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The VA orders this exam to verify your diagnosis and measure how severe it is right now. It can shape your rating and your monthly compensation — but it does not decide your claim. A rating specialist weighs it against your full record, and if the exam does not reflect your condition, you can say so and ask the VA to correct it.
When is your exam?
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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.
The percentages this diagnostic code can be rated at. Which one applies depends on the findings — no tool here can tell you in advance.
Rated under 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8045 — Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury. The examiner records findings on the DBQ; a rating specialist makes the decision.
| Rating | Rating criteria | What that means for you |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Assign a 100-percent evaluation if "total" is the level of evaluation for one or more facets. If no facet is evaluated as "total," assign the overall percentage evaluation based on the level of the highest facet as follows: 0 = 0 percent; 1 = 10 percent; 2 = 40 percent; and 3 = 70 percent. Memory, attention, concentration, executive functions, level 0: No complaints of impairment of memory, attention, concentration, or executive functions. | You had a TBI but have no current residuals, or your only residual is subjective symptoms (headaches, dizziness, mild memory problems) that do not interfere with work or daily life. |
What supports this level
| ||
| 10% | Assign a 100-percent evaluation if "total" is the level of evaluation for one or more facets. If no facet is evaluated as "total," assign the overall percentage evaluation based on the level of the highest facet as follows: 0 = 0 percent; 1 = 10 percent; 2 = 40 percent; and 3 = 70 percent. Memory, attention, concentration, executive functions, level 1: A complaint of mild loss of memory (such as having difficulty following a conversation, recalling recent conversations, remembering names of new acquaintances, or finding words, or often misplacing items), attention, concentration, or executive functions, but without objective evidence on testing. | You have mild impairment in one or more areas of brain function. For example, you might have mild memory problems, occasional headaches, or slight difficulty with attention that occasionally affects work. |
What supports this level
| ||
| 40% | Assign a 100-percent evaluation if "total" is the level of evaluation for one or more facets. If no facet is evaluated as "total," assign the overall percentage evaluation based on the level of the highest facet as follows: 0 = 0 percent; 1 = 10 percent; 2 = 40 percent; and 3 = 70 percent. Memory, attention, concentration, executive functions, level 2: Objective evidence on testing of mild impairment of memory, attention, concentration, or executive functions resulting in mild functional impairment. | You have moderate impairment in one or more areas of brain function. You may have noticeable memory problems, difficulty with complex tasks, or behavioral changes that affect work and relationships. |
What supports this level
| ||
| 70% | Assign a 100-percent evaluation if "total" is the level of evaluation for one or more facets. If no facet is evaluated as "total," assign the overall percentage evaluation based on the level of the highest facet as follows: 0 = 0 percent; 1 = 10 percent; 2 = 40 percent; and 3 = 70 percent. Memory, attention, concentration, executive functions, level 3: Objective evidence on testing of moderate impairment of memory, attention, concentration, or executive functions resulting in moderate functional impairment. | You have moderately severe to severe impairment in one or more areas of brain function. You may need significant help with daily tasks, have major memory problems, or show marked behavioral changes. |
What supports this level
| ||
| 100% | Assign a 100-percent evaluation if "total" is the level of evaluation for one or more facets. If no facet is evaluated as "total," assign the overall percentage evaluation based on the level of the highest facet as follows: 0 = 0 percent; 1 = 10 percent; 2 = 40 percent; and 3 = 70 percent. Memory, attention, concentration, executive functions, level Total: Objective evidence on testing of severe impairment of memory, attention, concentration, or executive functions resulting in severe functional impairment. | 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 supports this level
| ||
The middle column is our transcription of the criteria at 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8045 — Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury, condensed for reading. Read the section itself on eCFR before relying on the exact wording. The items under each level are the kinds of evidence that document it — not a VA checklist, and not a prediction of which level applies to you.
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.
These apply to every C&P exam, whatever the condition.