B - 15 Symptom Presentation on the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 in a Cohort of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Veterans

Abstract Objective This preliminary research examined symptom differences on the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist DSM-5 (PCL-5) for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Non-EOD Veterans receiving care at the Washington DC-War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (DC-WRIISC) Veterans Administration Medical Center. EOD Veterans have extensive repetitive blast-exposure histories, exposure to environmental toxins, and operated under high-stress/allostatic load throughout their careers. Therefore, we aim to understand how these unique occupational exposures influence long-term health outcomes for EOD Veterans. Method Eligible participants (N = 39, Mage = 51 years (SD = 9.5 years); EOD, n = 21) completed comprehensive interdisciplinary evaluations, self-report questionnaires, were combat deployed, and experienced traumatic brain injury. Total and component scores for the NSI (affective, cognitive, somatic, vestibular, and validity-10) and PCL-5 (criterion B-E symptom clusters), and total score for the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory, (HRLSI) were included. Results Regression analysis revealed overall NSI severity was positively correlated to PCL-5 total scores for both groups (EOD: F(1,19) = 25.30, p < 0.001); (Non-EOD: F(1,16) = 25.48, p < 0.001). However, significant differences in symptom presentation were noted between groups. NSI Cognitive scores were positively correlated with PCL-5 component scores for Criterion B for EOD (F(3,17) = 8.40, p < 0.001) and Criterion E for Non-EOD (F(3,14) = 24.32, p < 0.001). Post-hoc analysis suggested stress/resiliency may further contribute to group differences (HRLSI; Non-EOD, F(2,12) = 33.96, p < 0.001). Conclusion DC-WRIISC Veterans often present with cognitive concerns and complex medical presentations. Our findings suggest the presence of unique symptom presentations that may improve diagnostic formulation, treatment planning, and engagement. These findings highlight the need for continued research examining the influence occupational exposures have on Veteran health.