Advancing Research. Delivering Results. Improving Lives.

Since 2001, the Department of Defense has cared for over 63,000 beneficiaries with some level of limb loss, including over 1,700 service members with deployment-related amputations. Of that number, over 400 service members have returned to duty thanks to advancements in military research and a holistic approach to patient care.

In 2009, DOD and Department of Veterans Affairs established the Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence to mitigate, treat, and rehabilitate traumatic extremity injuries and amputations. Since then, EACE continues to facilitate the most advanced care for amputation in the United States. The establishment of three DOD Advanced Rehabilitation Centers – co-located with military hospitals in San Diego, California; San Antonio, Texas; and Bethesda, Maryland – allows for eligible DOD and VA beneficiaries to receive state-of-the-art treatment and care from teams of multidisciplinary providers dedicated to achieving a meaningful quality of life for their patients following amputation or limb dysfunction. 

During April, health care providers are encouraged to learn about limb loss diagnosis and treatment protocols. Service members, veterans, and family members with limb loss are prompted to discover tools and resources available.