Traumatic Brain Injury
VA Disability Benefits
Is the head injury you suffered in the military causing you headaches, forgetfulness and irritability?
We can help you get the benefits you deserve
- Written By Attorney Troy Bouk
When a head injury changes how you think, feel, or function, the effects can linger long after the event itself. These invisible wounds deserve more than acknowledgment — they deserve action.
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Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury in Veterans
For many veterans, TBIs are part of the cost of service. Whether caused by blasts, falls, vehicle accidents, or blunt trauma, head injuries are common in military environments. But the effects of a TBI often extend well beyond the initial injury. They can impact your memory, concentration, mood, sleep, and even physical coordination — sometimes for the rest of your life.
You might look fine on the outside, but inside, you could be struggling with headaches, forgetfulness, irritability, or feeling like you’re not yourself anymore. These are the hidden consequences of TBI, and they deserve recognition from the VA.
Types of TBIs the VA Recognizes
The VA recognizes three levels of TBI severity:
- Mild TBI (Concussion):
Temporary loss of consciousness (seconds to minutes), dazed or confused state, headaches, or balance issues that may last days to weeks. - Moderate TBI:
Loss of consciousness for several minutes to hours, confusion lasting days to weeks, and physical, cognitive, or emotional symptoms that may be long-term. - Severe TBI:
Extended unconsciousness or coma, with lasting physical and cognitive impairments, including difficulty speaking, walking, or performing basic tasks.
The VA also recognizes secondary conditions caused by TBI, such as:
- Headaches or migraines
- Dizziness or balance disorders
- Depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Cognitive disorders (memory loss, difficulty concentrating)
- Seizure disorders
Even if your TBI was diagnosed as “mild,” the long-term effects can still significantly interfere with your life.
How the VA Rates Traumatic Brain Injury
The VA rates TBI under Diagnostic Code 8045, which focuses on the residual symptoms rather than the initial injury. Ratings consider cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical impairments that result from the brain injury.
The rating schedule breaks TBI into three main categories:
- Cognitive impairments:
Includes memory loss, difficulty concentrating, attention deficits, or executive dysfunction (problems planning or organizing). - Emotional/Behavioral impairments:
Includes mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, or impulsivity. - Physical impairments:
Includes headaches, dizziness, seizures, motor dysfunction, or sleep disturbances.
The VA uses a table of severity levels for each category, ranging from:
- 0% for no functional impairment
- 10%-40% for mild to moderate impairments
- 70%-100% for severe impairments, including total occupational and social impairment
Secondary conditions, such as migraines or PTSD caused by the TBI, are rated separately under their respective diagnostic codes.
Common Symptoms of TBI in Veterans
TBI symptoms are often invisible but deeply disruptive. Veterans may experience:
- Memory loss or trouble focusing
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Mood swings, irritability, or emotional outbursts
- Sleep problems, including insomnia or hypersomnia
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Slurred speech or difficulty finding words
- Seizures or blackouts
Symptoms can fluctuate, making it harder for the VA to recognize their full impact. But even when intermittent, they can still disrupt your work, relationships, and daily life.
Why TBI Claims Get Denied
VA TBI claims are often denied because:
- Imaging tests may appear normal. TBIs, especially mild ones, often don’t show up on CT scans or MRIs, despite causing real and lasting symptoms.
- Symptoms are mistaken for mental health conditions alone, without recognizing the TBI as the underlying cause.
- The connection to service isn’t fully documented. If there’s no clear record of the injury or symptoms during service, the VA may deny the link.
Without thorough documentation and a full picture of how your TBI affects your life, the VA can easily underrate or reject your claim.
How We Help Veterans With TBI Claims
We understand the frustration of knowing something is wrong but struggling to prove it to the VA. That’s where we come in.
- We gather medical records, personal statements, and expert evaluations to build a case that reflects your lived reality.
- We ensure that all aspects of your condition — cognitive, emotional, physical — are properly documented and rated.
- We connect your symptoms and diagnosis to your military service, even if the injury happened years ago.
Whether you’re filing a new claim or appealing a denial, we’re here to fight for the benefits you’ve earned.
