This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)
- TBI is rated using 10 facets of impairment; the highest single facet determines the overall rating.
- Distinct residuals of TBI (such as migraines or seizures) may be rated separately from the TBI itself.
- PTSD and TBI frequently co-occur but are rated under different diagnostic codes and criteria.
- Neuropsychological testing is often the most important evidence for establishing the severity of cognitive impairment.
- The 10 facets include memory, attention, concentration, executive functions, judgment, social interaction, orientation, motor activity, visual-spatial orientation, and consciousness/communication.
Based on VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and related service-connection regulations. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities), VA.gov disability compensation, 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection)
Overview
Traumatic brain injury is a neurological condition resulting from a blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head during military service. TBI is rated under Diagnostic Code 8045 using a unique evaluation system based on 10 facets of cognitive, emotional, and physical impairment.
Unlike most VA disabilities, TBI is not rated using a single set of criteria. Instead, the VA evaluates each of the 10 facets on a scale of 0 to 3 (or higher for certain facets), and the highest facet level determines the overall rating. The 10 facets include memory, attention, concentration, executive functions, judgment, social interaction, orientation, motor activity, visual-spatial orientation, and subjective symptoms/neurobehavioral effects.
TBI frequently occurs alongside other conditions, particularly PTSD, migraines, vision problems, vestibular dysfunction, and seizures. Residuals of TBI that can be identified as distinct conditions may be rated separately.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | All 10 facets of cognitive impairment evaluated at level 0: no impairment detected on examination. |
| 10% | The highest facet of cognitive impairment is evaluated at level 1: mild impairment. For example, mildly impaired memory, attention, concentration, or executive functions. |
| 40% | The highest facet is evaluated at level 2: moderate impairment. For example, moderately impaired memory or judgment, occasional disorientation, or motor activity mildly decreased. |
| 70% | The highest facet is evaluated at level 3: severe impairment. For example, severely impaired memory, markedly impaired judgment, or frequent disorientation to one or more aspects. |
| 100% | Total impairment: one or more facets evaluated at the highest level, indicating near-total or total impairment in that area, such as complete inability to communicate or total disorientation. |
- 0%
All 10 facets of cognitive impairment evaluated at level 0: no impairment detected on examination.
- 10%
The highest facet of cognitive impairment is evaluated at level 1: mild impairment. For example, mildly impaired memory, attention, concentration, or executive functions.
- 40%
The highest facet is evaluated at level 2: moderate impairment. For example, moderately impaired memory or judgment, occasional disorientation, or motor activity mildly decreased.
- 70%
The highest facet is evaluated at level 3: severe impairment. For example, severely impaired memory, markedly impaired judgment, or frequent disorientation to one or more aspects.
- 100%
Total impairment: one or more facets evaluated at the highest level, indicating near-total or total impairment in that area, such as complete inability to communicate or total disorientation.
These criteria describe how a VA Compensation & Pension examiner evaluates the condition during a rating exam. They are not a self-test. For mental health conditions under 38 CFR 4.130, a diagnosis must be made by a qualified clinician under DSM-5. Actual ratings depend on the totality of evidence reviewed by the VA.
Evidence Checklist
Required
Neuropsychological testing
Formal neuropsychological evaluation assessing memory, attention, executive function, and other cognitive domains.
Imaging studies
CT scan or MRI of the brain documenting the injury or its residual effects.
Recommended
Service records of head injury
Documentation of the in-service event that caused the TBI, including incident reports, medical records, or deployment records.
Buddy statements
Statements from family members, friends, or fellow service members describing cognitive or behavioral changes observed after the head injury.
Helpful
Treatment records
Records of ongoing treatment for TBI-related symptoms, including rehabilitation, medication, and specialist consultations.
Occupational impact documentation
Evidence of how cognitive impairment affects work performance, including employer documentation or vocational assessments.
Secondary Conditions
These conditions may be claimed as secondary to TBI. A nexus is the medical link between a service-connected condition and a related condition. Nexus strength indicates the level of established medical evidence supporting that connection.
Migraines
DC 8100, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%
PTSD
DC 9411, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 100%
Cognitive Disorders
DC 8045, Typical range: 10%, 40%, 70%, 100%
Vision Problems
DC 6066, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%
Vestibular Dysfunction
DC 6204, Typical range: 10%, 30%
Seizures
DC 8910, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%
Explore all secondary conditions in the Secondary Condition Mapper tool.
C&P Exam Preparation
What to Expect
- The examiner will review the circumstances of your head injury, including mechanism, loss of consciousness, and any post-traumatic amnesia.
- Cognitive testing may be performed to assess memory, attention, concentration, processing speed, and executive function.
- The examiner will ask about emotional and behavioral symptoms such as irritability, mood changes, impulsivity, and anxiety.
How to Prepare
- Consider preparing a timeline of your head injury or injuries, including the date, mechanism, whether you lost consciousness, and any immediate symptoms.
- Think about how cognitive symptoms affect your daily life: forgetting appointments, difficulty following conversations, getting lost in familiar places, or struggling with multi-step tasks.
- You may want to prepare examples of emotional or behavioral changes, such as increased irritability, mood swings, or difficulty in social situations.
View the full C&P exam preparation guide for detailed tips and common mistakes.
Related DBQs
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Form 21-0960C-2
Search all DBQ forms in the DBQ Finder tool.
Next Steps
This information is for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.