The Department of Veterans Affairs announced on Monday that it will more than quadruple disability benefits for veterans with mild traumatic brain injuries, a sign that the government has acknowledged the impact of this type of injury on veteran’s lives.

Earlier this year, the Rand Corporation found that about 320,000 of the 1.5 million US troops involved in the war may have suffered traumatic brain injuries, mainly from explosions. Such injuries will likely affect the ability of these soldiers to make a living and so deserve higher compensation.

“We’re saying it’s real,” Tom Pamperin, a deputy director for the Department of Veteran Affairs, said.

According to the VA, the compensation could reach $600 a month. Currently, veterans suffering from headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light, ringing in the ears, irritability, and insomnia, all symptoms of brain injuries, are rewarded $117 a month.

The new rule goes into effect in 30 days and those who already benefit from such compensation under the old system can have their cases reviewed. However, the rule applies only to those who suffer permanent damage, Pamperin said. He also added that the benefit changes will not affect those with the most severe brain injuries because they already receive adequate compensation.

It estimated the changes would cost an extra $120 million through 2017.