Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a serious injury to the head that can lead to various health issues.
Besides the immediate effects of TBI, many veterans experience secondary conditions — additional health problems that develop as a result of the initial injury.
Knowing these conditions is crucial for understanding and accessing your VA benefits.
VA-Recognized Secondary Conditions for TBI
The VA automatically links certain conditions to TBI, known as ‘presumptive conditions.’
If you have any of these, it can make getting benefits easier:
- Parkinson’s Disease and/or Parkinsonism
- Seizures that aren’t caused by other factors
- Dementia if it starts within 15 years after a moderate or severe TBI
- Depression within three years of a moderate or severe TBI, or one year of a mild TBI
- Hormone problems caused by damage to certain brain parts within a year of a moderate or severe TBI
Other Potential Secondary Conditions
These conditions might be linked to your TBI, but you’ll need to show proof:
- PTSD
- Depression (outside the VA’s automatic list)
- Sleep apnea
- Migraine headaches
- Tinnitus
Primary Effects of TBI
A TBI can cause immediate health issues like:
- Headaches
- Memory problems
- Mood changes
- Behavior alterations
Understanding these effects is key to recognizing how TBI may impact your life. Learn more about TBI and its effects in our detailed TBI Guide below.
Want to learn more about TBIs? Read our guide by clicking here!
Proving the Connection
For VA-recognized “presumptive” secondary conditions, you don’t need to prove they’re from your TBI. Just provide your symptoms. For other conditions, evidence like a nexus letter from your doctor is essential.
Building Your Case
To claim benefits for non-presumptive secondary conditions, you’ll need medical evidence linking them to your TBI.
It’s important to stay aware of any new health issues if you have a TBI. Recognizing and addressing these secondary conditions is key to managing your health and securing the benefits you’re entitled to.
A Veterans benefits attorney can guide you through this process if you are filing for an appeal for secondary conditions related to TBIs.
Considering a Lawyer for an Appeal?
A lawyer can offer crucial support and clarity in understanding your rights and the intricacies of Veterans Law. If you’re unsure about your situation and are seeking an appeal, legal advice might be the next best step.
Click below to learn more about why a lawyer could assist you.
Click here to learn more about why a veterans lawyer might be right for you.
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