head injury tbi headache veteran affairs attorney denver CO

TBI Links to Dementia  VA Documentary on TBI


Depending on the extent of the damage, veterans are eligible to receive up to a 100% disability rating for Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) often results from sudden impact or trauma to the head, which causes damage to the brain. Explosive devices, falls, and motor vehicle crashes frequently generate TBI. The symptoms vary widely and can appear immediately following the incident or up to months or weeks after. The severity of TBI can range from short-term loss of consciousness, to long term memory loss and severe brain damage. Many recent studies show a link between PTSD and those who suffer from TBI. According to the VA, symptoms are divided into three main categories: physical, cognitive, and behavioral.

Many cases involving TBI patients require medical expertise and substantial documentation. Often, the VA does not properly evaluate TBI claims, and fails to fully address the long-term symptoms associated with the illness. It is best to contact a professional who has experience with TBI-related cases. Sean Kendall's office has worked with veterans claims for over 20 years. If you have questions about a TBI-related claim, contact us.

Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms Include:

Traumatic brain injury can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. Some signs or symptoms may appear immediately after the traumatic event, while others may appear days or weeks later.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

The signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury may include:

Physical Symptoms

  • Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes
  • No loss of consciousness, but a state of being dazed, confused or disoriented
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Problems with speech
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Dizziness or loss of balance

Sensory Symptoms

  • Sensory problems, such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth or changes in the ability to smell
  • Sensitivity to light or sound

Cognitive or Mental Symptoms

  • Memory or concentration problems
  • Mood changes or mood swings
  • Feeling depressed or anxious

Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries

Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can include any of the signs and symptoms of mild injury, as well as these symptoms that may appear within the first hours to days after a head injury:

Physical Symptoms

  • Loss of consciousness from several minutes to hours
  • Persistent headache or headache that worsens
  • Repeated vomiting or nausea
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes
  • Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
  • Inability to awaken from sleep
  • Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes
  • Loss of coordination

Cognitive or Mental Symptoms

  • Profound confusion
  • Agitation, combativeness or other unusual behavior
  • Slurred speech
  • Coma and other disorders of consciousness

Children's Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms

Infants and young children with brain injuries might not be able to communicate headaches, sensory problems, confusion and similar symptoms. In a child with traumatic brain injury, you may observe:

  • Change in eating or nursing habits
  • Unusual or easy irritability
  • Persistent crying and inability to be consoled
  • Change in ability to pay attention
  • Change in sleep habits
  • Seizures
  • Sad or depressed mood
  • Drowsiness
  • Loss of interest in favorite toys or activities

Let us get in the fight with you

If you have experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above and think it might be linked to your time in the service, or if you you've been previously denied benefits and want to begin the appeals process we can help. Contact us now online or call us at (303) 449-4773

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