How Does the VA Evaluate Traumatic Brain Injury?
The reported that brain injuries account for 22% of combat casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan. If you or a loved one has (TBI) resulting from military service, we recommend calling a VA disability attorney as soon as possible. You may be eligible to receive VA disability compensation. In this blog post, we explain what a traumatic brain injury is and how the VA evaluates such cases. For more information, we recommend setting up a consultation with a veterans disability lawyer near you.
If you have any questions/concerns after reading this article, please feel free to contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury happens when a foreign object pierces through the skull and brain (like a bullet) or the body is met with enough force to cause the brain to slam against the inside of the skull. Both of these events can cause temporary or permanent brain damage. Many Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have traumatic brain injuries because insurgents commonly use roadside bombs (IEDs) and other explosives.
What are the symptoms of traumatic brain injury?
include:
- Severe headache
- Disorientation or confusion
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dilated eye pupils
- Memory loss for time immediately before or after injury occurred
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Coma
It’s important to understand that there are many more symptoms of TBI that aren’t listed here. The symptoms you or a loved one experiences will depend on the severity and type of brain damage. If you suspect you or a loved one has brain damage from military service, we recommend seeing a doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose your medical condition so you can file a .
How does traumatic brain injury affect veterans?
Traumatic brain injuries can make it difficult for veterans to integrate with society after military service. Symptoms of TBI can interfere with being able to maintain steady employment and family relationships. If traumatic brain injury is experienced with other conditions, such as depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it may create difficulty with self-care and maintaining independence. A VA brain injury attorney will be able to help you file a so you can get the compensation you deserve.
How does the VA evaluate traumatic brain injury?
In 2007, the VA created a TBI screening questionnaire to access veterans for mild TBI symptoms. VA health care professionals are required to screen all Iraq and Afghanistan veterans for mild TBI when they seek treatment. If the veteran shows symptoms of TBI, they are referred to an appropriate specialist for further care.
In the past, the was criticized for not recognizing the residual effects of traumatic brain injury for VA disability compensation. Thankfully, the VA has revised their rules since then under the regulation 38 CFR 3.310. If you have a service-related traumatic brain injury, it is assumed that certain health conditions arose because of the brain damage. These presumed health conditions include Parkinson’s disease, seizures, certain dementias, depression, and hormone deficiency diseases.
While , it’s important that you have the necessary evidence to prove the onset and severity of disabilities. A VA disability lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for service-related brain injuries.
Ready to learn more?
The Kalamazoo VA disability lawyers at VA Disability Group PLLC are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve for service-related disabilities. If you need help filing a VA disability claim for traumatic brain injury, give us a call at 1-844-VET-LAWS.
[This blog has been updated.]
