Common Causes of TBI in Military Service

At the Veterans Benefits Law Group, we understand that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most common and often invisible wounds of military service. As a traumatic brain injury attorney in Ridgeland, MS, our firm is dedicated to helping veterans obtain the VA disability benefits and compensation they are entitled to under federal law. If you suffered a traumatic brain injury while serving your country, know that you are not alone and you have legal rights. We are here to help you navigate the complex legal system and fight for your rights.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden injury causes damage to the brain. TBIs can range from mild, commonly known as concussion, to severe, potentially leading to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 450,000 service members have been diagnosed with a TBI since 2000, many linked directly to combat and training-related incidents.

Military-Specific Causes of TBI

While civilians may sustain TBIs from falls or car accidents, service members face unique risks. The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) identifies several leading causes of TBI in the military:

Blast Explosions and Combat Exposure

The most common cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among veterans who served after 9/11 is exposure to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other explosive events. Even if there is no direct head injury, the shock wave from an explosion can damage brain function. According to 38 CFR § 3.303, TBI related to explosions is recognized as a potential service-connected injury if diagnosed and linked to active military duty.

Vehicle Accidents During Service

Military personnel often operate in or ride tactical vehicles, transport trucks, and armored carriers in high-risk situations. Accidents such as rollover, collision, and ejection during transport can cause significant head injuries. The VA recognizes motor vehicle accidents that occur on duty as valid basis for service connection under 38 U.S.C § 1110.

Training Accidents and Falls

Rigorous physical training, airborne operations and obstacle courses involve inherent risks. Falls from heights (e.g., during parachute jumps or climbing exercises) are the leading non-combat cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Even routine activities such as slipping on wet surfaces at the base can result in compensable injuries if they occur while serving in the military.

Sports and Recreational Activities

While less common, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can also occur during organized military sports or physical fitness programs. If the activity was officially sanctioned and part of the service, resulting injuries may still qualify for benefits, especially if medical care was provided through military channels.

Why Documentation Matters

Symptoms of TBI, such as memory lapses, irritability, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating, may not appear immediately after the injury. This delayed onset can make it difficult to prove the severity of the injury. However, the VA Adjudication Procedures Manual (M21-1, Part III, Subpart IV, Chapter 3, Section B) instructs adjudicators to take into account lay evidence (e.g., statements from friends or personal logs) if the service treatment records are not complete.

Crucially, the VA evaluates TBI under 38 CFR § 4.124a and Diagnostic Code 8045. This code evaluates impairment in three categories: cognitive, emotional/behavioral, and physical. Accurate diagnosis and thorough medical documentation are essential for securing an appropriate disability rating.

You Served—Now Let Us Fight for You

At the Veterans Benefits Law Group, we understand that traumatic brain injury (TBI) can significantly alter the course of a person’s life. It can lead to chronic pain, unemployment, depression, and strained relationships, but under federal law, those affected deserve support. Our experienced attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing if we don’t win, and we handle all aspects of your Veterans Affairs (VA) claim, including appeals.

If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of military service, contact our Ridgeland, MS office at (601) 414-3707 for a free and no-obligation consultation. We are proud to serve veterans in Jackson and throughout the area. Your sacrifice is important, and we want to help ensure that you receive the benefits that you deserve.