How to file a VA TBI claim (38 CFR 4.124a DC 8045)

5-step Schema.org HowTo for TBI — critical for post-9/11 combat veterans. 10-facet evaluation table (highest facet sets rating; NOT sum). VA Polytrauma System of Care, neuropsychological assessment, blast/IED/vehicle exposure documentation. CRITICAL: TBI + PTSD separately ratable (38 CFR 4.14 pyramiding doesn't apply — different causes). SMC-T pathway for severe TBI requiring aid-and-attendance (paid at the SMC-R.2 rate, $11,271.67/mo for a veteran alone, the highest basic SMC rate). Cascade strategy: migraines, sleep apnea, tinnitus, depression, post-traumatic hypopituitarism, seizures, vestibular.