VA Community Care Guide

VA TBI screening and evaluation guide

Quick answer: For VA TBI screening or evaluation, Veterans should document the injury history, current symptoms, functional limits, prior records, and questions about neurology, PM&R, neuropsychology, rehabilitation, headache care, or Community Care referral options.

Last updated 2026-06-23. This independent guide is for research and does not replace VA referral authorization, eligibility decisions, or provider office verification.

What to do next

  1. Write down when the head injury or blast exposure happened and what symptoms started afterward.
  2. Bring or request relevant records, imaging, medication lists, therapy notes, and prior TBI or concussion evaluations when available.
  3. Ask whether VA recommends TBI screening, specialty evaluation, rehabilitation, neurology, PM&R, neuropsychology, or another service.
  4. If Community Care is discussed, confirm the authorized service, provider, date range, and scheduling instructions.

Frequently asked questions

What should Veterans prepare before a TBI evaluation?

Veterans can prepare symptom history, injury timeline, functional concerns, prior records, medications, and questions about specialty or rehabilitation referrals.

Can Community Care be used for TBI-related services?

It may be available when VA authorizes the specific service. Veterans should confirm authorization before scheduling outside care.

What services may be discussed after a TBI screen?

VA may discuss services such as neurology, PM&R, neuropsychology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, vision care, behavioral health, or headache care depending on the Veteran's needs.

Related VA community care pages

VA Community Care Directory is independent and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans should verify eligibility, referral authorization, provider participation, appointment availability, address, and phone details before scheduling.