Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

DC 8045Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8045 — Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury

An injury to the brain from a blow, jolt, or blast. TBI has a unique rating system that evaluates ten areas of brain function separately and assigns a rating based on the highest level of impairment across those areas.

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

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8045 — Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury. 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

You have total impairment in one or more areas of brain function. You may be unable to care for yourself, be completely disoriented, or be in a persistent vegetative state.

What the VA looks for

Total impairment on one or more TBI evaluation facets
Inability to perform activities of daily living
Persistent disorientation to time, place, or person
Requires constant supervision or institutional care
Persistent vegetative state

Common Pitfalls

⚠TBI uses a unique multi-faceted rating system — not the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. Make sure your C&P examiner uses the specific TBI DBQ which evaluates ten separate areas of function.
⚠Not getting neuropsychological testing — this is the gold standard for documenting cognitive deficits from TBI and is far more detailed than a standard C&P exam.
⚠Not filing separately for residual conditions — TBI can cause migraines, tinnitus, dizziness, vision problems, and mental health conditions that each warrant separate ratings.
⚠The VA rates TBI residuals under the highest level of impairment across all ten facets. Make sure each facet is accurately evaluated during your exam.
⚠Not documenting the in-service head injury event — blast exposure, vehicle accidents, falls, and combat injuries should all be in your service records or buddy statements.

Related DBQ Forms

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

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or rated under the same body system.

Migraine Headaches

DC 8100·Neurological·Possible secondary

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

DC 9411·Mental Disorders·Possible secondary

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

DC 9434·Mental Disorders·Possible secondary

Tinnitus

DC 6260·Organs of Sense·Possible secondary

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

DC 6847·Respiratory·Possible secondary

Mild Neurocognitive Disorder

DC 9326·Mental Disorders·Possible secondary

Bilateral Hearing Loss

DC 6100·Organs of Sense·Possible secondary

Radiculopathy — Sciatic Nerve

DC 8520·Neurological

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

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have total impairment in one or more areas of brain function. You may be unable to care for yourself, be completely disoriented, or be in a persistent vegetative state.

What the VA looks for

Total impairment on one or more TBI evaluation facets
Inability to perform activities of daily living
Persistent disorientation to time, place, or person
Requires constant supervision or institutional care
Persistent vegetative state

Common Pitfalls

⚠TBI uses a unique multi-faceted rating system — not the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. Make sure your C&P examiner uses the specific TBI DBQ which evaluates ten separate areas of function.

⚠Not getting neuropsychological testing — this is the gold standard for documenting cognitive deficits from TBI and is far more detailed than a standard C&P exam.

⚠Not filing separately for residual conditions — TBI can cause migraines, tinnitus, dizziness, vision problems, and mental health conditions that each warrant separate ratings.

⚠The VA rates TBI residuals under the highest level of impairment across all ten facets. Make sure each facet is accurately evaluated during your exam.

⚠Not documenting the in-service head injury event — blast exposure, vehicle accidents, falls, and combat injuries should all be in your service records or buddy statements.