--- title: "A New TBI Classification System Is Coming" description: "The current mild/moderate/severe TBI grading is being challenged by a proposed new CBI-M framework that adds biomarkers, imaging, and patient-specific modifiers." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "LegalService", "@id": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/#organization", "name": "Colorado Brain Injury & Bike Crash Attorneys | Bike Brain Law", "description": "Colorado brain injury and cycling accident attorneys serving Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins and statewide. Specialized TBI representation. Free consultation. Call 303.831.1116.", "url": "https://bikebrainlaw.com", "image": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/og-image.png" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "@id": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/blog/new-tbi-classification-system#blogposting", "isPartOf": { "@type": "Blog", "@id": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/blog#blog", "name": "Bike Brain Law Blog" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/blog/new-tbi-classification-system" }, "url": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/blog/new-tbi-classification-system", "headline": "Will There Be a New TBI Classification System in the Near Future?", "name": "Will There Be a New TBI Classification System in the Near Future?", "description": "The current mild/moderate/severe TBI grading is being challenged by a proposed new CBI-M framework that adds biomarkers, imaging, and patient-specific modifiers.", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/blog/new-tbi-classification-system#primaryimage", "url": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/images/content/dji_0022.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/images/content/dji_0022.jpg", "caption": "Aerial view representing TBI research and imaging", "description": "Aerial view representing TBI research and imaging", "representativeOfPage": true }, "primaryImageOfPage": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/blog/new-tbi-classification-system#primaryimage", "url": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/images/content/dji_0022.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/images/content/dji_0022.jpg", "caption": "Aerial view representing TBI research and imaging", "description": "Aerial view representing TBI research and imaging", "representativeOfPage": true }, "thumbnailUrl": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/images/content/dji_0022.jpg", "datePublished": "2026-01-03T15:00:00.000Z", "dateModified": "2026-01-03T15:00:00.000Z", "inLanguage": "en-US", "articleSection": "News", "keywords": "News, Colorado, personal injury, TBI, cycling accident", "timeRequired": "PT1M", "articleBody": "The current classification of traumatic brain injury severity falls into three general categories: (1) Mild, (2) Moderate, and (3) Severe. There is no uniform definition. While multiple professional organizations use different, sometimes conflicting criteria, a TBI classification generally depends on duration of loss of consciousness, length of post-injury amnesia, Glasgow Coma Scale score, or presence of intracranial abnormality. Within each category there is a range. Loss of consciousness for the mild category is 0 to 30 minutes, the moderate category greater than 30 minutes up to 24 hours, and the severe category greater than 24 hours. There are shortcomings to this grading system because it does not consider other factors relevant to patient outcome. As a result, there is a strong desire in the medical and scientific communities to move away from the current model of mild, moderate, and severe. In 2025, a new TBI classification framework called CBI-M was announced and is starting trials in trauma centers. This proposed new model will use clinical findings, biomarker blood tests, imaging, and modifiers based on the patient's individual factors like existing medical conditions, environmental factors, and how the injury occurred. It's unclear what labels this new CBI-M framework may ultimately assign for severity as it goes through further refinement and validation. The desire to move away from these simple labels recognizes that the current severity ratings are not necessarily an accurate reflection of the effects a brain injury has on a person's functioning or long-term outcome. Mild doesn't mean the consequences are mild. A 'mild' TBI can have very serious and debilitating life-changing consequences that permanently interfere with work and enjoyment of life. As the science surrounding TBI continues to evolve, understanding these complexities and changes is important for proper diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and protecting the legal rights of brain injury victims. We are committed to working with expert doctors in the field of TBI and staying informed about the latest brain injury science to protect our clients' rights.", "commentCount": 0, "additionalProperty": [ { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "readingTime", "value": "1 min read", "unitText": "minutes", "unitCode": "MIN" }, { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "wordCount", "unitText": "words" }, { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "characterCount", "value": 2167, "unitText": "characters" }, { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "headingCount", "value": 0 }, { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "paragraphCount", "value": 4 }, { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "listCount", "value": 0 } ], "author": { "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/#dan-dangelo", "name": "Attorney Dan D'Angelo", "jobTitle": "Trial Lawyer · Brain Injury Advocate · Avid Cyclist", "description": "Attorney Dan D'Angelo founded D'Angelo Law Office, P.C. in 2009 and Bike Brain Law to focus exclusively on traumatic brain injury and cycling injury cases in Colorado. An avid cyclist himself, Dan combines deep TBI science knowledge with hands-on cycling experience to build winning cases against insurance companies and corporations that put profits over safety.", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/images/content/20231015_dangelo_dan_square_076.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/images/content/20231015_dangelo_dan_square_076.jpg", "caption": "Attorney Dan D'Angelo" }, "url": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/#about", "worksFor": { "@id": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/#organization" } }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/#organization" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://bikebrainlaw.