When it comes to VA disability benefits, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are often considered together.
The VA gives each a separate rating, but sometimes they might be rated as one if they show the same symptoms.
It’s important to know the different signs of TBI and PTSD to get the right rating.
Understanding TBI and PTSD in Veterans
What is TBI?
TBI happens when a sudden injury damages your brain.
Veterans might get it from things like a hard fall or a blast during combat.
It can affect you in different ways:
- Cognitive: Trouble thinking, focusing, or remembering.
- Emotional: Feeling anxious, sad, or getting upset easily.
- Physical: Problems with movement, balance, or vision.
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What is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition that can happen after seeing or living through something really scary or traumatic.
It shows up in several ways:
- Intrusive Thoughts: Bad memories or nightmares that keep coming back.
- Avoidance: Staying away from people or places that remind you of the trauma.
- Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Feeling bad about yourself or the world.
- Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: Getting angry easily or feeling on edge.
Want to learn everything you need to know about getting rated for PTSD? Check out our guide below.
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TBI and PTSD: Separate or Combined Ratings?
Sometimes, the VA will give separate ratings for TBI and PTSD.
Other times, TBI PTSD combined ratings are assigned.
For example, if your TBI and PTSD symptoms are very different, you’ll get separate ratings.
But if the symptoms overlap a lot, you might get one combined rating.
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Key Differences Between TBI and PTSD Symptoms
It’s important to know which symptoms are from TBI and which are from PTSD:
- TBI often causes physical problems like headaches or dizziness.
- PTSD usually involves feeling very stressed or having emotional reactions.
The graph above illustrates the symptoms of PTSD, TBI and those that overlap.
Blue bars indicate PTSD symptoms.
Red bars indicate TBI symptoms.
Purple bars indicate overlapping symptoms of both disorders.
Steps to Ensure Accurate Rating
When getting ready for your VA rating, remember these tips:
- Write down all your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
- Get medical check-ups and reports to show the VA.
Think You Should Be Rated for PTSD & TBI Benefits But Were Denied? Remember, Your Time is as Important as Your Claim
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