Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) VA Disability Claims

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are among the most serious and long-lasting injuries veterans can sustain during military service. Whether caused by combat-related explosions, vehicle accidents, training incidents, or blunt force trauma, TBIs can lead to significant physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides disability compensation and healthcare benefits to veterans suffering from service-connected TBIs, but obtaining the appropriate compensation can be challenging without strong medical and legal support.


Martin and Lerda is dedicated to helping veterans with TBI-related disabilities navigate the VA claims process, ensuring they receive the full benefits and medical care they deserve.

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Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries in Veterans

A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. TBIs are common among service members who have been exposed to:

  • Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and blasts
  • Direct impacts from bullets, shrapnel, or blunt trauma
  • Vehicle crashes during combat or training
  • Falls, parachute accidents, or physical assaults



The effects of a TBI can be immediate or develop over time, leading to long-term disabilities that affect a veteran’s ability to work, maintain relationships, and perform daily activities.

Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries

The severity of a TBI can range from mild to severe, with symptoms that impact a veteran’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.

Physical Symptoms:

  • Chronic headaches and migraines
  • Dizziness, loss of balance, and coordination issues
  • Sensory impairments (vision problems, hearing loss, or tinnitus)
  • Seizures and neurological disorders
  • Sleep disturbances and chronic fatigue


Cognitive Symptoms:

  • Memory loss and difficulty concentrating
  • Impaired problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Slowed processing of information
  • Language and communication difficulties


Emotional & Behavioral Symptoms:

  • Mood swings, irritability, and anger management issues
  • Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
  • Social withdrawal and difficulty maintaining relationships
  • Impulsivity and poor emotional regulation
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Because TBIs often result in a combination of symptoms across multiple body systems, veterans suffering from TBI-related disabilities may qualify for multiple VA benefits.

How the VA Evaluates TBI Disability Claims

To receive VA disability benefits for a Traumatic Brain Injury, a veteran must establish a service connection by providing:

  1. Medical diagnosis of a TBI from a licensed healthcare provider.
  2. Proof of an in-service event that caused or contributed to the brain injury.
  3. A medical nexus linking the TBI to military service.


In many cases, TBIs are accompanied by secondary conditions that may also qualify for VA benefits. These TBI-related conditions include:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Cognitive impairments and memory loss
  • Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders
  • Seizures and epilepsy
  • Depression and mood disorders



The VA assigns disability ratings for TBI cases based on the severity of symptoms and functional impairment. Many veterans struggle to receive the correct rating, as TBIs can have delayed symptoms that worsen over time. Martin and Lerda ensures that veterans receive accurate evaluations and fair compensation for their disabilities.

Proving Service Connection for a TBI

Unlike some other disabilities, TBIs can be difficult to document, particularly if the injury was not immediately treated or not properly recorded in service medical records. Veterans may need to provide:

  • Service records showing combat exposure, vehicle accidents, or other head injuries
  • Medical records and neuropsychological evaluations documenting cognitive decline
  • Statements from fellow service members, family, or friends describing symptoms and behavior  changes
  • Expert medical opinions linking the TBI to service-related events

Many veterans do not realize they are suffering from a TBI until years after their service. Martin and Lerda assists veterans in gathering the necessary medical evidence and documentation to support their claims.

How Martin and Lerda Helps Veterans with TBI Claims

Filing a VA disability claim for a TBI requires a strategic legal approach to ensure that all necessary medical and service records are submitted correctly. Martin and Lerda provides:

  • Assistance in gathering military service records and medical evaluations.
  • Guidance in submitting a Fully Developed Claim (FDC) to expedite VA processing.
  • Collaboration with medical specialists and neurologists to strengthen medical evidence.
  • Legal representation to ensure veterans receive the correct disability rating for their condition.


Veterans suffering from TBI-related disabilities deserve fair compensation, but many claims are undervalued due to inadequate documentation or misdiagnosis. Martin and Lerda ensures that veterans receive the advocacy and support they need to obtain full VA benefits.


Additional Resources for Veterans with TBI

📌  VA Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Benefits
📌  VA Neurological Disorders & TBI Care
📌  Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC)

Take the First Step in Your TBI Disability Claim

Veterans suffering from Traumatic Brain Injuries due to military service deserve fair compensation for their long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges. Martin and Lerda is committed to providing expert legal guidance to ensure veterans secure the benefits and care they need.


Call (412) 271-6800 today to discuss your TBI claim and take the next step toward securing your VA disability benefits.