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Coastal Authority Care Foundation (CACF) based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a nonprofit dedicated to developing tools, funding therapy and coordinating care for veterans affected by service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress (PTS). We focus on providing access to evidence-based therapies that are not yet covered by insurance. The therapies we give grants for include hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), neurofeedback, vibroacoustic therapy (VAT), photobiomodulation, balance training, and more.

One of our key initiatives is the patented ISO Board balance training system designed to support brain injury recovery. Studies show balance training promotes neuroplasticity, which helps the brain adapt and recover cognitive and physical abilities. The therapies we provide grants for target healing brain wounds (not just managing the symptoms), improving the brain-body connection, alleviating chronic symptoms, reducing pain, and reducing suicide risks for veterans and their families. We educate, train and provide the ISO Board to veterans wanting to incorporate balance therapy into their brain injury recovery.

Additionally, we may also provide grants to veterans, their spouse or other accompanying family member to help pay for travel and lodging expenses associated with therapy.

Eligible applicants for grants are veterans with service-connected injuries who are traveling to or live in Virginia to receive HBOT or neurotherapy for TBI and/or PTS. Click here to go to our Documents section and download the Medical Treatment Grant Application.

CACF was founded December 2015.

The Impact of TBI and PTS on Veterans: Traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress are the most prevalent injuries among U.S. Armed Forces veterans. Multiple deployments during the prolonged wars in Iraq and Afghanistan exposed service members to repeated physical and psychological trauma. According to the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, there have been 505,896 reported cases of TBI from 2000 to Q1 2024, with 82% categorized as mild (concussion). In many cases, no visible head injury is apparent on imaging tests, and symptoms may be mistaken for other issues stemming from combat trauma. (Source: VA Research)

Suicide rates among veterans have risen dramatically since 9/11, with undiagnosed or untreated TBI emerging as a likely contributing factor. Research shows that individuals suffering from TBI are twice as likely to contemplate suicide, with multiple concussions increasing the risk further. A psychological autopsy study by USSOCOM revealed that special operations forces experience a 30% higher suicide rate compared to other military personnel. Hampton Roads is home to Naval Station Norfolk, the largest Navy base in the world, and East Coast-based SEAL teams, making access to these life-saving therapies— which help heal brain injuries and prevent suicide— absolutely critical.

Understanding TBI: TBI results from a jarring impact to the head, often caused by falls, explosions, gunfire, or blows to the head. This trauma damages brain tissue, blood vessels, and the cells that connect different brain areas and endocrine system. Symptoms can include confusion, vertigo, trouble sleeping, memory loss, headaches, blurred vision, tinnitus, mood swings, anger outbursts, depression, and anxiety. Symptoms worsen if left untreated, leading to relationship breakdowns, job loss, early-onset dementia, and suicide.

Unfortunately, many veterans do not receive early diagnosis or treatment for TBI, and for those with chronic symptoms, traditional medical interventions often fall short. The growing prevalence of TBI and PTS among veterans is destroying lives and contributing to health issues, poor quality of life, and suicidal ideation and affects not only the veteran but the entire family.

Eligibility: Veterans with service-connected TBI, post-concussion syndrome, PTS, and/or chronic pain.

Geographic Areas Covered: CACF serves veterans across the United States. While many veterans are located in Virginia, veterans from other states are also welcome to seek treatment in the Norfolk and Virginia Beach areas.

Link: Tier 1 Therapy Centers, Norfolk, VA

Link: NEUCOA, Virginia Beach, VA