Contact Us
HeatherLynn Bahme
BS (Retired U.S.Army)
Brain Injury & Recovery-TBI Program Manager
Office: 509-828-0449
Heather.bahme@dva.wa.gov
Or
Brain Injury & Recovery-TBI Program at: braininjuryrecovery@dva.wa.gov
VA Medical Centers:
Puget Sound VA Healthcare System
800-329-8387
Walla Walla
888-687-8863
Vancouver
800-949-1004
Spokane
800-325-7940
Tools
- The WDVA TBI Toolkit provides practical tools for Veterans, families, caregivers, and community partners to recognize symptoms, navigate services, strengthen communication, and support daily functioning and long‑term recovery.
- Contact Sheet
- Brochure
- Guide to Supporting Veterans with Brain Injury
- Brain Injury & Recovery Program-Fast Facts
Resources:
- WDVA Behavioral Health Provider List
- Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Partnership Advisory Council
- VA - Make the Connection Brain Injury
- VA - Traumatic Brain Injury
- VA Caregiver Program
- National Association of State Head Injury Administrators
- 2-1-1
- WA TBI Council
- Best Connections Webinars
- Brain Northwest formerly Brain Injury Alliance of Washington
- PTSD: National Center for PTSD Home
- PTSD Update: Manage Sleep Issues Related to PTSD
- Concussion Alliance
- Brainline
- Brain Injury Alliance of Washington State
Statistics
FY 2024/2025
TBI Outreach Events- 77
Learning Events- 54 with 914 individual attendance/participation
Veterans Reached-901
Family Members Reached- 76
Veterans with TBI 1:1 – 172
Brain Injury & Recovery Program Claims Submitted- 6
Brain Injury & Recovery Program Claims Currently being worked- 11
Brain Injury & Recovery Program Claims and Benefits Generated- $74,736.22
About the Brain Injury & Recovery Program
The WDVA Brain Injury & Recovery Program supports Washington veterans living with brain injury, diagnosed or not. We provide clear information, guidance, and advocacy to help veterans access the care they need.
What we do
We:
- Offer one-on-one support to veterans navigating brain injury.
- Connect veterans with trusted services and resources.
- Work with partners and organizations that support the veteran community
- Provide training and guidance to organizations, events, and groups that want to better support veterans with brain injury.
Why this matters:
Veterans experience brain injuries more often than civilians. Many of these injuries are mild or not easy to see. Because of this, they are often missed or left untreated.
Common causes include blast exposure during deployment and head injuries during training or missions.
Even when there are no visible signs, brain injuries can have lasting effects. These may include:
- Headaches or migraines
- Memory and concentration problems
- Mood or emotional changes
- Sensitivity to light or noise
Brain injury can also increase the risk of substance use, homelessness, and suicide.
Many veterans do not realize their symptoms may be caused by a brain injury. This can delay getting the right care and support.
Upcoming Training & Meetings:
Forward2Gether Peer Groups:
Learn more about our Monthly Peer Groups here.
Trainings
| Course & Link | Date | Time |
| Mindfulness Tools for Veterans & Families: Bridging the Gaps | 5/14/2026 | 11:00am-12:00pm |
| Mindfulness Tools for Veterans & Families: Bridging the Gaps | 6/11/2026 | 11:00am-12:00pm |
| 2026 Serving Those Who Served Conference (For community providers - Link coming soon) | 8/19-20/2026 | 8:00am-5:00pm |
Interested in other WDVA education programs? Please visit our WDVA Veterans Training Support Center (VTSC)!