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/blog" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Will There Be a New TBI Classification System in the Near Fu", "item": "https://bikebrainlaw.com/blog/new-tbi-classification-system" } ] } ] --- [![Bike Brain Law](/assets/logo-white-CuISKEAM.webp)](/)[303.831.1116](tel:3038311116) Practice Areas Practice Areas - [Brain Injury Focused brain injury representation backed by science, trial experience, and real results. ](/practice-areas/traumatic-brain-injury) - [Cycling Accidents An avid cyclist who fights for injured riders across Colorado. ](/practice-areas/cycling-accidents) - [Bicycle Product Liability Holding manufacturers accountable when defective bike parts cause injuries. ](/practice-areas/bicycle-product-liability) Resources - [Insights & Guides ](/blog) - [Case Results ](/results) - Our Process - FAQs Service Areas - [Denver](/service-areas/denver) - [Boulder](/service-areas/boulder) - [Fort Collins](/service-areas/fort-collins) - [Golden](/service-areas/golden) - [Colorado Springs](/service-areas/colorado-springs) - [Aurora](/service-areas/aurora) Featured [ ![Attorney Dan D'Angelo](/assets/dan-dangelo-headshot-DJ4GY3yR.jpg) Meet Attorney Dan D'Angelo Trial lawyer, trusted brain injury advocate, avid cyclist. Learn more ](/) Free consultation · No fee unless we win. Talk to Dan AboutTestimonials[Results](/results)FAQsContact[Insights & Guides](/blog)Free Consultation [](tel:3038311116) [All articles](/blog) [Bike & Brain News](/blog/news)· January 3, 2026· 1 min read # Will There Be a New TBI Classification System in the Near Future? The current mild/moderate/severe TBI grading is being challenged by a proposed new CBI-M framework that adds biomarkers, imaging, and patient-specific modifiers. ![Dan D'Angelo](/images/content/20231015_dangelo_dan_square_076.jpg) By Attorney Dan D'Angelo Trial Lawyer · Brain Injury Advocate · Avid Cyclist ![Aerial view representing TBI research and imaging](/images/content/dji_0022.jpg) The current classification of traumatic brain injury severity falls into three general categories: (1) Mild, (2) Moderate, and (3) Severe. There is no uniform definition. While multiple professional organizations use different, sometimes conflicting criteria, a TBI classification generally depends on duration of loss of consciousness, length of post-injury amnesia, Glasgow Coma Scale score, or presence of intracranial abnormality. Within each category there is a range. Loss of consciousness for the mild category is 0 to 30 minutes, the moderate category greater than 30 minutes up to 24 hours, and the severe category greater than 24 hours. There are shortcomings to this grading system because it does not consider other factors relevant to patient outcome. As a result, there is a strong desire in the medical and scientific communities to move away from the current model of mild, moderate, and severe. In 2025, a new TBI classification framework called CBI-M was announced and is starting trials in trauma centers. This proposed new model will use clinical findings, biomarker blood tests, imaging, and modifiers based on the patient's individual factors like existing medical conditions, environmental factors, and how the injury occurred. It's unclear what labels this new CBI-M framework may ultimately assign for severity as it goes through further refinement and validation. The desire to move away from these simple labels recognizes that the current severity ratings are not necessarily an accurate reflection of the effects a brain injury has on a person's functioning or long-term outcome. Mild doesn't mean the consequences are mild. A 'mild' TBI can have very serious and debilitating life-changing consequences that permanently interfere with work and enjoyment of life. Related from Bike Brain Law - [Cycling Accident Claims Representing Colorado cyclists hit by negligent drivers. ](/#practice-areas) - [Bike Crash FAQs Common questions after a cycling collision in Colorado. ](/#faqs) - [Why Choose Bike Brain Law An attorney who rides and knows TBI science. ](/#about) Free, confidential case review ### Injured in a cycling crash in Colorado? Talk directly with Attorney Dan D'Angelo for a free consultation with zero obligation to find out where you stand. [Get My Free Consultation](/#contact) [303.831.1116](tel:3038311116) As the science surrounding TBI continues to evolve, understanding these complexities and changes is important for proper diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and protecting the legal rights of brain injury victims. We are committed to working with expert doctors in the field of TBI and staying informed about the latest brain injury science to protect our clients' rights. ## Have a question about your case? Attorney Dan D'Angelo offers free consultations for brain injury and cycling accident victims throughout Colorado. [Free Consultation](/#contact) [303.831.1116](tel:3038311116) ![Dan D'Angelo](/images/content/20231015_dangelo_dan_square_076.jpg) About the Author ### Attorney Dan D'Angelo Trial Lawyer · Brain Injury Advocate · Avid Cyclist Attorney Dan D'Angelo founded D'Angelo Law Office, P.C. in 2009 and Bike Brain Law to focus exclusively on traumatic brain injury and cycling injury cases in Colorado. An avid cyclist himself, Dan combines deep TBI science knowledge with hands-on cycling experience to build winning cases against insurance companies and corporations that put profits over safety. - Practicing Colorado personal injury attorney since 2009 - Focused practice in TBI and bicycle injury litigation - Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for injury victims - Avid road and commuter cyclist ## Related articles [ ![A Waymo autonomous vehicle on a Denver street](/images/content/waymo-denver-co.jpeg) #### Waymo in Denver ](/blog/waymo-in-denver)[ ![Colorado State Capitol building](/images/content/img_0303.jpg) #### New Colorado Laws to Know About for 2026 ](/blog/new-colorado-laws-2026)[ ![Bike Brain Law logo](/images/content/bbl-logo-white.png) #### Bike Brain Law Launches Website to Help Victims of Bike Crashes and Brain Injuries ](/blog/launch-of-bike-brain-law-website) [![Bike Brain Law](/assets/logo-white-CuISKEAM.webp)](/) Colorado's dedicated brain injury and cycling accident attorney. 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