Memory loss is challenging. Struggling to remember a loved one’s name, missing important meetings, or forgetting details is frustrating for anyone.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
Although there isn’t a specific memory loss VA rating, veterans can still receive benefits for the condition causing their memory loss.
In this article, we describe what memory loss is, list other ratable conditions that can cause memory loss, and discuss how the VA rates those conditions.
In this article about the memory loss VA rating:
What is memory loss?
“Memory loss” is the term used for issues related to forming, storing, or recalling memories. Memory loss can be temporary or permanent, and is characterized by consistent issues recalling things you would normally remember.
Many people experience temporary bouts of forgetfulness without having memory loss. However, if you or a loved display symptoms of forgetfulness in addition to any of the following, you may want to talk to a doctor about whether you have memory loss:
- Aphasia – trouble saying or finding the right word
- Apraxia – difficulty with tasks you could do previously without issue
- Agnosia – trouble recognizing familiar faces or items
- Executive dysfunction – trouble with impulse control, planning, or concentrating
Memory loss VA rating
It’s important to understand the VA typically treats memory loss as a symptom or residual of another condition rather than looking at it as a disability. As such, there is no specific VA rating for memory loss. Instead, the VA will evaluate the service-connected injury or illness that causes the memory loss when assigning a rating.
Veterans with a service-connected memory loss condition like Alzheimer’s and dementia may be eligible for VA disability benefits. However, vets with traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or fibromyalgia may all be at a greater risk of developing memory issues and therefore eligible for increased disability due to memory loss. We explain more about how the VA addresses these illnesses below.
Memory loss and Alzheimer’s or dementia
Alzheimer’s and dementia are two of the most clear cut causes of memory loss. Dementia is the general term for memory loss and loss of other thinking capabilities. Alzheimer’s, a disease that destroys brain function over time, is the most common cause of dementia. Veterans experience a number of risk factors as a result of their service, like PTSD and TBI, that increase the chances of developing dementia.
If you have symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia and your condition connects back to your service, you may be eligible for VA benefits. Alzheimer’s is rated using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders between 0% and 100%.
Memory loss and TBI
Due to the nature of military life, those who serve are at a higher risk of TBI compared to the civilian population. Between 2000 and 2021, nearly half a million U.S. service members were diagnosed with a TBI. As previously mentioned, research has linked TBI’s to significantly higher chances of developing dementia.
Veterans diagnosed with a TBI caused by their military service could be eligible for a TBI VA rating. Memory loss is one cognitive residual considered in the VA’s complicated formula for determining a TBI rating.
Memory loss and PTSD
PTSD is a mental health condition caused by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Seven percent of all veterans will experience PTSD sometime in their life.
Research has shown a link between having a PTSD diagnosis and memory loss. One study found veterans with PTSD are more likely to experience memory impairment than their civilian counterparts.
It is possible to service-connect PTSD and get a VA rating for PTSD between 0% and 100%. In fact, severity of memory loss is a part of the PTSD rating criteria, meaning experiencing memory loss may increase your rating.
Memory loss and fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disease characterized by unexplained widespread pain, fatigue, sleep, mood, and memory issues that persist for more than three months. Research has found fibromyalgia patients have impairment of three memory types: working, episodic, and semantic.
Although the exact cause of the disease is unknown, researchers believe there may be a link between stress, poor sleep, and developing fibromyalgia. Because the nature of military service often involves disrupted, irregular sleep and stress, service members and veterans may be more likely to have fibromyalgia.
Veterans whose fibromyalgia was caused by service are owed a VA disability rating between 10% and 40%. If you experience memory loss due to your fibromyalgia, you could be awarded an increased rating.
I love this law firm. They worked very hard and won my case and then blessed my family when I was still trying to fix some issues. If you need a law firm, this is the one to get to help you.”
B.R., Army veteran from South Carolina
From a Google review for Woods & Woods
VA memory loss test
In order to determine how severe memory loss is, the VA may ask a veteran to submit the results of a memory loss test. A memory loss test isn’t an official test done by the VA, but is instead conducted by a physician that may support the claim. There is also no one true memory loss test, but there are a range of screening tools and tests doctors may use. Some are designed for Alzheimer’s patients, while others generally assess a patient’s level of cognitive impairment.
The results of a memory loss test should help the VA understand how severe your memory loss symptoms are. Results may also indicate whether your symptoms are temporary or permanent. Your doctor may also want to include a statement on whether or not they believe your memory loss is service-connected.
TDIU for memory loss
In some cases, a veteran may be awarded total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for memory loss or related conditions. TDIU is also known as individual unemployability or simply IU. Veterans are eligible for these benefits if they can’t hold down “substantially gainful” employment due to their service-connected conditions.
Veterans who receive TDIU benefits are compensated at the same level as those with a 100% disability rating, even though their combined rating is below 100%.
Veterans will typically be eligible for TDIU if they have:
- At least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling OR
- Two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Research has shown a link between PTSD diagnoses and memory loss. Compared to those without PTSD, veterans with PTSD are more likely to experience memory impairment. One study also found veterans with PTSD were almost twice as likely to develop dementia as veterans without PTSD.
The VA typically treats memory loss as a symptom or residual of another condition rather than looking at it as a disability. As such, there is no specific VA rating for memory loss. Instead, the VA will typically evaluate the service-connected injury or illness that causes the memory loss when assigning a rating.
Neil Woods
VA disability attorney
Woods & Woods
Neil Woods is the firm’s owner and president. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
