VASRD 8045 · Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders

Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) VA Disability Rating

TBI results from head trauma and can cause lasting issues with memory, mood, sleep, and decision-making.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%You need help with basic daily tasks due to severe TBI effects.
70%TBI symptoms greatly affect thinking, memory, and behavior.
40%TBI makes focusing, planning, or handling emotions difficult.
10%TBI symptoms like irritability or sleep trouble show up occasionally.

How the VA Evaluates Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Neuropsychological testing, VA TBI evaluation, and documentation of symptoms such as memory loss or mood changes.

Approval rate

High – especially with combat injuries or blast exposure.

Annual service-connected

26,700 veterans

Average rating

40%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •VA TBI screening and exam results
  • •Neurologist evaluations
  • •Neurocognitive tests (e.g., memory, attention)
  • •Statements from coworkers or family

Strategy Tips

  • •Request TBI-specific evaluation
  • •Include memory and concentration problems
  • •Submit lay evidence showing changes in function

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Symptoms mistaken for mental health only
  • •No formal cognitive testing
  • •Underreporting of fatigue or confusion

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Only submitting mental health documentation
  • •No VA TBI exam requested
  • •Failing to document cognitive deficits

Onset Patterns

  • •Usually begins immediately after head trauma
  • •Symptoms may evolve or worsen over time

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • PTSD

    TBI often coexists with psychological trauma.

  • Migraines

    Head trauma frequently leads to chronic headaches.

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is frequently claimed.

Army11AInfantry OfficerArmy11BInfantrymanArmy11CIndirect Fire InfantrymanArmy11ZInfantry Senior SergeantArmy12AEngineerArmy12BCombat EngineerArmy12ZEngineering Senior SergeantArmy13AField Artillery OfficerArmy13BCannon CrewmemberArmy13FFire Support SpecialistArmy13MMultiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) CrewmemberArmy13ZField Artillery Senior Sergeant

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 and Convulsive Disorders). 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%. Examples: 100% — You need help with basic daily tasks due to severe TBI effects.; 70% — TBI symptoms greatly affect thinking, memory, and behavior.; 40% — TBI makes focusing, planning, or handling emotions difficult..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
The average awarded rating for Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is 40%. Roughly 26,700 veterans are service-connected for Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) each year. Typical approval likelihood: 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.
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.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) include: PTSD, Migraines. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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