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The VA uses a TBI disability rating scale to evaluate the impact traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have on the cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms of a veteran’s daily life.
Since every veteran’s experience with a TBI is unique, the VA uses a “facet” approach that considers various functional areas, like memory, judgment, and motor activity, to determine an appropriate rating.
In this blog, we’ll examine:
- The TBI VA disability rating scale
- TBI residual symptoms
- How the VA rates TBI, and more
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- The TBI VA disability rating scale rates veterans focusing on specific areas of cognitive, emotional, and physical functioning.
- The VA rates a traumatic brain injury based on residual symptoms, including judgment, social interaction, and orientation.
- VA ratings for TBIs range from 0% to 100%, based on the severity of your symptoms and level of impairment (based on residual symptoms).
Veterans and Traumatic Brain Injuries
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury affecting how the brain works. It may be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head.
Service members are at risk for TBI due to explosions experienced during training or combat exercises.
The three main types of TBI are:
- Mild
- Moderate
- Severe
The severity of your TBI can be assessed through a computer tomography (CT) scan, the length of loss or alteration of consciousness, the length of memory loss, and how responsive you were after the injury.
TBI VA Disability Rating Scale
The VA rates TBI under diagnostic code 8045 based on residual symptoms you have due to your injury and uses a scale of 0, 1, 2, 3, or total when rating TBI residual symptoms.
You can find the VA TBI rating chart under the 4.124a Schedule of ratings—neurological conditions and convulsive disorders.
| TBI Rating Scale | Level of Impairment | VA Disability Rating |
| 0 | No impairment | 0% |
| 1 | Mild impairment | 10% |
| 2 | Moderate impairment | 40% |
| 3 | Severe impairment | 70% |
| Total | Total impairment | 100% |
The TBI VA rating chart helps determine the level of disability compensation based on the severity of symptoms affecting cognitive, physical, and emotional functioning.
List of TBI Residual Symptoms
The VA refers to ten subcategories of impairments when assigning a TBI VA rating. They are:
- Memory, attention, concentration, executive functions
- Judgment
- Social interaction
- Orientation
- Motor activity (impact on physical movement)
- Visual-spatial orientation (ability to understand spatial positioning)
- Subjective symptoms (like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue)
- Neurobehavioral effects (such as mood swings, anxiety, or anger)
- Communication
- Consciousness
Note: This list doesn’t encompass all possible residuals of TBI. For residuals not listed here that are reported on an examination, evaluate under the most appropriate diagnostic code.
Proving Service Connection
Service connecting your condition is the process of establishing that your TBI was directly caused or aggravated by your military service.
For a successful service connection, you must prove the following:
- A current medical diagnosis of your condition
- An in-service injury, illness, or event
- A nexus connecting your condition to the in-service event
See More: What is Direct Service Connection for VA Disability
Secondary Conditions to TBI
When you experience a traumatic brain injury, it may lead to other secondary conditions.
A secondary condition occurs when a service-connected disability (TBI, in this case) has caused or aggravated a new or pre-existing condition, illness, or injury.
Identifying any possible secondary conditions is important and may qualify you for a higher combined VA disability rating.
Common secondary conditions to TBI include:
Remember, you’re not alone in dealing with secondary conditions. Many veterans face similar challenges.
Read more about VA secondary conditions HERE.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
You may also qualify for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), which provides additional compensation for veterans with severe disabilities who require assistance with daily activities.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VA diagnostic code for TBI?
The VA uses diagnostic code 8045 for traumatic brain injuries.
How does the VA rate TBI?
The VA rates TBI using a specialized system called the TBI rating scale, which evaluates symptoms across multiple functional “facets” rather than a single score.
What is the average VA rating for TBI?
The average VA disability rating for traumatic brain injury (TBI) varies widely because the severity of TBI and its symptoms can differ significantly among veterans.
However, many veterans with mild to moderate TBI symptoms receive ratings between 10% and 40%. For more severe cases, where cognitive impairment or physical disabilities are pronounced, ratings of 70% or even 100% may apply.
Related: Getting the Highest TBI VA Rating
Do I need a C&P exam for a TBI?
You may be required to attend a compensation & pension (C&P) exam for a TBI if the VA needs additional information about your condition. During your C&P exam, the examiner may do a physical exam or perform imaging to better assess your situation.
If you’re scheduled for a C&P exam, it’s vital you don’t miss your appointment. Missing your appointment may delay the claims process.
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Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
