Neurological Playbooks

TBI and neurological conditions have unique rating criteria that don't work like other disabilities. These playbooks translate the regulations into evidence you can gather.

The VA rates TBI using a 10-facet system covering memory, judgment, social interaction, and more. Your highest facet level sets your rating. Migraines are rated separately based on frequency and prostrating severity.

Both conditions commonly support secondary claims—TBI can lead to migraines, sleep issues, and mental health conditions. These playbooks cover primary claims and secondary strategies.

Featured

VA Migraine Claim Guide: Get the 50% Rating (DC 8100)

Document prostrating migraine attacks, prove service connection or secondary link, and target the maximum 50% rating under Diagnostic Code 8100. Includes C&P exam tips.

TBI VA Claim Field Manual

Navigate the VA's 10-facet TBI rating system under DC 8045, document cognitive and behavioral residuals, and stage secondary claims for migraines, PTSD, and depression.

All Neurological Playbooks

Cognitive Impact Statement

Document memory, attention, and behavior changes others observe.

Secondary Conditions Finder

Find conditions commonly linked to TBI.

Disability Calculator

See how neurological ratings combine with others.

How does the TBI 10-facet rating system work?

VA evaluates 10 areas: memory, judgment, social interaction, orientation, motor activity, visual-spatial, communication, consciousness, and two subjective symptoms. Each gets a level (0-3 or Total), and your highest level sets the overall rating.

Can TBI and migraines be rated separately?

Yes. Migraines from TBI are rated under a different diagnostic code (DC 8100). Document headache frequency separately from cognitive symptoms to avoid pyramiding issues.

File a Claim Playbooks

Step-by-step VA disability claim guides for new claims, secondary conditions, and TDIU. Lock your effective date, build your evidence, and submit a complete packet.

Decision Review Playbooks

VA decision review guides for Supplemental Claims and Higher-Level Reviews. Choose the right lane, gather new evidence, and fix bad decisions.

Evidence & Exams Playbooks

C&P exam prep and rating increase guides for VA disability claims. Document worsening symptoms, prepare for exams, and build evidence that supports accurate ratings.

Mental Health Playbooks

VA disability claim guides for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Stressor statements, therapy documentation, and C&P exam prep.

Respiratory & Sleep Playbooks

VA disability claim guides for sleep apnea and respiratory conditions. CPAP compliance, secondary connections, and pulmonary evidence strategies.

Pain & Mobility Playbooks

VA disability claim guides for back pain, knee conditions, and joint disabilities. Range of motion documentation, flare-up evidence, and orthopedic C&P exam prep.