◢ Neurological • 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8045
TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)
TBI ratings under DC 8045 use a unique 10-facet table covering memory, judgment, social interaction, orientation, motor activity, visual-spatial orientation, subjective symptoms, neurobehavioral effects, communication, and consciousness. The veteran's highest single facet level determines the overall rating — not an average. One severely impaired facet alone can push the rating to 100%.
Rating tiers under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8045
The VA rates tbi (traumatic brain injury) at these schedular tiers. Most veterans land at the middle tiers — extreme tiers require correspondingly extreme documentation.
All facets rated 0 — minor symptoms with no functional impact.
Highest facet rated 1 — mild impairment in one area.
Highest facet rated 2 — moderate impairment in at least one area.
Highest facet rated 3 — severe impairment in at least one area.
Highest facet rated 'total' — extremely severe impairment, requires assistance with all activities.
Presumptive service connection
Veterans deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, or Syria with documented blast exposure receive favorable consideration under VA TBI policy.
Evidence the C&P examiner needs
Build the record before the exam. Walk in with documentation, walk out with a stronger rating.
- 01
Documented in-service head injury (blast exposure, vehicle accident, fall, sports injury)
- 02
TBI DBQ completed by a neurologist, neuropsychologist, psychiatrist, or physiatrist
- 03
Neuropsychological testing battery (memory, executive function, processing speed)
- 04
MRI or CT showing structural brain changes (often normal in mild TBI — absence does not defeat claim)
- 05
Lay statements from family describing personality changes, memory issues, mood swings post-injury
- 06
Combat or deployment records showing blast exposure, IED proximity, or concussive event
Secondary conditions to file alongside
These conditions frequently develop as a consequence of tbi (traumatic brain injury) and are often missed. Each can be filed as a secondary claim and add to your combined rating.
PTSD or depression secondary to TBI
Mood disorders are common after TBI and frequently filed as secondary.
Headaches secondary to TBI
Post-traumatic headaches are rated separately under DC 8100 even when TBI is service-connected.
Sleep disorders secondary to TBI
Often rated as secondary, especially insomnia and sleep-wake cycle disruption.
Common mistakes that lower the rating
- 01
Not requesting evaluation across all 10 facets — examiners sometimes assess only a few; demand all 10
- 02
Letting symptom overlap with PTSD reduce the rating — TBI and PTSD can both be service-connected with proper differential evaluation
- 03
Failing to claim secondary headaches and sleep issues — these are separate ratings on top of the TBI rating
Pro tip
Mild TBI from blast exposure often shows normal imaging. Do not let a normal MRI defeat your claim — TBI ratings are based on functional impact across the 10 facets, not imaging findings. Cite Smith v. Shinseki on this point.
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Source: 38 CFR Part 4 (VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities) and VA M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual. This guide explains the regulation; it is not legal advice and does not substitute for an accredited VA claims agent or VSO. Find a free VSO at va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation.