Traumatic Brain Injury is one of the signature wounds of post-9/11 conflicts — and one of the most complex VA disability conditions to rate accurately. Many TBI veterans are under-rated because the full scope of their symptoms — cognitive, emotional, physical — isn't captured in a single exam. Here's the complete 2026 breakdown.
The VA rates TBI under DC 8045 using 10 facets of function. Ratings can be 0–100% based on the most severe facet rating. TBI and PTSD frequently co-occur — both can be rated separately. Secondary conditions including sleep apnea, depression, migraines, and hormonal conditions are all ratable. Use our combined rating calculator.
How the VA Rates TBI — The 10-Facet System
The VA evaluates TBI across 10 different functional areas (facets). Each facet is rated from 0–3 (where 3 is most severe). The highest single facet score determines the overall TBI rating:
| Facet Score | Overall TBI Rating | Monthly Pay (Alone) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (all facets) | 0% | $0 |
| 1 (any facet) | 10% | $175.51 |
| 2 (any facet) | 40% | $673.28 |
| 3 (any facet) | 70% | $1,760.58 |
| Total occupational and social impairment | 100% | $3,737.85 |
The 10 TBI Rating Facets
- Memory, attention, concentration, executive functions
- Judgment
- Social interaction
- Orientation
- Motor activity
- Visual spatial orientation
- Subjective symptoms
- Neurobehavioral effects
- Communication
- Consciousness
TBI and PTSD — Can You Have Both?
Yes — and both can be rated separately. TBI and PTSD frequently co-occur in combat veterans. However, the VA has a rule against "pyramiding" — rating the same symptoms twice. If a symptom is caused by both TBI and PTSD, it can only be counted once. Work with your providers to clearly document which symptoms are attributable to each condition to maximize your combined rating. See our PTSD guide for the full rating criteria.
Secondary Conditions from TBI
- Sleep apnea — TBI disrupts brainstem breathing control. See our sleep apnea guide.
- Migraines — Extremely common TBI secondary condition. See our migraine guide.
- Depression/anxiety — TBI disrupts emotional regulation. See our mental health guide.
- Hormonal conditions — TBI can damage the pituitary gland causing hormone deficiencies — each rated separately
- Seizure disorders — Post-traumatic epilepsy, rated under neurological codes