TBI

Overview

A traumatic brain injury happens when a blow, jolt, or blast disrupts how the brain works. Effects can be cognitive, emotional, or physical, and VA evaluates each area.

How VA rates it

Diagnostic Code 8045 · 38 CFR 4.124a

Here is a plain language summary of the rating levels in the regulation. Read the official text for the exact wording.

VA uses a table of ten facets, such as memory, judgment, and subjective symptoms. Conditions with their own diagnosis, like migraine or a mental health condition, may be rated separately without overlap.

Common secondary connections

These are conditions often discussed in connection with TBI. A secondary claim generally needs medical evidence that one condition caused or worsened another. This list is general education, not a suggestion about any claim.

• Migraine
• Tinnitus and hearing loss
• Depression, anxiety, or PTSD
• Sleep problems

Presumptive notes

VA does not list this condition on its main presumptive lists covered in this library. Service connection is generally shown with evidence of a current condition, an in service event, and a link between them. See VA hazardous materials exposure for other presumptive programs.

Evidence veterans generally gather

VA describes evidence types in its evidence guide. For this condition, veterans often collect:

• Records of the injury event, such as blast or accident reports
• Neurology and TBI clinic records
• Lay statements about changes in memory, mood, or behavior
• A current diagnosis from a medical provider
• Service treatment records and personnel records
• VA and private treatment records
• Statements from you, family, or fellow service members (lay statements)
• A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) completed by a provider, if available

Official source

Rating levels: 38 CFR 4.124a on eCFR. Rules change; always confirm the current text.

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