VA Disability Rating for Residuals of traumatic brain injury (DC 8045)
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.
Explore TBI Resources
Pick a group to see its pages. Everything here is a link to another page on this site.
Start Here (1 page)
Ratings and C&P Exams (4 pages)
- How VA Rates TBIThe ten facets VA scores after a head injury, in plain English.
- VA Neurological Conditions Rating GuideThe shared rules behind nerve, seizure, migraine and head-injury ratings.
- SMC-T for TBIThe extra monthly payment for severe head-injury care needs.
- TBI Residuals C&P Exam (DC 8045)Which form the examiner fills out for this code, and what it asks.
What TBI Can Lead To (1 page)
What Veterans Claim Alongside It (5 pages)
- VA Migraine Claims GuideThe full guide to claiming migraines.
- VA Sleep Apnea Claims GuideThe full guide to claiming sleep apnea.
- VA Hearing Loss and Tinnitus GuideThe full guide to claiming hearing loss and ringing in the ears.
- VA Depression Claims GuideThe full guide to claiming major depression.
- VA Vertigo and Dizziness Claims GuideThe full guide to claiming dizziness and balance problems.
Evidence and Proof (4 pages)
- Buddy StatementsLay statements, and what makes one carry weight.
- Private Medical Records for a VA ClaimGetting your own doctor’s records in front of the rater.
- Secondary Claim GuideHow a condition caused by another rated condition is claimed.
- VA Causation Chains GuideHow one service-connected condition can lead to another.
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.