VA Disability Rating for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Residuals
Rated by 10 facets; the highest single facet determines the rating (0/10/40/70/100%). Frequently missed.
TBI residuals (DC 8045) are rated by 10 cognitive/behavioral/physical facets. The highest single facet determines the rating — not the average. Any vet with blast exposure and a post-blast symptom cluster (tinnitus + headaches + memory issues + sleep + mood) should be evaluated for TBI, even years after the fact.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | — | All facets rated at 0 — diagnosed but no impairment. |
| 10% | $180.42 | Any one facet rated at 1. |
| 40% | $795.84 | Any one facet rated at 2. |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | Any one facet rated at 3. |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | Any one facet rated at total. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 40%: $795.84/mo · $9,550/year, tax-free
- →At 70%: $1,808.45/mo · $21,701/year, tax-free
- →At 100%: $3,938.58/mo · $47,263/year, tax-free
How to get rated for traumatic brain injury (tbi) residuals
- C&P exam with TBI specialist — insist on this if exam is scheduled with a non-specialist.
- Document the in-service event: IED blast, vehicle rollover, concussive impact, even if not reported at the time.
- Neuropsych testing is the strongest objective evidence.
- TBI residuals (migraine, tinnitus, cognitive impairment) can be rated separately if they are distinct disabilities.
Common secondary conditions
- +Migraine
- +Tinnitus
- +PTSD (often co-occurring)
- +Sleep apnea
- +Depression
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Lack of an in-service LOC (loss of consciousness) does NOT defeat a TBI claim. Mild TBI is rated too.
- Polytrauma profile: if you were near an explosion, document it — TBI + tinnitus + migraines often bundle.
Frequently asked
I never got knocked out. Can I still have TBI?
Yes. Mild TBI (mTBI) does not require loss of consciousness. Repeated subconcussive blast exposure can cause TBI residuals years later.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.