The VA TBI Claims Playbook
How to File, Rate, and Win VA Disability for Traumatic Brain Injury and Its Secondary Conditions
Your Toolkit Includes
Editable guides, templates, trackers, and calculators designed to be used alongside the book. Each file mirrors a concept or chapter from the guide — download what you need, fill it in, and build your claim package at your own pace.
The VA TBI Claims Playbook
FWD Assist Publishing
Built by Joshua Christopherson. VA disability claims educator. Air Force and Air National Guard disabled veteran with hands-on VSO experience.
Get the one-page TBI filing master checklist.
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About This Topic
A thorough guide to VA disability claims for traumatic brain injury, covering the VA's special TBI rating process, the ten symptom categories the VA uses to rate TBI, and the secondary conditions — including PTSD, sleep disorders, cognitive issues, and headaches — that flow from a TBI diagnosis.
What the Book Covers
Key topics and takeaways from The VA TBI Claims Playbook:
Who This Is For
- Veterans with a traumatic brain injury diagnosis
- Veterans who suspect TBI but haven't been formally diagnosed
- Veterans with TBI-related secondary conditions like headaches or sleep disorders
- Anyone trying to understand the VA's unique TBI rating process
Download the Entire Toolkit
All 23 files in one zip · 0.3 MB
Companion Toolkit
23 files for The VA TBI Claims Playbook — Organized by when you need them in the claims process.
Assessment & Preparation
3 files
DC 8045 Rating Criteria Guide
DOCXReference the DC 8045 TBI rating criteria and 10-facet assessment framework
13 KB
Evidence Building
12 files
C-File Request Guide Tracker
XLSXRequest and track your VA C-File to verify what evidence VA already has
10 KB
Neuropsych Evaluation Prep Kit
DOCXPrepare for the neuropsychological evaluation used in TBI rating decisions
11 KB
TBI C&P Exam Battle Plan
DOCXPrepare for your C&P exam with a day-of checklist and strategy guide
13 KB
TBI Domain Symptom Worksheet
DOCXTrack TBI symptoms across the 10 facets VA uses for DC 8045 ratings
12 KB
TBI Evidence Package Organizer
XLSXAssemble the complete evidence package VA needs to rate your claim
7 KB
TBI Secondary Conditions Mapper
XLSXIdentify and file secondary conditions linked to your TBI diagnosis
8 KB
Statements & Letters
2 files
Filing & Submission
2 files
Tracking & Monitoring
3 files
Claims Master Tracker
XLSXTrack every claim, rating, effective date, and status in one master spreadsheet
11 KB
How to Use This Toolkit
Every file is yours to keep. The Word documents (.docx) are your guides, templates, and letter builders — open them, fill in your information, and use them with your claim. The spreadsheets (.xlsx) are your trackers and calculators — they include real formulas that do the math for you. Save them to your computer and update them as your situation changes.
Related Topics
The VA Migraine Claims Playbook
How to File, Document, and Win VA Disability for Migraines, Chronic Headaches, and Headache Disorders
The VA PTSD Claims Playbook
How to File, Document, and Win VA Disability Compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
VA Secondary Claims Manual
How to Claim VA Disability for Conditions Caused or Aggravated by Your Service-Connected Injuries
Disclaimer: FWD Assist HQ and FWD Assist Publishing provide educational resources only. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice, medical advice, or accredited representation. Always consult with an accredited VA attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Officer for personalized guidance.