YOUR CONDITION, EXPLAINED
Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) VA disability rating & claim guide
The VA rates Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) under diagnostic code 8045, in 38 CFR § 4.124a (neurological conditions), and the schedule provides five evaluation levels for it: 100%, 70%, 40%, 10% and 0%.
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A CLEARER PATH FORWARD
Make sense of your next step.
01Understand the rating02Know what to gather03Plan your preparationTHE ESSENTIALS
How the VA rates Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI results from head trauma and can cause lasting issues with memory, mood, sleep, and decision-making.
Neuropsychological testing, VA TBI evaluation, and documentation of symptoms such as memory loss or mood changes.
- Diagnostic code
- 8045
- Rating schedule
- 38 CFR § 4.124a
- Schedule levels
- 100%, 70%, 40%, 10% and 0%
How does the VA choose a rating level?
Which level applies is set by the criteria the evidence meets, not by the diagnosis. Where there is a question as to which of two evaluations applies, 38 CFR § 4.7 assigns the higher one if the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating.
EXPLORE THE PERCENTAGES
Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) VA rating criteria (DC 8045)
Choose a percentage to see what that level means. Open the full comparison to read all the criteria in one place.
These are published rating criteria. Selecting a level does not predict your VA decision.
BUILD YOUR EVIDENCE, ONE PIECE AT A TIME
Evidence for your Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) claim
A long list feels easier when you have a place to start. Use this checklist to see what you have and what still needs gathering.
Check off what you’ve gathered. Progress stays on this page until you leave or refresh.
THE EXAM FORM
Which DBQ is used for Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
- Initial Evaluation of Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury. VA's examiner completes this questionnaire; it is not publicly available.
- Review Evaluation of Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury. VA's examiner completes this questionnaire; it is not publicly available.
Source: VA: Public Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), read September 18, 2026.
SMALL DETAILS. BETTER PREPARATION.
Preparing your Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) claim
Start with the practical tips, then explore the common oversights. You don’t need to work through everything at once.
Practical tips for your claim3 tips
- 01
Request TBI-specific evaluation
- 02
Include memory and concentration problems
- 03
Submit lay evidence showing changes in function
C&P exam pitfalls to keep in mind3 tips
- 01
Symptoms mistaken for mental health only
- 02
No formal cognitive testing
- 03
Underreporting of fatigue or confusion
Common filing mistakes3 tips
- 01
Only submitting mental health documentation
- 02
No VA TBI exam requested
- 03
Failing to document cognitive deficits
When symptoms may first appear2 tips
- 01
Usually begins immediately after head trauma
- 02
Symptoms may evolve or worsen over time
WHEN VA HOLDS THE LINK
Conditions VA holds to be the result of a service-connected TBI
38 CFR 3.310(d)(1): “In a veteran who has a service-connected traumatic brain injury, the following shall be held to be the proximate result of the service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI), in the absence of clear evidence to the contrary:”
- (i) “Parkinsonism, including Parkinson's disease, following moderate or severe TBI” (see Paralysis Agitans (Parkinson's Disease))
- (ii) “Unprovoked seizures following moderate or severe TBI” (see Epilepsy, Grand Mal (Convulsive Disorder))
- (iii) “Dementias of the following types: presenile dementia of the Alzheimer type, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies, if manifest within 15 years following moderate or severe TBI”
- (iv) “Depression if manifest within 3 years of moderate or severe TBI, or within 12 months of mild TBI” (see Major Depressive Disorder)
- (v) “Diseases of hormone deficiency that result from hypothalamo-pituitary changes if manifest within 12 months of moderate or severe TBI”
38 CFR 3.310(d)(2): “Neither the severity levels nor the time limits in paragraph (d)(1) of this section preclude a finding of service connection for conditions shown by evidence to be proximately due to service-connected TBI.”
38 CFR 3.310(d)(3)(ii): “The determination of the severity level under this paragraph is based on the TBI symptoms at the time of injury or shortly thereafter, rather than the current level of functioning. VA will not require that the TBI meet all the criteria listed under a certain severity level in order to classify the TBI at that severity level. If a TBI meets the criteria in more than one category of severity, then VA will rank the TBI at the highest level in which a criterion is met, except where the qualifying criterion is the same at both levels.”
| Mild | Moderate | Severe |
|---|---|---|
| Normal structural imaging | Normal or abnormal structural imaging | Normal or abnormal structural imaging. |
| LOC = 0-30 min | LOC > 30 min and < 24 hours | LOC > 24 hrs. |
| AOC = a moment up to 24 hrs | AOC > 24 hours. Severity based on other criteria. | |
| PTA = 0-1 day | PTA > 1 and < 7 days | PTA > 7 days. |
| GCS = 13-15 | GCS = 9-12 | GCS = 3-8. |
The factors considered are: Structural imaging of the brain. LOC—Loss of consciousness. AOC—Alteration of consciousness/mental state. PTA—Post-traumatic amnesia. GCS—Glasgow Coma Scale. (For purposes of injury stratification, the Glasgow Coma Scale is measured at or after 24 hours.)
