Concussion VA Rating Explained

Concussions are a common injury among veterans and can have long-lasting effects on both mental and physical health.

The VA generally rates concussions under the rating criteria for mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) from 0% to 100% or under post-concussive headaches, which is rated under the criteria for migraines from 0% to 50%.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about VA disability for concussions, including the VA rating criteria, related secondary conditions, how to prove service connection, and pro tips for maximizing your VA rating.

Let’s begin.

Summary of Key Points

• VA Disability Ratings for Concussions: Concussions are typically rated under the criteria for mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) from 0% to 100%, or as post-concussive headaches under the migraines criteria ranging from 0% to 50%.

• Service Connection Requirements: To establish service connection for a concussion, veterans need a current diagnosis, evidence of an in-service event, and a medical nexus linking their symptoms to the service-related incident.

• Common Secondary Conditions: Concussions can lead to or worsen conditions such as chronic headaches, PTSD, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and cognitive impairments, which may qualify for additional VA disability ratings.

• Maximizing Your VA Rating: Keep detailed records of symptoms, seek consistent medical treatment, obtain a strong nexus letter, file for secondary conditions, and appeal if the initial rating is lower than expected.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion, also known as a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), occurs when a blow to the head or a sudden jolt causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull.

This movement can disrupt normal brain function, leading to a range of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss.

While concussions are often labeled as “mild,” their effects can be anything but, especially if left untreated.

Causes of Concussions in Veterans

Military service can significantly increase the risk of concussions due to the nature of the work.

Some common causes of concussions in veterans include:

• Combat-Related Incidents: Exposure to blast waves from improvised explosive devices (IEDs), mortars, or grenades can cause concussive injuries even without direct impact to the head.

• Training Accidents: High-intensity training environments, including airborne operations, hand-to-hand combat, and live-fire exercises, can result in head injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Military vehicles, especially during deployments, are often involved in accidents that can lead to concussions.

• Falls: Slips, trips, and falls during service, particularly in challenging terrains or environments, can lead to head injuries.

Symptoms of Concussions

The symptoms of a concussion can vary widely and may not appear immediately after the injury.

Common symptoms include:

• Physical Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and sensitivity to light or noise.

• Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, confusion, and slowed thinking.

• Emotional Symptoms: Irritability, depression, anxiety, mood swings, and changes in sleep patterns.

• Sensory Symptoms: Blurred vision, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and changes in the ability to smell or taste.

These symptoms can persist for weeks, months, or even longer, significantly impacting a veteran’s quality of life.

Concussion Risk Factors in Military Veterans

Certain factors increase the likelihood of experiencing a concussion during military service:

• Combat Deployments: Veterans who served in combat zones, especially those exposed to blasts, are at a higher risk.

• Multiple Deployments: The risk of concussions increases with each deployment, particularly in high-risk roles such as infantry, artillery, or special operations.

• History of Head Injuries: Veterans with a history of previous head injuries are more susceptible to future concussions.

• High-Risk Training: Service members in roles that require extensive physical training, such as airborne or special forces, are at greater risk.

What are the VA Ratings for Concussions?

The VA typically rates concussions using the rating criteria for mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), assigning ratings from 0% to 100% based on the severity of symptoms.

If post-concussive headaches are present, they may be rated separately under the migraines rating criteria, ranging from 0% to 50%, depending on the severity of symptoms.

1. Concussions Rated Under TBI

38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8045 categorizes TBI into three main areas: cognitive, physical, and emotional/behavioral dysfunction.

The VA uses a detailed evaluation of the following 10 facets to determine the disability rating:

1. Memory, Attention, Concentration, Executive Functioning
2. Judgment
3. Social Interaction
4. Orientation
5. Motor Activity
6. Visual-Spatial Orientation
7. Subjective Symptoms (e.g., headaches, dizziness, fatigue)
8. Neurobehavioral Effects (e.g., irritability, aggression, apathy)
9. Communication (e.g., impaired speech, understanding)
10. Consciousness (rated only in severe cases with altered states of consciousness)

Each facet is rated on a scale of 0 to 3, or 5 in severe cases of impaired consciousness:

• 0 (Normal): No impairment.
• 1 (Mild Impairment): Symptoms do not interfere with daily activities.
• 2 (Moderate Impairment): Symptoms moderately interfere with daily activities.
• 3 (Severe Impairment): Symptoms severely interfere with daily activities.
• 5 (Total): Total impairment in consciousness (e.g., persistent vegetative state).

