The Department of Defense said Tuesday that a total of 50 U.S. service members suffered from traumatic brain injuries after an Iranian missile attack on a military base in Iraq earlier this month.

So far, 31 of the 50 patients have returned to duty. The Pentagon said last week that 34 service members had been diagnosed with brain injuries.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a disruption to the normal function of the brain caused by a blow or jolt, with symptoms including headaches, numbness or slurred speech.

President Trump has downplayed the reports of TBI among service members, despite it being a serious injury.

“I heard they had headaches and a couple of other things, but I can report that it’s not very serious,” Trump said, referring to the service members.

Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW, has demanded that Trump apologize for his comments.

“TBI is a serious injury and one that cannot be taken lightly. TBI is known to cause depression, memory loss, severe headaches, dizziness, and fatigue — all injuries that come with both short- and long-term effects,” the organization said. “The VFW expects an apology from the president to our service men and women for his misguided remarks.”

Iran attacked the military bases in Iraq on Jan. 8 in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Iranian commander Qassim Soleimani. Soleimani, the leader of Iran’s elite Quds Force, was killed at Baghdad International Airport by a drone on Jan. 3.

RELATED STORIES
Iraq Trump