How the VA Rates Traumatic Brain Injury

The rating levels

Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8045 (Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment and Other Residuals of TBI Not Otherwise Classified) for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.

1. 100%

   $3,938.58/month

   Any facet evaluated as "total" (e.g., objective evidence on testing of severe impairment of memory, attention, concentration, or executive functions resulting in severe functional impairment; severely impaired judgment; consistent disorientation to two or more aspects of orientation; complete inability to communicate; or any impaired level of consciousness).

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Severe impairment on neuropsychological testing with severe functional impairment
   • Persistent vegetative state or other impaired consciousness
   • Usually unable to make reasonable decisions even for routine, familiar matters
2. 70%

   $1,808.45/month

   Highest facet level is 3 (e.g., objective evidence on testing of moderate impairment of memory, attention, concentration, or executive functions resulting in moderate functional impairment; or moderately severely impaired judgment; or often disoriented to two or more aspects of orientation; or neurobehavioral effects that interfere with or preclude workplace or social interaction on most days or occasionally require supervision for safety).

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Moderate impairment shown on neuropsychological testing, with moderate functional impairment
   • Occasionally unable to make reasonable decisions even for routine, familiar matters
   • Neurobehavioral effects that interfere with or preclude work or social interaction on most days
3. 40%

   $795.84/month

   Highest facet level is 2 (e.g., objective evidence on testing of mild impairment of memory, attention, concentration, or executive functions resulting in mild functional impairment; or three or more subjective symptoms that moderately interfere with work, instrumental activities of daily living, or close relationships; or moderately impaired judgment; or neurobehavioral effects that frequently interfere with workplace or social interaction).

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Mild impairment shown on neuropsychological testing, with mild functional impairment
   • Three or more subjective symptoms that moderately interfere (e.g., marked fatigability, blurred or double vision, headaches requiring rest periods during most days)
   • Neurobehavioral effects that frequently interfere at work or socially
4. 10%

   $180.42/month

   Highest facet level is 1 (e.g., a complaint of mild loss of memory, attention, concentration, or executive functions but without objective evidence on testing; or three or more subjective symptoms that mildly interfere with work, instrumental activities of daily living, or close relationships; or neurobehavioral effects that occasionally interfere with workplace or social interaction).

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Complaints of mild memory or concentration problems (not yet shown on testing)
   • Three or more subjective symptoms that mildly interfere (e.g., intermittent dizziness, daily mild to moderate headaches, tinnitus, frequent insomnia, light or sound sensitivity)
   • Irritability or other neurobehavioral effects that occasionally interfere at work or socially
5. 0%

   $0/month (0% is still service-connected)

   Highest facet level is 0 (e.g., memory/attention: no complaints of impairment; subjective symptoms that do not interfere with work, instrumental activities of daily living, or close relationships — such as mild or occasional headaches, mild anxiety).

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Mild or occasional headaches
   • Mild anxiety
   • Symptoms do not interfere with work, daily activities, or relationships

The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.