic models that will guide clinician and researchers toward better care and prevention of mTBI
and associated outcomes.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10107665
- **Project number:** 5I01CX002096-02
- **Recipient organization:** VETERANS AFFAIRS MED CTR SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Kristine Yaffe
- **Activity code:** I01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-10-01 → 2024-09-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10107665

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10107665, VA-DoD Long-Term Impact of Military-Relevant Brain Injury Consortium (LIMBIC): Epidemiology Study (5I01CX002096-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10107665. Licensed CC0.

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