For decades, U.S. service members were unknowingly exposed to hazardous chemicals during military service. While some effects were immediate, others emerged years later, quietly altering cognition, behavior, and quality of life. Among the most complex of these conditions are neurobehavioral effects, a category of symptoms that includes memory loss, mood changes, concentration problems, anxiety, and impaired executive functioning.
One of the most well-documented sources of these conditions is Camp Lejeune, where water contamination between 1953 and 1987 exposed hundreds of thousands of Marines, sailors, and family members to toxic chemicals.
A VA rating for neurobehavioral effects can provide monthly tax-free compensation, access to VA health care, and long-term financial stability. Understanding how the VA evaluates these claims is essential for veterans seeking the benefits they earned.
What Are Neurobehavioral Effects?
Neurobehavioral effects refer to changes in how the brain functions that impact behavior, emotions, cognition, and daily functioning. These effects may be subtle at first but often worsen over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Memory loss and poor concentration
- Depression, anxiety, or mood swings
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Difficulty with problem-solving or decision-making
- Irritability and personality changes
These symptoms are often invisible, making VA claims more challenging without strong medical documentation.
A VA neurologist explained, “Neurobehavioral conditions are frequently misunderstood because they don’t always show up on imaging tests, but their functional impact can be profound.”
VA Rating for Neurobehavioral Effects: How the VA Evaluates Claims
The VA does not use a single diagnostic code for neurobehavioral effects. Instead, ratings are assigned case by case, depending on severity, functional impairment, and how symptoms affect work and daily life.
Possible VA Rating Range
- 0% to 100%, depending on symptom severity
- Ratings may be assigned under:
- Mental health diagnostic codes
- Neurological conditions
- Cognitive disorders
- Parkinson’s disease–related criteria (in some cases)
“The VA focuses on functional impairment, not just the diagnosis,” notes a former VA rater. “How the condition affects daily life is what drives the rating.”
Overview: VA Rating Factors for Neurobehavioral Effects
| Evaluation Factor | What the VA Looks At |
|---|---|
| Medical diagnosis | Cognitive or behavioral condition |
| Symptom severity | Frequency, duration, intensity |
| Functional impact | Work, relationships, daily living |
| Medical nexus | Link to service or exposure |
| Presumptive status | Camp Lejeune eligibility |
How to Get Service-Connected for Neurobehavioral Effects?
To receive VA disability compensation, veterans must establish service connection, which requires three elements:
- Current medical diagnosis of a neurobehavioral condition
- In-service exposure, injury, or illness
- Medical nexus linking the condition to service
For Camp Lejeune veterans, this process may be significantly easier due to presumptive service connection.
According to a VA-accredited claims expert, “When presumptive rules apply, the burden of proof shifts in favor of the veteran.”
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Explained
At Camp Lejeune, drinking water was contaminated with:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
- Benzene
- Vinyl chloride
Veterans stationed there 30 days or more between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, are presumed to have been exposed.
This exposure has been linked to cancers, neurological disorders, and neurobehavioral effects.
Presumptive Conditions Linked to Camp Lejeune
Under VA law, certain conditions are automatically presumed service-connected for Camp Lejeune veterans.
Presumptive VA Disability Conditions
- Adult-onset leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Parkinson’s disease
Neurobehavioral effects qualify for VA health care benefits and may qualify for disability compensation with supporting medical evidence.
Qualifying Health Conditions for VA Care and Compensation
| Category | Covered Conditions |
|---|---|
| Neurological | Neurobehavioral effects, Parkinson’s |
| Cancers | Leukemia, bladder, kidney, liver |
| Reproductive | Female infertility, miscarriage |
| Systemic | Renal toxicity, hepatic steatosis |
How to File a VA Claim for Neurobehavioral Effects?
Follow these five steps carefully:
- Gather Documentation
- Medical diagnosis
- Service records
- Exposure evidence
- Nexus Letter or Independent Medical Opinion
- Complete VA Form 21-526EZ
- Describe symptoms and functional impact clearly
- Submit Your Claim
- Online, by mail, or in person
- Attend VA Exams
- C&P exams assess severity and connection
- Await the VA Decision
A VA examiner stated, “Clear symptom timelines and exposure history make a huge difference in neurobehavioral claims.”
PACT Act and the Camp Lejeune Justice Act
The PACT Act expanded benefits for toxic-exposed veterans.
Key Impact of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act
- Allows civil lawsuits for water exposure
- Does not reduce VA benefits
- Court awards may be offset by VA compensation
A veterans’ law attorney noted, “Veterans can pursue both VA benefits and legal action without risking their healthcare or monthly compensation.”
Why Neurobehavioral Claims Are Often Denied?
Common reasons include:
- Lack of medical nexus
- Incomplete symptom documentation
- VA underestimating functional impairment
- Inconsistent medical records
Appeals are often successful when new medical opinions or clearer evidence is submitted.
Why This Benefit Matters?
A VA rating for neurobehavioral effects can provide:
- Monthly tax-free compensation
- Access to VA health care
- Eligibility for TDIU if work is impacted
- Long-term financial protection
“These benefits aren’t handouts,” says a veterans’ advocate. “They’re earned compensation for harm caused by service.”
Final Thought
Neurobehavioral effects caused by toxic exposure can be life-altering, even when symptoms are not outwardly visible. The VA recognizes this reality, particularly for veterans exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
With presumptive rules, expanded protections under the PACT Act, and proper medical evidence, veterans have a clear path to benefits. If your service left lasting neurological or behavioral impacts, you deserve recognition, care, and compensation.
FAQs
What is a VA rating for neurobehavioral effects?
Ratings range from 0% to 100%, depending on symptom severity and functional impact.
Are neurobehavioral effects presumptive for Camp Lejeune?
They qualify for VA healthcare and may qualify for compensation with medical evidence.
Do I need a Nexus Letter?
Yes, unless presumptive rules fully apply.
Does filing a lawsuit affect VA benefits?
No. VA benefits remain intact, though court awards may be offset.
Can neurobehavioral effects qualify for TDIU?
Yes, if symptoms prevent substantially gainful employment.
