Repeated blast exposure and brain health: building a claim without a diagnosed TBI in service
· Claim Situation
The situation
Not every brain injury involves an explosion that knocked you down. Research now looks at repeated low-level blast from heavy weapons, breaching and artillery. Many Veterans never had a TBI written in their records.
Document the exposure
- MOS and duties: breacher, artillery, mortar, heavy weapons, explosive ordnance, range staff.
- Training records, qualifications and range logs.
- Deployment records and award citations describing combat.
- Buddy statements about specific blasts.
Document the symptoms
- Headaches, memory problems, slowed thinking, irritability, sleep problems, ringing ears, light sensitivity.
- When they started and how they changed.
- Notes from family on changes they noticed.
How VA rates TBI
Residuals of TBI are rated under diagnostic code 8045 (38 CFR 4.124a), which looks at cognitive, emotional, behavioral and physical effects. Some conditions are presumed secondary to moderate or severe TBI (38 CFR 3.310(d)).
Get evaluated
Ask VA or your doctor for a TBI screening and, if positive, a comprehensive evaluation. A medical opinion should address your exposure history.
Read more
See our full guide: Blast exposure, TBI, and your claim.
Get free help
You never have to pay to file an initial VA claim. Free help: a VSO such as DAV, VFW or the American Legion, or a VA-accredited representative.
Educational only, not legal or medical advice. We are not VA-accredited. No one can promise an outcome; VA decides each claim on its own evidence. Rules and rates change; check the linked VA and eCFR sources.