If a Veteran has a service-connected TBI, what conditions might qualify for a secondary service connection?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have far-ranging effects on a Veteran’s day-to-day life. In many cases, a service-connected TBI can lead to secondary medical conditions that are also eligible for VA disability benefits. Including these secondary conditions is the best way to maximize your monthly compensation.

Conditions Automatically Connected to TBI

The VA has outlined five conditions that can receive a presumed service connection when a Veteran has suffered a service-connected TBI:

• Parkinson’s Disease and/or Parkinsonism
• Seizures that develop after a moderate or severe TBI and have no links to any outside factors
• Dementia that develops with 15 years of a moderate or severe TBI
• Depression that develops within three years of a moderate or severe TBI or within 12 months of a mild TBI
• Hormone deficiencies related to damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland that develop with 12 months of a moderate or severe TBI

If you qualify for a presumed service connection, you do not need to provide evidence linking your condition to your service-connected TBI. You will simply need to submit medical evidence outlining your symptoms so you can be assigned a disability rating for your condition.

Other Conditions Linked to TBI

Depending upon the circumstances surrounding the injury, a Veteran may suffer from other conditions associated with TBI. Examples include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression
• Sleep apnea
• Migraine headaches
• Tinnitus

While these conditions won’t qualify for a presumed service connection, you can receive benefits if you can provide medical evidence linking your condition to your head injury. A nexus letter from a doctor experienced in treating brain injuries is often a crucial part of your claim, but your Veterans benefits attorney can assist you in determining what other types of evidence might be helpful.

We’re Here to Help

The process of obtaining disability compensation can be confusing when you’re already struggling with the effects of a brain injury, but you’re not alone. Veterans benefits lawyer Sean Kendall and his team can help you document your disabilities and obtain the maximum possible compensation. Contact our office today to schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation.