Alicia Arritt, a former Army nurse, recognized symptoms of brain injuries in her boyfriend, Matthew Livelsberger, a master sergeant in the Army's 10th Special Forces Group, during their relationship that began in 2018. Livelsberger exhibited memory loss, insomnia, headaches, and depressive moods, which Arritt attributed to his military service, including three deployments in three years.
Despite his struggles, Livelsberger was described as kind and intelligent, enjoying outdoor activities. Arritt noted that he had not received a formal diagnosis for his symptoms, which she believed were indicative of a traumatic brain injury. The military has acknowledged the need to better track and treat brain injuries, but many service members remain reluctant to report their injuries.
Following Livelsberger's recent violent act in Las Vegas, the FBI characterized him as a decorated combat veteran grappling with PTSD and other issues. Investigators are examining records but have not confirmed any specific mental health diagnoses.
Dr. Michael Jaffee, a neurologist and former military officer, explained that repeated exposure to blasts and head injuries can lead to cumulative damage, potentially resulting in conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (C.T.E.). He emphasized that diagnosing such injuries in living patients is challenging, often leading to misdiagnosis.
Arritt expressed concern that Livelsberger had never been formally diagnosed with a brain injury, despite his high-risk military background. Symptoms associated with C.T.E. include mood swings and paranoia, which can worsen over time. Some veterans experience sudden declines in mental health, often around age 40, leading to erratic behavior.
Livelsberger's performance deteriorated over the years, culminating in his failure at a military training course in 2021. Following this, he exhibited signs of paranoia and nightmares, yet he continued to serve in the military. After a period of silence, he reached out to Arritt shortly before his violent act, during which he appeared to be struggling.
In notes found on his phone, Livelsberger expressed a desire to create a spectacle and mentioned the burden of his past actions. His tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by veterans dealing with the invisible injuries of war.