A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) happens when a veteran suffers a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function. Many TBIs occur during combat from blasts, falls, or vehicle accidents, but they can also happen in training or non-combat situations. What makes TBI complicated is that symptoms are not always obvious right away—they can develop gradually and may be mistaken for other problems.
Common TBI symptoms include headaches, dizziness, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, mood swings, and sensitivity to light or sound. In more severe cases, TBI can cause lasting cognitive or physical impairments that make daily living and employment difficult. Some veterans also develop PTSD, depression, or anxiety alongside TBI, making it even harder to manage.
The VA rates TBI based on three main areas: cognitive issues (like memory or attention problems), physical symptoms (such as headaches or seizures), and emotional/behavioral changes. Ratings range from mild to severe, and in some cases, TBI can result in a 100% disability rating. However, many veterans feel their symptoms are minimized during short C&P exams, leading to unfairly low ratings.
One of the biggest concerns veterans have is whether the VA will believe them—especially if the injury wasn’t documented in service records at the time. This is where medical evaluations, buddy statements, and careful documentation become critical.
Our firm works to gather the full picture of how TBI affects a veteran’s life—not just on the day of the exam, but every single day. We also connect TBIs to secondary conditions like migraines, mental health disorders, or balance issues, making sure veterans get credit for the full scope of their injuries.
Next Step: If you suffered a TBI and your symptoms are overlooked, let us help. Contact us to build a case that reflects the full scope of your injury.