The overall concussion and TBI rating is based on the highest level of severity in any one facet, and can range from 0% to 100% as follows:

• 0 = 0%
• 1 = 10%
• 2 = 40%
• 3 = 70%
• 5 = 100% (for facets rated as “total”)

Example #1: How the VA Calculates Your TBI Rating

If a veteran has the following levels of impairment across the facets:

• Memory, Attention, Concentration, Executive Functions = 3
• Motor Activity = 1
• Visual Spatial Orientation = 2
• Neurobehavioral Effects = 3

Overall TBI Rating: The highest level of severity is 3, resulting in an overall rating of 70%.

Example #2: How the VA Calculates Your TBI Rating

If a veteran has the following levels of impairment across the facets:

• Social Interaction = 1
• Communication = 0
• Subjective Symptoms = 2
• Consciousness = 5 (Total)

Overall TBI Rating: The highest level of severity is 5 (Total), resulting in an overall rating of 100%.

2. Post-Concussive Headaches

If post-concussive headaches are a distinct and separate diagnosis from the TBI, they can be rated under Diagnostic Code 8100 for migraines:

• 0% Rating: Less frequent attacks.
• 10% Rating: Prostrating attacks averaging one in two months.
• 30% Rating: Prostrating attacks occurring on average once a month.
• 50% Rating: Very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks resulting in severe economic inadaptability.

Pro Tip: Be specific in documenting your headaches due to concussions, noting their frequency, severity, and duration, along with negative impacts to your work, life, and social functioning as well as any functional impairment or loss.

How to Establish Service Connection for Concussions

To receive VA disability benefits for a concussion, you must prove that it’s service-connected.

Here’s what you need to show the VA for direct service connection:

• A Current Diagnosis: You must have a current diagnosis of a concussion or TBI in a medical record.

• In-Service Event or Injury: You need to provide evidence that your concussion occurred during military service. This can include service treatment records, incident reports, lay statements, etc.

• Nexus (Link) to Service: You must establish a “nexus” between your current diagnosis and the in-service event. This is typically done through a medical opinion linking your current symptoms to the concussion.

Pro Tip: A well-written Nexus Letter from a qualified medical professional can make a significant difference in your claim, especially if you’ve been out of the military for more than 12 months.

List of VA Secondary Conditions to Concussions

Concussions often lead to other conditions that may be eligible for secondary service connection.

Common secondary conditions include:

• Chronic Headaches or Migraines

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Anxiety and Depression

• Sleep Disorders (including Sleep Apnea)

• Vertigo or Balance Disorders

• Seizure Disorders

• Cognitive Impairment and Memory Loss

Each of these conditions can potentially increase your overall VA disability rating.

Concussion VA Claim Tips: How to Maximize Your VA Rating

• Document Symptoms Thoroughly: Keep detailed records of all your concussion-related symptoms, including headaches, memory issues, dizziness, and any changes in mood or behavior. Note how these symptoms impact your daily life and ensure they are well-documented in your medical records.

• Seek Consistent Medical Treatment: Regularly visit your VA or private healthcare provider to document the severity of your symptoms. Continuity of care is crucial in demonstrating the ongoing impact of your concussion. Ensure all treatments and evaluations are recorded in your medical records.

• Get a Nexus Letter: If you’ve been out of the military for more than 12 months and are not already service-connected for your concussion, or if you’re claiming secondary conditions such as headaches or PTSD, a detailed nexus letter from a qualified healthcare provider can help establish the link between your concussion and military service.

• File for Secondary Conditions: Concussions can lead to or worsen other conditions, such as migraines, anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders. File for these secondary conditions to increase your overall VA rating. Ensure you have a nexus letter connecting each secondary condition to your primary service-connected concussion.

• Appeal if Necessary: If your initial VA rating is lower than expected, consider filing an appeal. Provide additional evidence, such as updated medical records, personal statements, or a new nexus letter, to support your claim and demonstrate the severity of your condition.

Conclusion & Wrap-Up

Concussions are a serious injury that can have lasting impacts on veterans’ lives.

Understanding the VA’s rating system and knowing how to file a strong claim can make all the difference in getting the benefits you’ve earned.

Remember: YOU SERVED. YOU DESERVE.

Don’t let the complexity of the VA system keep you from receiving the compensation you’re entitled to.

If you need help navigating your claim, reach out to a trusted VA claims expert for support.

Stay informed, stay persistent, and get the benefits you’ve earned for your honorable service to our nation.

About the Author

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Brian Reese

Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.

A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.