Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) Clinical Normative Data for Gulf War Veterans

• Published in: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine Vol. 64; no. 12; p. e799
• Main Authors: Reinhard, Matthew J, Allen, Nathaniel, Crock, Lucas E, McCarron, Kelly K, Veltkamp, Gladys M, Brewster, Ryan C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.12.2022
• Subjects: Gulf War; Humans; Neuropsychological Tests
• ISSN: 1536-5948
• DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002706

Heterogenous test batteries and methods applied in neurocognitive research on Gulf War Veterans (GWVs) limit the translation of findings to clinical practice. A clinical data set is necessary. Neurocognitive screening data from treatment-seeking GWVs were collected from multiple sites and compiled, informed by consideration of performance validity. Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status scores revealed the cognitive profile for GWVs (n = 189) as poorer across multiple domains when compared with similarly educated, nonveteran peers. However, mean scores generally remained within normal clinical limits. Data tables are presented to establish a comparison group for use in clinical care. When assessing cognitive symptoms in GWVs, attention to education level and interpretation of subtle deficits is warranted. Current results highlight the importance of nuanced translation of neurocognitive research findings into clinical practice with GWVs.