How Does the VA Rate Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

How Does the VA Rate Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

Posted On: May 05, 2023

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain suffers damage from a blow, jolt, or penetrating force to the head.

It's a significant problem that may have lasting effects on a person's mind, body, and spirit.

Understanding how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assigns a disability rating to traumatic brain injury (TBI) is vital if you are a veteran seeking compensation for TBI sustained during military service.

What is the VA Disability Rating?

The VA disability rating is a numerical expression of the degree to which a veteran's impairment is attributable to military service.

The VA assigns this grade depending on the degree to which a veteran's health problem prevents them from working and carrying out their everyday responsibilities.

What is the VA Rating System?

The VA assigns a rating to the severity of a veteran's TBI.

The severity of a veteran's impairment due to TBI is considered in this grading system.

The VA assigns a percentage value from 0 to 100, reflecting the degree of impairment caused by traumatic brain injury.

How does the VA Rate TBI?

The VA assigns a grade between moderate and severe TBI depending on the severity of the veteran's symptoms.

The VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities is used to give a percentage of the disability rating to each veteran.

Veterans with a greater proportion of disability are eligible for higher benefits.

Factors Considered by the VA

The VA considers various aspects when assessing TBI veterans.

The following are some of them:

  • Neurological Symptoms:

The VA assesses headaches, dizziness, seizures, and vision or hearing symptoms. The veteran's disability assessment depends on these symptom's severity and frequency.

  • Cognitive Symptoms:

Memory loss, concentration issues, and confusion may result from TBI. The VA assesses how these symptoms affect the veteran's everyday life.

  • Emotional Symptoms:

TBI may cause sadness, anxiety, and mood fluctuations. The VA evaluates these symptom's severity and impact on the veteran's health.

  • Social and Occupational Impairment:

The VA evaluates the veteran's social and occupational skills. If they cannot work or socialize due to TBI symptoms, their disability rating will decrease.

TBI Disability Ratings

Higher VA TBI ratings indicate more disabilities. TBI disability ratings:

  • 0 percent disability rating: This rating is given to veterans with a history of TBI but no symptoms.
  • 10 percent disability rating: The veteran receives this rating if they have minimal cognitive, emotional, or neurological symptoms.
  • 30 percent disability rating: This rating is provided to veterans with moderate cognitive, emotional, or neurological symptoms.
  • 50 percent disability rating: The veteran with significant cognitive, emotional, or neurological symptoms or a mix of all three receives this rating.
  • 70 percent disability rating: This rating is provided if the veteran has total occupational and social disability owing to TBI symptoms.
  • 100 percent disability rating: This rating is provided if the veteran needs a carer owing to TBI symptoms.

What is the Process for Applying for TBI Benefits?

If you are a veteran and have sustained a TBI, the VA may provide you with benefits.

You must fill out an application and present medical documentation of your TBI to get benefits.

The VA may also ask for other exams or information.

If you want to improve your chances of getting VA benefits, hiring an attorney or advocate may help.

These experts can help you successfully apply to the VA, compile the required medical evidence, and make a compelling case.

Concluded Recommendation

Veterans with TBI-related symptoms are encouraged to get medical help and, if qualified, petition for disability compensation from the VA, as detailed here.

The VA's classification system for TBI and the elements they evaluate while deciding on disability compensation are vital to grasp.

Veterans dissatisfied with their disability rating may file an appeal and provide new evidence supporting their claim.

To help them through the complicated appeals process, veterans may also benefit from consulting with a Veterans Service Officer or an experienced attorney.

By doing so, injured soldiers may get the help and benefits they rightfully deserve.