Residuals of traumatic brain injury (DC 8045)

Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124aDBQ: DBQ NEURO Initial Evaluation of TBI

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) residuals are the lasting effects from a head injury that damaged your brain. The VA rates TBI differently than other conditions - they look at three separate areas: how it affects your thinking (cognitive), your emotions/behavior, and your physical abilities. You get rated on whichever area is worst, from 0% to 100%, and this is one of the most complicated ratings in the VA system.

Rating levels

  • -1% — Residuals of traumatic brain injury are rated under a unique three-pillar framework at DC 8045 — cognitive (memory, attention, judgment, executive function, etc.), emotional/behavioral, and physical/neurological. VA scores each of ten facets at one of five levels and assigns the overall rating (10%, 40%, 70%, or 100%) based on the highest single facet level. Conditions that develop after the TBI and have their own diagnostic codes — such as migraines, seizures, sleep apnea, or PTSD — are usually rated separately when they are not already captured by a TBI facet.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.