A TBI C&P Exam is an appointment most every veteran has to go through to get their VA disability benefits for a brain injury.
It’s done to see if your brain injury is connected to your service.
We’ve got everything you need to know to understand and be successful. Keep reading!
And if you want a great video explaining about TBI C&Ps from our experts at Hill & Ponton, watch below.
The Purpose of the Exam
This exam helps to prove that your brain injury (called TBI) happened because of your time in the service.
It’s a key step in getting your disability benefits.
When to Expect This Exam
You’ll likely have this exam if you claim a brain injury from your time in service, especially if it was sudden, like from a fall or blast.
Some of the things a medical examiner may do during your exam could include:
- Physical Exam
- Medical History
- Tests like an X-Ray or Motor Functions Exams (reflexes, sensory, cognitive impairments)
Who Conducts the TBI C&P Exam?
Professionals like neurologists or psychiatrists do this exam.
They know a lot about brain injuries and can give the right opinion.
Want a closer look at C&P Exams? We have everything you need to know.
Documenting Injuries
Keeping track of any head injuries during your service is crucial.
This means writing down things such as:
- The details of the incident (how and when it happened)
- Medical Documentation
- Lay Statements from fellow soldiers/veterans, family and friends
- Personal Statements
TBI Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the crucial first step in filing a claim for VA benefits.
TBIs are medically categorized as mild, moderate, or severe.
This classification is based on a combination of medical tests and the severity of symptoms you’re experiencing.
Understanding TBI Severity
- Mild TBIs: Often referred to as concussions, the residual symptoms of mild TBIs typically resolve within about six months. However, in some cases, symptoms may persist longer.
- Moderate to Severe TBIs: These can lead to long-lasting or even permanent symptoms. Sometimes, serious conditions like Parkinson’s disease or dementia can manifest years after the initial injury.
The VA’s Diagnostic Criteria
To determine the severity of a TBI, the VA considers four key factors:
- Structural Imaging: CT scans are commonly used for TBI diagnosis. It’s worth noting that even severe TBIs can sometimes show normal imaging results. Abnormal results usually indicate a moderate or severe TBI.
- Duration of Unconsciousness:
- Mild: Loss of consciousness for up to 30 minutes.
- Moderate: Loss of consciousness for 30 minutes to 24 hours.
- Severe: Loss of consciousness for more than 24 hours.
- Mental State Post-Trauma: This involves assessing the trauma-induced altered mental state. Symptoms include confusion, disorientation, and difficulty in recalling events surrounding the injury.
- Mild: Symptoms lasting less than 24 hours.
- Moderate to Severe: Symptoms persisting for over 24 hours.
- Length of Post-Traumatic Amnesia: Known as the period of confusion following a TBI.
- Mild: Amnesia lasting up to one day.
- Moderate: Amnesia lasting between one and seven days.
- Severe: Amnesia lasting more than seven days.
TBI Residuals and Their Impact
It’s important to understand that the VA’s rating for TBI disability benefits is not solely based on the initial severity of the TBI.
Instead, it focuses on the residual effects of the trauma—how it continues to impact your life.
These are known as TBI Residuals.
This can include ongoing cognitive difficulties, physical limitations, and changes in emotional and behavioral health.
For more information about TBI Residuals, see our guide below.
Don’t know what TBI Residuals are? Click here to learn more!
The Medical Nexus for a TBI
A “medical nexus” is a link between your TBI and your military service.
To establish this, a doctor needs to state that it’s “at least as likely as not” that your TBI was caused by your service.
This opinion should be backed by a reasonable explanation based on your medical history and service records.
Understanding TBI Ratings Post-Exam
The VA rates TBI based on how bad these residuals are.
This affects your benefits.
We’ve covered what a TBI C&P Exam is, who does it, and why it’s important.
Remember, this exam is a very important step in getting your VA benefits for a brain injury.
Need more details on TBI ratings? Check out our Guide on TBI Ratings for more information.
Learn all you need to know about TBI’s and ratings in this guide. Click here!
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Claire Szewczyk is a Digital Content Coordinator for Hill & Ponton, PA in Florida. She was a former US Airforce civilian employee, who worked at Hill Air Force Base, in Layton, UT as a flight testing administrator. She has also spent several years working with the Department of Veterans Affairs audiology programs in Salt Lake City, UT and Pocatello, ID. She enjoys working with the Veteran population and keeping them up to date with information they need the most.
