Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals
The VA rates Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals under Diagnostic Code 8045 across 5 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together. There are 7 documented secondary conditions linked to Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals.
Catalog name: Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Rating schedule — DC 8045 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.124a
- Body system
- Neurological Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 7
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
0%, 10%, 40%, 70%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | A veteran whose residuals of TBI are rated under a version of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8045, in effect before October 23, 2008 may request review under diagnostic code 8045, irrespective of whether his or her disability has worsened since the last review. VA will review that veteran's disability rating to determine whether the veteran may be entitled to a higher disability rating under diagnostic code 8045. A request for review pursuant to this note will be treated as a claim for an increased rating for purposes of determining the effective date of an increased rating awarded as a result of such review; however, in no case will the award be effective before October 23, 2008. For the purposes of determining the effective date of an increased rating awarded as a result of such review, VA will apply 38 CFR 3.114, if applicable. Note (5): Note: TBI residuals are rated under the most applicable body system code (cognitive, behavioral, neurological, etc.). DC 8045 is the primary code but additional codes may apply for specific residuals. |
| 10% | TBI residuals, mild: Objective neurological findings present (mild cognitive testing impairment, mild behavioral changes) but veteran can function independently in most daily activities and work tasks. |
| 40% | TBI residuals, moderate: Objective neurological findings causing moderate cognitive impairment (difficulty with complex tasks, memory, processing speed); behavioral disturbances; requires assistance with some instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs); unable to maintain competitive employment without accommodations. |
| 70% | TBI residuals, moderately severe: Severe cognitive impairment; marked behavioral disturbances; requires regular assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs); unemployable; persistent neurological symptoms (e.g., seizures, sensory deficits, motor deficits) in combination. |
| 100% | TBI residuals, severe: Requires daily caregiver assistance for basic ADLs (bathing, dressing, eating, ambulation); vegetative or minimally conscious state; or persistent severe dementia; total neurological incapacitation. May qualify for aid and attendance. Note: Veterans with severe TBI may be eligible for additional SMC under 38 USC 1114(r) for aid and attendance. |
“TBI residuals, moderate: Objective neurological findings causing moderate cognitive impairment (difficulty with complex tasks, memory, processing speed); behavioral disturbances; requires assistance with some instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs); unable to maintain competitive employment without accommodations.”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals?
View 7 secondary conditions linked to Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
What other neurological conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 8021Spinal cord, new growths of, malignantRated up to 100%
- 8022Spinal cord, new growths of, benignRated up to 60%
- 8023Progressive muscular atrophyRated up to 30%
- 8024SyringomyeliaRated up to 30%
- 8025Myasthenia gravisRated up to 30%
- 8046Cerebral arteriosclerosisRated up to 0%
- 8100MigraineRated up to 50%
- 8103Tic, convulsiveRated up to 30%
- 8104Paramyoclonus multiplex (convulsive state, myoclonic type)Rated up to 60%
- 8105Chorea, Sydenham'sRated up to 100%
Common Questions About Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals?
The VA rates Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals under Diagnostic Code 8045 at 0%, 10%, 40%, 70%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: A veteran whose residuals of TBI are rated under a version of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8045, in effect before October 23, 2008 may request review under diagnostic code 8045, irrespective of whether his or her disability has worsened since the last review. VA will review that veteran's disability rating to determine whether the veteran may be entitled to a higher disability rating under diagnostic code 8045. A request for review pursuant to this note will be treated as a claim for an increased rating for purposes of determining the effective date of an increased rating awarded as a result of such review; however, in no case will the award be effective before October 23, 2008. For the purposes of determining the effective date of an increased rating awarded as a result of such review, VA will apply 38 CFR 3.114, if applicable. Note (5):. The maximum 100% rating requires: TBI residuals, severe: Requires daily caregiver assistance for basic ADLs (bathing, dressing, eating, ambulation); vegetative or minimally conscious state; or persistent severe dementia; total neurological incapacitation. May qualify for aid and attendance..
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals?
The VA rates Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8045, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 100% rating for Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals?
A 0% rating requires: A veteran whose residuals of TBI are rated under a version of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8045, in effect before October 23, 2008 may request review under diagnostic code 8045, irrespective of whether his or her disability has worsened since the last review. VA will review that veteran's disability rating to determine whether the veteran may be entitled to a higher disability rating under diagnostic code 8045. A request for review pursuant to this note will be treated as a claim for an increased rating for purposes of determining the effective date of an increased rating awarded as a result of such review; however, in no case will the award be effective before October 23, 2008. For the purposes of determining the effective date of an increased rating awarded as a result of such review, VA will apply 38 CFR 3.114, if applicable. Note (5):. A 100% rating requires: TBI residuals, severe: Requires daily caregiver assistance for basic ADLs (bathing, dressing, eating, ambulation); vegetative or minimally conscious state; or persistent severe dementia; total neurological incapacitation. May qualify for aid and attendance.. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals?
The key evidence for Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For neurological conditions, nerve conduction studies, EMG results, and documentation of complete vs incomplete paralysis distinguish the rating tiers. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals is associated with 7 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals?
The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8045 rating criteria. The examiner tests reflexes, sensation, and motor function. If nerve damage is suspected, EMG or nerve conduction studies may be ordered. Distinguish between complete and incomplete paralysis — the rating difference is significant.
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