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.

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 →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

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.