Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 8045: Traumatic Brain Injury Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.124a
- Rating range
- 0% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 5
- Body system
- Neurological conditions
The VA rates Traumatic Brain Injury under diagnostic code 8045 in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 8045 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Level 0 impairment in all facets What raters look forno residual impairment |
| 10% | Level 1 impairment in one or more facets (memory, concentration, executive function, judgment, social interaction, communication, motor activity, visual-spatial, neurobehavioral, consciousness) What raters look formild impairment in one area |
| 40% | Level 2 impairment in one or more facets What raters look formoderate impairment |
| 70% | Level 3 impairment in one or more facets, or Level 2 in several What raters look formoderately severe impairment; multiple areas affected |
| 100% | Total impairment in one or more facets What raters look fortotal impairment; unable to function independently |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for TBI. The TBI condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to TBI appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 2,196 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with TBI as the primary issue. The TBI condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe TBI appeals generally rather than DC 8045 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 8045?
Diagnostic code 8045 is the VA rating schedule entry for Traumatic Brain Injury, found in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 8045?
DC 8045 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 40%, 70%, 100%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 8045 require?
The 100% rating for Traumatic Brain Injury requires: Total impairment in one or more facets.