Rating Criteria by Level
Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8045, the VA evaluates TBI across 10 facets: memory and cognition, judgment, social interaction, orientation, motor activity, visual-spatial orientation, subjective symptoms, neurobehavioral effects, communication, and consciousness. The highest level across all 10 facets controls the overall rating.
Criteria: Neurological findings are absent or minimal, and any symptoms are purely subjective (self-reported headaches, mild memory complaints) without objective deficits across all 10 evaluated facets.
A 0% rating is non-compensable but still service-connected. This matters because it preserves your right to file secondary claims for conditions caused or aggravated by TBI, and allows you to seek a rating increase without reopening the original service-connection question if symptoms worsen.
Criteria: At least one facet is rated at level 1: mild memory or cognitive complaints, mild neurobehavioral effects (irritability, mild mood changes), or subjective symptoms that do not significantly interfere with daily activities or employment.
This is the most commonly assigned TBI rating. Level 1 findings are present but manageable. The veteran may report word-finding difficulties, mild attention issues, or occasional headaches that respond to medication. Objective neuropsychological testing may show subtle deficits but within the mild range.
Most common TBI rating: mild impairment across one or more facets
Criteria: At least one facet is rated at level 2: moderate memory loss, moderate executive dysfunction, frequent and significant neurobehavioral problems, or physical symptoms (chronic headaches, dizziness) that noticeably reduce occupational or social functioning.
Level 2 findings substantially affect daily life. The veteran may struggle to maintain employment, follow complex instructions, or manage interpersonal relationships. Neuropsychological testing typically shows scores in the moderate impairment range. Detailed documentation from treating providers and a neuropsychologist significantly strengthens a 40% claim.
Criteria: At least one facet is rated at level 3: severe memory impairment, severely disorganized executive function, persistent and disabling neurobehavioral effects, or near-total loss of communication or motor control that severely limits occupational and social functioning.
Level 3 represents a significant disability. The veteran typically cannot maintain competitive employment and requires substantial assistance with daily tasks. This rating is commonly supported by neuropsychological evaluations, functional capacity assessments, and statements from treating physicians and family members documenting real-world impairment.
Criteria: At least one facet reaches level T (total): persistent vegetative state, complete disorientation to person, place, and time, total inability to communicate, or complete loss of motor control in two or more extremities.
The 100% schedular rating requires documented total impairment in at least one facet. Many veterans with severe TBI who do not meet the schedular 100% standard pursue TDIU (Individual Unemployability) when their combined rating reaches the TDIU threshold and TBI prevents all gainful employment.
How to Service-Connect TBI
Service connection requires a current TBI diagnosis, an in-service event that caused the injury, and a medical nexus linking the two. TBI is typically connected in three ways:
Direct Service Connection
The TBI occurred during active duty from blast exposure, vehicle rollover, training accident, or assault. Service treatment records, military incident reports, and post-deployment health assessments documenting loss of consciousness or altered mental status are key evidence.
Presumptive Secondary Conditions
VA policy establishes that Parkinsonism, unprovoked seizures, certain dementias, depression, and hormone deficiency are presumptively secondary to moderate or severe TBI. No nexus letter is required for those specific diagnoses once the TBI itself is service-connected.
Non-Presumptive Secondary Connection
Conditions like sleep apnea, PTSD, migraines, and tinnitus can be connected secondary to TBI with a physician nexus opinion explaining how TBI caused or contributed to each condition.
What Happens at Your C&P Exam
TBI C&P exams are conducted by neurologists or neuropsychologists and are among the most detailed VA examinations. The examiner will typically:
- Administer structured neuropsychological testing (memory, attention, processing speed, executive function)
- Evaluate each of the 10 TBI facets and assign a level for each
- Review imaging (CT, MRI) and any prior neurological evaluations
- Assess functional impairment in daily activities, relationships, and employment
- Document secondary conditions (headaches, mood disorders, sleep disturbance) and their relationship to TBI
- Provide a nexus opinion if secondary service connection is claimed
Bring all prior neurological records, neuropsychological test reports, and a prepared list of how your symptoms affect daily functioning. A private neuropsychological evaluation submitted before the C&P exam can significantly support a higher rating level.
Secondary Conditions to TBI
Once TBI is service-connected, you can file secondary claims for conditions it caused or worsened. Each adds its own separate rating to your combined total.
Sleep ApneaTBI disrupts neurological control of breathing. Sleep apnea is rated 0-100%; CPAP use qualifies for 50% automatically.
PTSDCombat TBI events are often traumatic. PTSD and TBI frequently co-occur. Rated 0-100% on the mental disorders scale.
DepressionDepression is a presumptive secondary condition for moderate and severe TBI under VA policy. Rated 0-100%.
MigrainesPost-traumatic headaches and migraines are among the most common TBI sequelae. Rated 0-50% based on frequency.
TinnitusBlast exposure causing TBI frequently damages hearing. Tinnitus is rated at a flat 10%.
RadiculopathySpinal injuries accompanying TBI events can cause radiculopathy. Rated 10-40% per affected extremity.
SourcesLast reviewed: May 2026
TBI VA Rating FAQ
How does the VA rate TBI?
The VA rates TBI under diagnostic code 8045 using a 10-facet evaluation covering cognitive, neurobehavioral, and physical impairments. Each facet is assigned a level (0 through 3, or T for total), and the overall rating is determined by the highest facet level: level 1 = 10%, level 2 = 40%, level 3 = 70%, level T = 100%.
What is the most common TBI VA rating?
The 10% rating (level 1, mild impairment) is the most frequently assigned TBI rating. Veterans with moderate-to-severe TBI often achieve 40% or 70%, particularly when memory, executive function, or neurobehavioral impairment significantly affects daily life and employment.
Can TBI be rated at 100%?
Yes. A 100% (total) TBI rating applies when the veteran has total occupational and social impairment, such as persistent vegetative state, complete disorientation, or severe motor impairment. Veterans who do not reach 100% schedular but cannot work due to TBI may qualify for TDIU.
What secondary conditions can I claim with TBI?
Common TBI secondary conditions include sleep apnea, PTSD, depression, migraines, tinnitus from blast exposure, and radiculopathy if a spinal injury accompanied the TBI event. Each secondary condition adds its own disability rating to your combined total.
Is TBI a presumptive VA condition?
TBI is not a blanket presumptive condition, but certain diagnoses are presumptive secondary to TBI. Under VA policy, Parkinsonism, unprovoked seizures, certain dementias, depression, and hormone deficiency are presumptively associated with moderate or severe TBI. No nexus letter is required for those specific secondary conditions.
How do I prove TBI for VA purposes?
You need a current TBI diagnosis, an in-service event (blast exposure, vehicle accident, fall, assault), and a medical nexus linking the two. Service treatment records, military incident reports, buddy statements, and post-deployment neurological evaluations all serve as supporting evidence.
Can TBI qualify for TDIU?
Yes. If TBI (alone or combined with other service-connected conditions) prevents all substantially gainful employment and your combined rating meets TDIU thresholds (60% single or 70% combined with one at 40%), you can claim TDIU. Many veterans with 70% TBI pursue TDIU rather than attempting the 100% schedular standard.