Updated March 2026

TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) VA Disability Rating

Q: How does the VA rate TBI?

The VA rates TBI under Diagnostic Code 8045 using 10 facets of cognitive impairment and subjective symptoms. Each facet is evaluated on a scale of 0 to 3, and the highest facet level determines the overall TBI rating. The facets include memory, attention, concentration, executive functions, judgment, social interaction, orientation, motor activity, visual-spatial orientation, and subjective symptoms. Emotional and behavioral symptoms related to TBI are rated separately under mental health codes.

Q: Can I get separate ratings for TBI and PTSD?

It depends. The VA uses the 'predominant disability' approach. Emotional and behavioral symptoms cannot be rated under both TBI and a mental health condition like PTSD. However, the cognitive and physical residuals of TBI (such as memory loss, concentration problems, and headaches) are rated separately from PTSD symptoms. Many veterans receive both a TBI rating for cognitive impairment and a PTSD rating for emotional symptoms.

Q: What are the most common TBI residuals?

The most common TBI residuals include chronic headaches (migraines), memory and concentration problems, dizziness and balance issues, vision problems, sleep disturbances, irritability and mood changes, and sensitivity to light and noise. Each residual may warrant its own separate VA rating, so documenting all symptoms is important for maximizing your overall compensation.

Diagnostic Code 8045 — Residuals of traumatic brain injury. Rated using 10 facets of cognitive impairment at 0%, 10%, 40%, 70%, or 100%. TBI residuals like migraines, vision problems, and mental health conditions may be rated separately.

Rating Criteria

TBI is rated based on 10 facets of cognitive impairment. Each facet is scored 0–3, and the highest single facet determines the overall rating:

Rating	Criteria (Highest Facet Level)	2026 Monthly Pay
0%	All facets scored at Level 0 — no residual cognitive impairment from TBI.	$0.00
10%	Highest facet at Level 1 — mild impairment. Complaints of mild memory loss, attention difficulty, or mild headaches. Can still function independently.	$180.42
40%	Highest facet at Level 2 — moderate impairment. Moderate memory or attention problems, mildly impaired judgment, occasionally disoriented, some difficulty with complex tasks.	$795.84
70%	Highest facet at Level 3 — severe impairment. Severely impaired memory, judgment, or social interaction. May be unable to perform some activities of daily living without supervision.	$1,808.45
100%	Total impairment — highest facet demonstrates total disability. Complete inability to function independently in cognitive, social, and occupational domains.	$3,938.58

Pay rates shown are for a single veteran with no dependents. View full 2026 rate tables with dependents.

The 10 Facets of TBI

Each facet is evaluated during the TBI C&P exam:

Memory, attention, concentration, executive functions
Judgment
Social interaction
Orientation
Motor activity (with intact motor and sensory system)
Visual-spatial orientation
Subjective symptoms (headaches, dizziness, fatigue)
Neurobehavioral effects
Communication
Consciousness

Common Secondary Conditions

TBI has many residuals that can be rated separately, significantly increasing total compensation:

Migraines (DC 8100) — Post-traumatic headaches are the most common TBI residual. Rated 0–50% based on frequency and severity of prostrating attacks.
PTSD (DC 9411) — TBI and PTSD frequently co-occur, especially from blast injuries. Emotional/behavioral symptoms are rated under mental health codes separately from cognitive TBI facets.
Vision Problems — TBI can cause double vision, reduced visual acuity, and visual field defects. Each can be rated separately under eye diagnostic codes.
Tinnitus (DC 6260) — Blast exposure and head trauma commonly cause tinnitus. Flat 10% rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the VA rate TBI?

The VA rates TBI under Diagnostic Code 8045 using 10 facets of cognitive impairment and subjective symptoms. Each facet is evaluated on a scale of 0 to 3, and the highest facet level determines the overall TBI rating.

Emotional and behavioral symptoms related to TBI are rated separately under mental health codes (such as PTSD).

Can I get separate ratings for TBI and PTSD?

It depends. The VA uses the "predominant disability" approach. Emotional and behavioral symptoms cannot be rated under both TBI and a mental health condition like PTSD. However, the cognitive and physical residuals of TBI (such as memory loss, concentration problems, and headaches) are rated separately from PTSD symptoms.

Many veterans receive both a TBI rating for cognitive impairment and a PTSD rating for emotional symptoms.

What are the most common TBI residuals?

The most common TBI residuals include:

Chronic headaches (migraines)
Memory and concentration problems
Dizziness and balance issues
Vision problems
Sleep disturbances
Irritability and mood changes
Sensitivity to light and noise

Each residual may warrant its own separate VA rating, so documenting all symptoms is important for maximizing your overall compensation.

Calculate your combined VA disability rating with TBI and other conditions.

VA Disability Rating Calculator

In-Depth Guide

For detailed information on TBI C&P exams, the 10-facet evaluation, and filing strategies, read our full guide:

TBI VA Rating 2026 — Full Guide