This company charges disabled vets millions, even after VA said it's likely illegal

"There are two jobs in the U.S. Army with well-earned reputations for causing concussions. One is being a "breacher," blowing down locked doors and barricades. Another is firing the shoulder-mounted anti-tank weapon called the Carl Gustaf. "When you shoot it, it's like getting punched in the face and you feel weirdly drunk for the next day afterwards," said Dustin, a former Army Ranger who fired that weapon dozens of times and also served as a breacher in Afghanistan."

"After he left the military, Dustin struggled as a civilian. He felt pretty certain he had a traumatic brain injury and PTSD, but it took years for him to apply for help from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Applying for disability benefits can be an onerous process. Plus, Dustin said the ethos of his Ranger battalion instilled a resistance to admitting weakness, even after he got out. "Culturally, you don't go to sick call," he said."

"But when the VA rated him 70 percent disabled, qualifying him for free health care and a monthly disability check, he then heard back from the company in the form of a bill for $4,500. Dustin had no idea how they even knew he'd gotten a decision from VA. "I got this bill out of nowhere, when I got my VA rating, which just blew me away.""

Two Army roles — breachers and Carl Gustaf gunners — commonly cause concussions and other brain injuries. Dustin experienced severe symptoms after breaching and firing the Carl Gustaf and later suspected traumatic brain injury and PTSD. He delayed seeking VA help because the claims process is onerous and Ranger culture discouraged admitting weakness. An older veteran recommended a private company, Trajector Medical, which Dustin says did little; he canceled and pursued free help from an accredited VA representative. The VA granted a 70 percent disability rating, and Trajector subsequently sent an unexpected $4,500 bill. Multiple veterans and former employees reported problems with Trajector Medical, and Dustin feared retribution, requesting anonymity.

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