You can file a VA Disability claim for TBI by submitting form VA Form 21–526EZ online, by mail, or in person. Before you start, collect medical records and other supporting documentation that show your diagnosis, the extent of your impairment, and how it impacts your daily life.
If the VA denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. An attorney who works with Disability benefits can help you understand the process, choose the best path, and represent you in hearings when necessary.
Our Veterans Affairs Disability benefits claims lawyers have 120 years of combined experience, advocating for veterans and others to help them get the benefits they need. Call to schedule your free consultation and find out how we can help with your VA Disability claim for TBI.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Confirm Your Service-Connected TBI Diagnosis
A VA claim for TBI requires a medical diagnosis showing a brain injury linked to your military service. Documentation should detail when and how the injury occurred, as well as ongoing symptoms such as memory issues, headaches, or mood changes.
You’ll also need credible medical evidence or service records identifying the incident. Statements from fellow service members or family describing your behavior changes after injury can strengthen your case.
Evidence and documentation that can support your claim include:
- Service treatment records
- Post-service VA or civilian medical reports
- In-service accident or incident reports
- Personal statements from witnesses or relatives
- Records of hospitalizations
- Neurological exam results
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
File Your Claim
File your VA Disability claim for TBI using VA Form 21–526EZ. The form will ask for information about your injury, service history, and treatment. You can create an account at VA.gov and file your claim online, mail it directly to your regional VA office, or submit it in person.
Free help is available through local Veterans Service Officers. These are trained volunteers who can help you understand what benefits are available to you and complete your application. Many of them are veterans who rely on the VA for services themselves.
Attend the Compensation and Pension Exam
Once the VA has received your traumatic brain injury VA claim, it will schedule a Compensation and Pension exam with a VA clinician or contracted specialist. They will review your medical history, conduct cognitive and neurological tests, and document functional impairments.
Expect questions about concentration, headaches, emotional control, and limitations in daily activities. Be honest and thorough when describing symptoms, and do not skip the exam. The results have a strong influence on your final service-connected disability rating.
Receive Your VA Disability Decision Letter
After the results of your Compensation and Pension exam, your claim enters the decision phase. A VA rating specialist will review your documentation to assign your service–connected disability percentage. This is based on how your symptoms impact your work and daily life.
You’ll receive your VA Disability decision letter explaining the outcome, assigned percentage, and effective date. If approved, your monthly compensation begins automatically. If your claim is denied or if you disagree with your rating, you can appeal the VA’s decision.
File a Secondary Claim (if Relevant)
If you experience conditions related to your traumatic brain injury, such as migraines, depression, anxiety, vision problems, or sleep disorders, you may file for secondary conditions.
A secondary claim can increase your overall compensation.
Submit a new or supplemental claim using VA Form 21–526EZ or 20–0995. Include supporting evidence that shows onset timing and how your symptoms are interconnected. VA doctors or private specialists can provide nexus letters confirming causation.
If the VA Denies Your Claim
You have the right to appeal if the VA denies your TBI Disability claim, or if you believe the service-connected disability rating they’ve assigned is too low. You have several options:
- Request a Higher–Level Review for a new evaluation without new evidence
- Submit a Supplemental Claim with new evidence for the VA to consider
- Request a Board Appeal for review by a Veterans Law Judge
Our VA Disability attorneys can help you understand the pros and cons of each approach and which is most appropriate for your situation. We’ll walk you through the appeals process, help with collecting evidence and medical records, and represent you in hearings.
Get Help With Your VA Disability Claim for TBI
You can submit VA Form 21-526EZ to file for a VA Disability claim for TBI. The easiest way to do so is online, but you can also send it by mail or deliver it in person to your regional VA office. This kicks off the claims process so you can begin receiving benefits.
Unfortunately, even when you have a valid TBI diagnosis and you believe you have included all the necessary paperwork, the VA may deny your claim anyway. This can happen for many reasons, including mistakes made by you or the VA. Our attorneys can help you appeal.
The legal team at Marc Whitehead & Associates will review the reason for the VA’s denial, help you understand the next steps, and work to get you the benefits you have earned through your service.
Call now for our free consultation to get started.