What is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a type of injury that occurs when an external force injures the brain. This can happen due to a violent blow or jolt to the head or body.
TBIs can range from mild (commonly referred to as a concussion) to severe. The severity of a TBI can impact a person’s cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functions.
TBIs are not a genetic or degenerative diseases. However, not everyone realizes they have a TBI, even when the symptoms are chronic and impact their daily lives.
Causes of TBI in Veterans
In the military, TBIs often result from combat-related incidents. These can include exposure to blasts, falls, or military vehicle accidents.
One of the most common causes of TBI in Veterans is exposure to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). These devices can cause a powerful blast wave that can lead to TBI even without a direct hit.
Other causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Veterans can include:
- Gunshot wounds
- Shrapnel injuries
- Physical assaults
Understanding the cause of a TBI can help in service connection of a VA disability claim. Read more facts and statistics on Veterans and TBI.
Assessment of a Traumatic Brain Injury
The assessment of a TBI is based on several critical factors, including the length of time a Veteran experienced unconsciousness or amnesia to medical imaging such as an MRI, PET or CT scan. Furthermore, the score assigned to the initial trauma on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), which is a clinical scale used to accurately assess an individual’s level of consciousness following a brain injury.
VA Disability Ratings for TBI Explained
The VA disability ratings for TBI range from 0% to 100%. A higher rating indicates a more severe disability. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and the impact on daily life.
The VA uses a set of criteria to determine the rating. These include:
- Cognitive impairment
- Emotional or behavioral changes
- Physical symptoms such as headaches or dizziness
- Impairment of vision or hearing
The VA Traumatic Brain Injury ratings are divided into categories based on severity. These categories are mild, moderate, and severe. A mild TBI, often referred to as a concussion, may result in short-term symptoms. These can include headaches, dizziness, or brief loss of consciousness. A moderate to severe TBI can have more lasting effects including cognitive issues, mood changes, and physical impairments.
Secondary Conditions and Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI can also lead to secondary conditions. These are health issues that arise as a result of the injury. Common secondary conditions include mental health disorders, migraine headaches, and tinnitus. Many of the symptoms associated with a TBI overlap with common symptoms of mental health disorders, as well as other similar conditions. Given this, you may not be eligible to receive a separate rating for both TBI and mental health disorders. Instead, the VA will evaluate each condition under the diagnostic code and award a Veteran the one that results in the highest rating.
Chad Barr Law Can Help
If you were recently denied a VA claim – or underrated for the severity of your condition – our VA accredited attorneys at Chad Barr Law can help. We understand the intricacies when it comes to VA appeals and will guide you through the process to get the disability rating you deserve.
Call today at 888-2-VETLAW or fill out our free case evaluation form below.
