Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Rated across 10 facets of cognitive impairment. Highest single facet drives the rating.
Common symptoms
- Memory problems
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Cognitive deficits
- Mood changes
- Sleep disturbance
VA rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Total impairment in any one facet of cognitive impairment |
| 70% | Level 3 (severe) impairment in any one facet |
| 40% | Level 2 (moderate) impairment in any one facet |
| 10% | Level 1 (mild) impairment in any one facet |
| 0% | Level 0 (no impairment) in all 10 facets |
Common secondaries from this condition
If Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is service-connected, these are conditions worth investigating as secondaries (caused or aggravated by it).
Migraine Headaches
Recurring debilitating headaches. The word 'prostrating' is key for higher ratings.
Tinnitus
Subjective ringing/buzzing in the ears. Capped at 10% (both ears combined). Lay statement alone is sufficient — no formal diagnosis required.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Mental health condition from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Stressor verification required (except combat-related, which is presumed if consistent with circumstances of service).
Peripheral Vestibular Disorders (Vertigo/BPPV)
Dizziness and balance problems. Often secondary to tinnitus or TBI.
Insomnia Disorder
Difficulty falling/staying asleep. Often filed as secondary to PTSD, anxiety, depression, or chronic pain.
Filing this claim
This is typically filed as a direct service connection claim. You need a current diagnosis, evidence of in-service event or exposure, and a nexus letter linking them. Use the letter generators to draft your nexus letter and Statement in Support of Claim.
Step by step
- File an Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to lock your effective date.
- Confirm you have a current medical diagnosis in a medical record.
- Get a nexus letter — magic phrase: "at least as likely as not."
- Write a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138).
- If applicable, gather buddy statements (21-10210).
- File the formal 21-526EZ.
Source: 38 CFR §4.124a. For exact regulatory language, consult eCFR Title 38. This is general education — for your specific case, consult a VA-accredited representative.