Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Diagnostic Code 8045 • 38 CFR § 4.124a
Three facets: cognitive, behavioral/emotional, and physical—rated by severity; mental health may be separate DCs
Diagnostic Code
8045
TBI Rating Percentages at a Glance
Total cognitive impairment OR severe behavioral/emotional with other severe facets
Per schedule—objective evidence required
$3,938.58/mo
vet alone
Total cognitive impairment OR severe facet in behavioral/emotional OR physical
High-end impairment in one domain
$1,808.45/mo
vet alone
Moderately severe cognitive + moderately severe behavioral/emotional OR physical
Combined pattern per schedule
$795.84/mo
vet alone
Mild cognitive + mild behavioral/emotional OR physical
Documented objective findings
$180.42/mo
vet alone
Subjective complaints only (headache, dizziness, insomnia)
No objective impairment documented
$0
vet alone
Exact phrasing follows your rating decision and 38 CFR § 4.124a DC 8045. Use your code sheet + regulation side-by-side—facets drive the evaluation.
Complete regulatory criteria, CFR citations, and official rating notes
Real-World Compensation Scenarios
40% TBI + 50% Migraines + 30% MDD
TBI cognitive/physical facet + separate migraine and mental health ratings (when not pyramiding).
~$2,102.15–$2,362.30/mo depending on exact combination—use rating estimator.
70% TBI + TDIU
If single schedular condition is 60%+ or combined 70%+ and you cannot work, TDIU pays the 100% rate ($3,938.58/mo).
$3,938.58/mo
if TDIU granted—same as 100% schedular rate
10% TBI + 70% PTSD + 50% OSA
Stacking: TBI may be 10–40% while PTSD is rated separately when symptoms are distinct. Sleep apnea secondary adds another schedular rating.
Illustrative combined: 90%+ → ~$2,362.30/mo
Complete Rating Criteria (DC 8045)
| Rating | Summary of VA Criteria | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Total impairment of cognitive functioning; OR severe impairment patterns per schedule across facets (see 38 CFR § 4.124a DC 8045). | $3,938.58 |
| 70% | Total cognitive impairment OR severe behavioral/emotional OR severe physical impairment as specified in regulation. | $1,808.45 |
| 40% | Moderately severe cognitive impairment with moderately severe behavioral/emotional OR physical impairment. | $795.84 |
| 10% | Mild cognitive impairment with mild behavioral/emotional OR physical impairment. | $180.42 |
| 0% | Subjective complaints only without objective findings. | $0 |
Always verify the current regulatory text in 38 CFR § 4.124a—criteria are paraphrased here for readability.
Critical Evidence for TBI Claims
Neuropsychological testing
WAIS-IV, RBANS, or full battery showing domains impaired (memory, executive function, processing speed).
TBI DBQ
VA or private examiner completes all three facets with examples from daily life.
In-service event
LOD, MEDEVAC, helmet/blast documentation, vehicle accident line-of-duty investigation.
Lay statements
Spouse/employer on changes in temper, reliability, confusion, fatigue since injury.
Secondary nexus letters
Migraines, vestibular, mental health linked to TBI by specialty providers.
Secondary Conditions Grid
STRONG
STRONG
STRONG
STRONG
STRONG
MODERATE
TBI Claim Timeline
Obtain service records
Incident reports, treatment in theater, post-deployment screenings.
Schedule neuropsych
Objective testing is the backbone of ratings above 0%.
File integrated claim
TBI + secondaries in one filing when possible to preserve effective dates.
C&P exams
Bring family member; prepare facet-specific examples.
Post-decision review
If facets underdeveloped, request reconsideration with new testing.
What Gets You Higher Ratings?
0% → 10–40%
Objective cognitive deficits on testing; workplace errors; failed courses; need for reminders.
40% → 70–100%
Severe facet language—dependence on supervision, inability to manage finances, marked behavioral dyscontrol, or severe physical impairment (seizures, motor loss) per schedule.
Common Mistakes
Relying on “I have headaches”
Without objective findings you may stay at 0%—get testing.
Skipping secondaries
Migraines and mental health often add more combined % than TBI increase alone.
Pyramiding confusion
Don’t duplicate the same symptoms under TBI and mental health without VSO guidance—but distinct diagnoses can both be rated.
FAQs
▸ Can I get PTSD and TBI both?
Often yes when each is diagnosed and symptoms are not duplicatively rated—requires careful medical and legal analysis.
▸ Does blast exposure count?
Yes with documentation—deployment records, post-concussion notes, fellow service member statements.
▸ Should I update if worse?
Yes—file for increase with new neuropsych and updated employment records.
Cross-Links
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.
Free during launch
Save this guide, track your claim, and unlock our tools
Create a free account to save condition guides, track filing progress, and use the Evidence Checklist Generator, Secondary Claims Mapper, and Rating Estimator.
No credit card. Educational information only — not legal or medical advice.