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Traumatic Brain Injury
Veteran’s guide to VA disability compensation, presumptive eligibility, filing the claim, and finding help.
At-a-glance
Presumptive status:
Residuals rated under 38 CFR § 4.124a (cognitive, emotional/behavioral, physical subjective symptoms).
Residuals rated under 38 CFR § 4.124a (cognitive, emotional/behavioral, physical subjective symptoms).
Rating tiers:
Each residual rated 0/10/40/70/100 on a 10-facet scale — summed by highest facet.
Each residual rated 0/10/40/70/100 on a 10-facet scale — summed by highest facet.
Step-by-step guide
How to file a VA TBI claim — 10-facet rating + secondary cascade
Read the full guide →How common is TBI among veterans?
Between 300,000 and 400,000 post-9/11 veterans have sustained a TBI during service. Undiagnosed prevalence is higher.
What every veteran should know
- TBI residuals can include cognitive changes, headache disorder, mood disorder, sleep disruption — rated separately.
- If the TBI occurred in-service, VA presumes the residuals are service-connected.
- Blast-exposure without a documented "event" still counts. Breacher exposure, close-proximity fires.
- MRI is NOT required for TBI claims. Medical-record review + symptom tracking is sufficient.
- Many TBI veterans qualify for simultaneous PTSD claim — do not let the VA bundle them.
What to do next
Check PACT Act eligibility →
Our free matcher checks your service era against 60+ presumptive conditions.
Find a County VSO (free claims help) →
County or state service officers file claims for you at no charge.
Download VA Form 21-526EZ + 21-0960C-9 (Traumatic Brain Injury DBQ) →
Official VA form for TBI claims. File directly or work through a CVSO.
Other veteran-condition guides
Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderMilitary Sexual TraumaBurn Pit and Airborne Hazards ExposureAgent Orange Herbicide ExposureGulf War Illness (Chronic Multisymptom Illness)Sleep Apnea — VA Disability Rating GuideTinnitus — VA Disability Rating GuideHearing Loss — VA Disability Rating GuideCamp Lejeune Water Contamination — Veterans and FamiliesDepression — VA Disability Rating GuideAnxiety — VA Disability Rating Guide
Informational only — not legal, medical, or clinical advice. Maintained by Wounded Warriors , a Texas 501(c)(3) public charity, EIN 86-1336741. Verify our credentials or support our mission.