Quick answer
Neuropsychological tests measure thinking skills that a brain injury can affect. NINDS lists memory, concentration, information processing, executive function, reaction time and problem solving among the functions assessed.[1] The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology states that “all clinical and forensic evaluations must proactively address the degree to which results of neuropsychological and psychological testing are valid.”[2]
What the tests measure
NINDS describes neuropsychological tests as assessing functions including memory, concentration, information processing, executive functioning, reaction time and problem solving.[1] NINDS also notes that some athletes take baseline tests before a season so results after an injury can be compared.[1]
Why testing matters in claims
Many concussion symptoms are cognitive, such as attention or concentration problems, feeling slowed down and memory problems.[3] Testing turns those complaints into measurable results. Those results can also bear on disability programs: SSA’s TBI listing considers marked limitations in areas such as understanding and remembering information and concentrating or maintaining pace,[4] and the VA rates memory, attention, concentration and executive functions as a facet of TBI.[5]
Validity testing
AACN 2021 consensus statement on validity assessment
In order to provide bases for diagnoses and interpretations, the current consensus is that all clinical and forensic evaluations must proactively address the degree to which results of neuropsychological and psychological testing are valid.
Source: [2]
The consensus statement addresses both performance validity, which looks at whether test performance reflects actual ability, and symptom validity, which looks at whether reported symptoms are accurate.[2] In claims, validity results are often as closely examined as the test scores themselves.
Testing by each side
Both sides in a case may have testing done. If a party’s mental condition is in controversy, a court can order an examination by an examiner chosen by the other side.[6] Differences in results between examiners are common points of dispute. See independent medical exams.
Testing and treatment
Testing is also used clinically to plan rehabilitation. See cognitive rehabilitation.
Frequently asked questions
What does a neuropsychological evaluation test?
NINDS lists memory, concentration, information processing, executive function, reaction time and problem solving.[1]
What is validity testing?
Measures built into an evaluation to assess whether results are valid. AACN states every clinical and forensic evaluation must address validity.[2]
This page provides general information from the sources listed below. It is not legal or medical advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client or provider-patient relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time. See our legal disclaimer.
Sources
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).” https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi
- Sweet JJ, et al. “American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) 2021 consensus statement on validity assessment.” The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 2021;35(6):1053-1106. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33823750/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Symptoms of Mild TBI and Concussion.” https://www.cdc.gov/traumatic-brain-injury/signs-symptoms/index.html
- Social Security Administration. “11.00 Neurological Disorders – Adult,” Listing of Impairments. https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/11.00-Neurological-Adult.htm
- 38 CFR § 4.124a, Schedule of ratings, neurological conditions and convulsive disorders (Diagnostic Code 8045). Legal Information Institute. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/4.124a
- Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 35. Legal Information Institute. https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/frcp/rule_35
Sources last checked: October 11, 2026
