Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Residuals
TBI residuals are the lasting effects of a head injury - problems with memory, concentration, mood, headaches, dizziness, and more. VA rates TBI with a unique facet-based system where your single worst area of impairment sets the rating.
How the VA rates it
VA evaluates three areas of dysfunction: cognitive, emotional/behavioral, and physical. Cognitive impairment and subjective symptoms are scored on a table of 10 facets - areas like memory/attention/concentration/executive function, judgment, social interaction, orientation, motor activity, subjective symptoms (headaches, dizziness), neurobehavioral effects, and communication. Each facet is assigned a level of 0, 1, 2, 3, or 'total.' The single highest facet level determines the rating: level 0 = 0 percent, 1 = 10 percent, 2 = 40 percent, 3 = 70 percent, and 'total' in any facet = 100 percent. Residuals with their own diagnosis (migraines, seizures, a diagnosed mental disorder, hearing loss) are rated separately under their own codes and combined.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 100%Any facet evaluated at the 'total' level - for example, any impairment of consciousness, or total impairment in a facet like orientation or communication.
Highest facet level is 3 - for example, objective evidence of moderately severe cognitive impairment, or neurobehavioral effects that frequently interfere with or preclude workplace and social interaction.
Highest facet level is 2 - for example, objective evidence of moderate memory/attention/executive function impairment, moderately impaired judgment, or occasional disorientation.
Highest facet level is 1 - for example, mild memory/attention complaints with objective evidence on testing, mildly impaired judgment, or three or more subjective symptoms (headaches, dizziness, insomnia) that mildly interfere with work or daily activities.
All facets at level 0 - residuals present but with no compensable level of impairment in any facet.
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- Migraine Headaches — Post-traumatic headaches are among the most common TBI residuals and are rated separately under DC 8100.
- Seizure Disorder — Under 38 CFR 3.310(d), unprovoked seizures are presumptively secondary to a service-connected moderate or severe TBI.
- Major Depressive Disorder — Depression is presumptively secondary to moderate/severe TBI if it develops within 3 years (or within 12 months of a mild TBI) under 38 CFR 3.310(d), and commonly claimed secondary to TBI in general.
- Parkinson's Disease / Parkinsonism — Parkinsonism following moderate or severe TBI is presumptively secondary under 38 CFR 3.310(d).
- Tinnitus — Tinnitus is commonly claimed secondary to head injury and blast exposure.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Get a TBI C&P exam with neuropsychological testing - objective test results are what move the cognitive facets from level 1 to levels 2-3.
- Document every residual separately: headaches, seizures, hearing problems, and diagnosed mental health conditions are rated under their own codes on top of the 8045 facet rating.
- Statements from family or coworkers describing memory lapses, mood changes, and social problems help establish the neurobehavioral and social-interaction facets.
- The 'mild/moderate/severe' TBI label from the time of injury does NOT control your rating - current functioning does. Do not accept a low rating just because the initial injury was called mild.
Filing notes
Certain conditions (parkinsonism, unprovoked seizures, certain dementias, depression, and hormone deficiencies) are presumptively service-connected as secondary to TBI under 38 CFR 3.310(d), depending on TBI severity and time of onset. Veterans rated under the pre-2008 version of DC 8045 may request review under the current criteria.
Rating rules to know
The same symptom cannot support both the 8045 facet table and a separately rated condition (e.g., headaches counted in the subjective-symptoms facet cannot also be rated under 8100). If manifestations of TBI and a mental disorder cannot be separated, VA assigns one rating under whichever criteria better reflect overall impairment.
More neurological conditions
Migraine Headaches
Migraines are recurring severe headaches, often with nausea and light sensitivity. VA rates them entirely on how often you have 'prostrating' attacks - attacks so severe you must stop what you are doing and lie down.
Rated up to 50%
Sciatic Radiculopathy (Lower Extremity)
Sciatic radiculopathy is nerve pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating from the low back down the leg, usually caused by a spine condition pressing on the sciatic nerve root. VA rates it per leg based on how severe the nerve impairment is.
Rated up to 80%
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage in the feet, legs, or hands causing burning pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness - most often from diabetes. There is no single diagnostic code: VA rates each affected nerve in each extremity separately.
Rated up to 80%
Upper Extremity Radiculopathy (Cervical Radiculopathy)
Cervical radiculopathy is pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand from a compressed nerve root. VA rates it per arm, with higher percentages for your dominant (major) arm.
Rated up to 70%
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. VA rates it per wrist under the median nerve code, with higher percentages for your dominant hand.
Rated up to 70%
Seizure Disorder (Epilepsy)
Epilepsy and other seizure disorders are rated on how often you have seizures. Major (grand mal / tonic-clonic) seizures with loss of consciousness count for more than minor seizures, and a confirmed diagnosis guarantees at least 10 percent.
Rated up to 100%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.