Before the Exam Review your medical records and know your diagnosis, diagnostic code, and current treatment plan Write a detailed personal statement describing how your condition affects your daily life, work, and relationships Note your worst days — the VA rates based on your overall impairment, not your best day List all medications you take for this condition and their side effects Prepare a timeline of your condition from onset through current symptoms Document the original TBI event: date, mechanism of injury, loss of consciousness List all current residual symptoms: headaches, memory problems, mood changes, balance issues Note cognitive difficulties: trouble finding words, following conversations, multitasking Document emotional/behavioral changes since the TBI
During the Exam Be honest — do not exaggerate or minimize your symptoms Describe your worst days, not just how you feel right now If something hurts during a range-of-motion test, say so Mention all functional limitations: sleep, work, chores, driving, social activities Report flare-ups: how often, how long, how severe, and what triggers them Do not say "I'm fine" out of habit — describe your actual condition TBI is rated on 10 facets: memory, judgment, social interaction, orientation, motor activity, visual-spatial orientation, communication, consciousness, neurobehavioral effects, and subjective symptoms The highest-rated facet determines the overall TBI rating Describe each facet honestly — mention your worst days Report all residual conditions: headaches, dizziness, light sensitivity, mood disturbance Residual conditions (migraines, depression, etc.) may be rated separately from the TBI itself