Post-Concussion Syndrome

DC 8045Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8045

A complex disorder in which concussion symptoms — such as headaches, dizziness, cognitive difficulties, and mood changes — persist for weeks, months, or years after the initial head injury. Rated under the TBI criteria.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 8045

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8045. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Completely disabling — your post-concussion symptoms are so severe that you cannot function independently and require constant supervision or care.

What the VA looks for

Total impairment on one or more TBI evaluation facets
Inability to perform activities of daily living
Persistent disorientation or severe cognitive dysfunction
Requires constant supervision or institutional care
Complete occupational and social impairment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting current symptoms to the original concussion — the VA requires a documented in-service concussion event and a medical nexus linking current symptoms to that event. Buddy statements can help establish the initial injury.
⚠Failing to get neuropsychological testing — standard cognitive screenings are often too brief to capture the subtle deficits of post-concussion syndrome. Full neuropsychological evaluation is the gold standard.
⚠Not filing separately for each residual condition — post-concussion syndrome can cause migraines, tinnitus, vestibular dysfunction, depression, and anxiety that each qualify for independent ratings.
⚠Allowing symptoms to be attributed solely to a mental health condition — post-concussion cognitive symptoms are distinct from PTSD or depression and should be rated under the TBI criteria (DC 8045), not the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
DBQ Headaches (including Migraines)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8045

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Completely disabling — your post-concussion symptoms are so severe that you cannot function independently and require constant supervision or care.

What the VA looks for

Total impairment on one or more TBI evaluation facets
Inability to perform activities of daily living
Persistent disorientation or severe cognitive dysfunction
Requires constant supervision or institutional care
Complete occupational and social impairment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting current symptoms to the original concussion — the VA requires a documented in-service concussion event and a medical nexus linking current symptoms to that event. Buddy statements can help establish the initial injury.

⚠Failing to get neuropsychological testing — standard cognitive screenings are often too brief to capture the subtle deficits of post-concussion syndrome. Full neuropsychological evaluation is the gold standard.

⚠Not filing separately for each residual condition — post-concussion syndrome can cause migraines, tinnitus, vestibular dysfunction, depression, and anxiety that each qualify for independent ratings.

⚠Allowing symptoms to be attributed solely to a mental health condition — post-concussion cognitive symptoms are distinct from PTSD or depression and should be rated under the TBI criteria (DC 8045), not the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.