YOUR SERVICE STORY
Military jobs associated with Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
More by branch: Army · Marines · Air Force · Navy · Coast Guard
THE BROADER PICTURE
Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) by the numbers
- Approval outlook
- High – especially with combat injuries or blast exposure.
- Service-connected disabilities (VBA count)
- 162,949 disabilities
- Typical rating awarded
- ~40%
Count of service-connected disabilities from the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), as of September 30, 2025; the report counts disabilities, not veterans. Approval outlook and typical rating are Vetrify editorial estimates, not official VA statistics.
LET’S CLEAR A FEW THINGS UP
Common questions about Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Is Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) under VASRD diagnostic code 8045 (Neurological Conditions). TBI results from head trauma and can cause lasting issues with memory, mood, sleep, and decision-making.
What VA disability rating can I get for Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
Possible VA ratings for Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are 100%, 70%, 40%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 100%: “Total” is the level of evaluation for one or more facets in the table “Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment and Other Residuals of TBI Not Otherwise Classified.”; 70%: No facet is evaluated as “total,” and 3 is the highest level of evaluation for any facet (0 = 0 percent; 1 = 10 percent; 2 = 40 percent; and 3 = 70 percent); 40%: No facet is evaluated as “total,” and 2 is the highest level of evaluation for any facet (0 = 0 percent; 1 = 10 percent; 2 = 40 percent; and 3 = 70 percent).
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) at around 40%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. Per the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), veterans receiving VA compensation as of September 30, 2025 had 162,949 service-connected disabilities rated as Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The report counts disabilities, not veterans. Estimated approval outlook: High – especially with combat injuries or blast exposure.
What evidence helps prove Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) claim includes: VA TBI screening and exam results; Neurologist evaluations; Neurocognitive tests (e.g., memory, attention); Statements from coworkers or family.
Which DBQ is used for Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
VA's examiner completes the Initial Evaluation of Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury questionnaire; VA lists it among the DBQs that are not available for public use. VA's examiner completes the Review Evaluation of Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury questionnaire; VA lists it among the DBQs that are not available for public use.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Only submitting mental health documentation; No VA TBI exam requested; Failing to document cognitive deficits.
Which conditions does VA hold to be the result of a service-connected TBI?
38 CFR 3.310(d)(1) holds these to be the proximate result of a service-connected traumatic brain injury, in the absence of clear evidence to the contrary: (i) Parkinsonism, including Parkinson's disease, following moderate or severe TBI; (ii) Unprovoked seizures following moderate or severe TBI; (iii) Dementias of the following types: presenile dementia of the Alzheimer type, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies, if manifest within 15 years following moderate or severe TBI; (iv) Depression if manifest within 3 years of moderate or severe TBI, or within 12 months of mild TBI; (v) Diseases of hormone deficiency that result from hypothalamo-pituitary changes if manifest within 12 months of moderate or severe TBI. Severity is judged by "the TBI symptoms at the time of injury or shortly thereafter, rather than the current level of functioning" (§ 3.310(d)(3)(ii)), and under § 3.310(d)(2), "Neither the severity levels nor the time limits in paragraph (d)(1) of this section preclude a finding of service connection for conditions shown by evidence to be proximately due to service-connected TBI."
What conditions can be secondary to Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
Conditions that can be service-connected as secondary to Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), when a medical opinion links them, include: PTSD; Migraines. A secondary condition gets its own rating, which VA combines with the veteran's other ratings under 38 CFR 4.25.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.124a, Schedule of ratings, neurological conditions (Diagnostic Code 8045)
- 38 CFR § 4.7, higher of two evaluations
- 38 CFR § 3.310(d), conditions held to be the result of a service-connected TBI
- VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), service-connected disabilities count, as of September 30, 2025
Criteria in quotation marks are the regulation’s own words; everything else on this page is Vetrify’s summary of it. The eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
How these figures are checked: our methodology and the open dataset.
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