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⚡ NeurologicalBrain and Head InjuriesDC 8045

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A brain injury caused by a bump, blow, jolt, or penetrating wound to the head. Common in combat veterans due to blast exposure, IEDs, vehicle accidents, or falls. Rated across 10 residual impairment categories.

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VA Rating Tiers

100%
Severe — total occupational and social impairment
70%
Moderately severe — significant limitations across multiple facets
40%
Moderate — frequent difficulty affecting work and relationships
10%
Mild — occasional difficulty but mostly functioning independently
0%
Minimal — symptoms present but do not meaningfully interfere

Rating Notes

  • ›100%: Severe TBI residuals — total occupational and social impairment. DC 8045.
  • ›70%: Moderately severe residuals — significant limitations across multiple facets requiring some assistance. DC 8045.
  • ›40%: Moderate residuals — frequent difficulty affecting work and relationships. DC 8045.
  • ›10%: Mild residuals — occasional difficulty but mostly functioning independently. DC 8045.
  • ›0%: Minimal residuals — symptoms present but do not meaningfully interfere — service connected but non-compensable.
  • ›DC 8045: TBI is rated using a 10-facet system — each residual impairment is assessed separately.
  • ›The 10 facets include: memory/attention, judgment, social interaction, orientation, motor activity, visual-spatial, subjective symptoms, neurobehavioral effects, communication, and consciousness.
  • ›The highest single facet rating determines the overall TBI rating (they are not combined).
  • ›This app uses an overall severity estimate; the actual C&P exam uses the facet table.
  • ›TBI rating can stack with separately rated secondary conditions like migraines, sleep apnea, and PTSD.

Eligibility Basics

✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
  • •TBI is rated across 10 residual impairment facets — not as a single rating like most conditions.
  • •Each facet is rated individually and the highest facet rating drives the overall TBI rating.
  • •The VA uses a 10-facet system: memory/attention, judgment, social interaction, orientation, motor activity, visual-spatial, subjective symptoms, neurobehavioral, communication, and consciousness.
  • •Many veterans do not get a TBI diagnosis in service — lay evidence and buddy statements can still establish the event.
  • •TBI is closely associated with PTSD, migraines, sleep apnea, and depression — secondary claims are common.

Evidence to Gather

Service Records

  • •records of blast exposure (IED, vehicle accident, training incident)
  • •medical records documenting loss of consciousness or altered mental status
  • •sick call records for headaches, dizziness, or memory complaints after injury
  • •deployment records confirming presence in blast-heavy environments
  • •buddy statements from fellow service members who witnessed the event

Medical Evidence

  • •neuropsychological evaluation
  • •MRI or CT scan of the brain
  • •neurologist or physiatrist evaluation
  • •current records showing cognitive, behavioral, or physical TBI residuals

Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)

  • •statement describing the in-service event (blast, fall, vehicle accident)
  • •statement describing onset of symptoms after the event (headaches, memory issues, personality changes)
  • •family or buddy statement documenting behavioral or cognitive changes

Diagnostic Tests

  • •neuropsychological testing
  • •MRI brain
  • •CT scan brain
  • •cognitive screening (MoCA, MMSE)

C&P Exam Preparation

Exam type: Neurological / TBI DBQ

Be ready to describe

  • •what happened during the in-service event — as specifically as possible
  • •how long you were unconscious or confused (if applicable)
  • •each type of symptom you experience: cognitive, physical, behavioral
  • •how symptoms affect your ability to work, drive, make decisions, and maintain relationships

Prep notes

  • •The TBI exam covers 10 separate areas — be prepared to describe difficulty in each one.
  • •Don't say 'I'm fine' on any facet — describe what happens on a bad day.
  • •If possible, bring someone who knows you well to describe changes they've noticed.
  • •Mention all secondary conditions you believe are related to the TBI.
  • •Be specific about memory lapses, anger issues, sleep problems, and social difficulties.

Quick Facts

Diagnostic Code
DC 8045
Category
Neurological
Subcategory
Brain and Head Injuries
Typical Claim Type
direct
Rating Range
0% – 100%

Also Known As

TBItraumatic brain injuryblast injuryconcussionmTBImild traumatic brain injurybrain injuryhead injuryIED blast

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