How does the VA rate TBI residuals?

Residuals of TBI are rated under 38 CFR 4.124a (Diagnostic Code 8045). Cognitive impairment is evaluated across ten facets, and the single highest facet level sets the rating (0, 10, 40, or 70 percent), with a level of 'total' on any facet rating 100%. The ladder on this page shows each level.

Are TBI symptoms rated separately?

Often, yes. Distinct diagnosable conditions that result from a TBI — such as migraines, a mental-health disorder, or a seizure disorder — are rated separately under their own diagnostic codes, in addition to the TBI residual rating, which can raise your combined rating.

What conditions are secondary to a TBI?

Post-traumatic headaches and migraines are a recognized residual of a service-connected traumatic brain injury, and a TBI can also contribute to mental-health conditions. Each is separately ratable with a medical nexus opinion linking it to the TBI.

How is TBI different from PTSD?

A TBI is a physical injury to the brain, while PTSD is a mental-health condition from a traumatic experience — and they often co-occur after the same event. The VA evaluates them separately and is careful not to rate the same symptom twice; an accurate diagnosis of each is important.

VA Disability for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Ratings, Evidence & Secondary Conditions

Residuals of a traumatic brain injury are rated across cognitive, emotional, and physical effects, with the single most severe area setting the evaluation. TBI also frequently causes separately ratable secondary conditions like post-traumatic headaches.

How the VA rates Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Current rule38 CFR 4.124a · Diagnostic Code 8045 · effective 2008-10-23

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is rated under 38 CFR 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8045 (ratings of 0%–100%). Each criterion below is transcribed verbatim from the VA rating schedule and verified against the regulation (eCFR / Cornell LII) — never paraphrased.

0%
Highest facet level of 0 across the cognitive-impairment table.
10%
Highest facet level of 1.
40%
Highest facet level of 2.
70%
Highest facet level of 3.
100%
A level of 'total' on one or more of the ten facets.

Estimate your combined rating (free calculator) →

Common conditions secondary to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Veterans routinely under-claim because they don't know a secondary condition exists. These are commonly claimed as secondary to service-connected Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) — each is a candidate to raise with your provider, not an automatic grant, and each needs a medical nexus opinion.

Migraine / tension headaches
Post-traumatic headaches/migraines are a recognized residual of a service-connected traumatic brain injury; claim with a nexus opinion tying them to the TBI.

Full secondary-conditions guide for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) →Find what you may qualify to claim →

Evidence the VA looks for

A strong Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) claim ties a current diagnosis to your service with a medical nexus. The records that move a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) claim, in priority order:

Documentation of the in-service head-injury event (incident report, blast/IED exposure, deployment records, or a buddy statement)
A current diagnosis of TBI residuals from a qualified clinician
An evaluation of cognitive impairment across the ten facets the VA uses (memory, attention, judgment, social interaction, etc.) — the highest facet level sets the rating
Records of emotional/behavioral and physical residuals (any distinct diagnosable condition is rated separately under its own code)
A nexus opinion linking the residuals to the in-service event

The C&P exam & the nexus

For most Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) claims the VA schedules a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. The examiner measures the things the rating schedule turns on and gives a medical opinion on whether your Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is at least as likely as not connected to your service (the “nexus”). Knowing what the examiner will assess — and bringing the evidence above — is the single biggest thing you control. Prepare for the exam and check that your records support a nexus before you file.

How VA Disability Pro helps with your Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) claim

AI record analysis. Upload your medical records and DD-214 and let the AI surface the evidence — and the secondary conditions — that support a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) claim.
Combined-rating estimator. Estimate your §4.25 combined rating and monthly payment with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and your other conditions — free, no signup.
Presumptive & qualify checks. See whether Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) may be presumptive under the PACT Act and what else you may qualify to claim.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) VA disability: frequently asked questions

How does the VA rate TBI residuals?: Residuals of TBI are rated under 38 CFR 4.124a (Diagnostic Code 8045). Cognitive impairment is evaluated across ten facets, and the single highest facet level sets the rating (0, 10, 40, or 70 percent), with a level of 'total' on any facet rating 100%. The ladder on this page shows each level.
Are TBI symptoms rated separately?: Often, yes. Distinct diagnosable conditions that result from a TBI — such as migraines, a mental-health disorder, or a seizure disorder — are rated separately under their own diagnostic codes, in addition to the TBI residual rating, which can raise your combined rating.
What conditions are secondary to a TBI?: Post-traumatic headaches and migraines are a recognized residual of a service-connected traumatic brain injury, and a TBI can also contribute to mental-health conditions. Each is separately ratable with a medical nexus opinion linking it to the TBI.
How is TBI different from PTSD?: A TBI is a physical injury to the brain, while PTSD is a mental-health condition from a traumatic experience — and they often co-occur after the same event. The VA evaluates them separately and is careful not to rate the same symptom twice; an accurate diagnosis of each is important.

Informational only and not a guarantee of any rating or outcome. The criteria above are quoted from the VA rating schedule; your actual rating depends on a C&P exam and the evidence in your file, and the VA makes the final decision. This is not medical or legal advice. VA Disability Pro is an independent platform — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and not an accredited representative.