DC 8045 — Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Also known as: head injury, tbi, traumatic brain injury, Traumatic brain injury residuals, concussion, brain injury, blast injury, IED, memory loss, brain fog, cognitive issues, cognitive decline, traumatic brain injury residuals
These are commonly claimed secondary connections linked to this primary disability. Use them as a screening tool for conversations with your doctor, VSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) → Major depressive disorder
How the connection is commonly explained
TBI directly affects brain chemistry and mood regulation.
Filing tip
Ask your doctor to clearly state that the secondary condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the primary service-connected condition. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how residuals of traumatic brain injury (tbi) led to or worsened major depressive disorder.
Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) → Migraine
How the connection is commonly explained
Post-traumatic headaches are one of the most common TBI sequelae.
Filing tip
Ask your doctor to clearly state that the secondary condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the primary service-connected condition. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how residuals of traumatic brain injury (tbi) led to or worsened migraine.
Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) → Posttraumatic stress disorder
How the connection is commonly explained
The traumatic event causing TBI frequently also causes PTSD.
Filing tip
Ask your doctor to clearly state that the secondary condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the primary service-connected condition. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how residuals of traumatic brain injury (tbi) led to or worsened posttraumatic stress disorder.
Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) → Grand mal
How the connection is commonly explained
TBI increases the risk of post-traumatic epilepsy and seizures.
Filing tip
A nexus letter and treatment records explaining the progression from the primary condition to the secondary condition can make a big difference. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how residuals of traumatic brain injury (tbi) led to or worsened grand mal.
Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) → Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to another medical condition or substance/medication-induced major or mild neurocognitive disorder
How the connection is commonly explained
TBI can cause lasting cognitive impairment.
Filing tip
A nexus letter and treatment records explaining the progression from the primary condition to the secondary condition can make a big difference. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how residuals of traumatic brain injury (tbi) led to or worsened major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to another medical condition or substance/medication-induced major or mild neurocognitive disorder.
Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) → Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified
How the connection is commonly explained
TBI can damage visual processing pathways and lead to chronic vision problems.
Filing tip
A nexus letter and treatment records explaining the progression from the primary condition to the secondary condition can make a big difference. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how residuals of traumatic brain injury (tbi) led to or worsened retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified.
Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) → Sleep Apnea Syndromes
How the connection is commonly explained
TBI can cause neurological changes that affect breathing during sleep.
Filing tip
A nexus letter and treatment records explaining the progression from the primary condition to the secondary condition can make a big difference. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how residuals of traumatic brain injury (tbi) led to or worsened sleep apnea syndromes.
Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) → Tinnitus, recurrent
How the connection is commonly explained
Blast injuries that cause TBI also frequently damage hearing and worsen tinnitus.
Filing tip
A nexus letter and treatment records explaining the progression from the primary condition to the secondary condition can make a big difference. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how residuals of traumatic brain injury (tbi) led to or worsened tinnitus, recurrent.
This condition may also be secondary to
Seizures can worsen or be caused by TBI — bidirectional
Sleep apnea worsens TBI recovery and cognitive symptoms.
How to File a Secondary Claim
Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.