Migraine
The VA rates Migraine under Diagnostic Code 8100 across 4 severity levels, from 0% to 50%. The 50% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation. There are 4 documented secondary conditions linked to Migraine.
Rating schedule — DC 8100 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 50%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.124a
- Body system
- Neurological Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 4
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 30%, 50%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Migraine?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | With less frequent attacks Note: Migraines must be formally diagnosed and documented. The 0% non-compensable rating applies when migraines are infrequent and do not interfere significantly with functioning. Characteristic migraine features include prodrome, photophobia, phonophobia, nausea, and aura. |
| 10% | With characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over last several months Note: "Prostrating" means incapacitating — the veteran must stop normal activity and rest. Frequency is key to the rating. Documentation of each migraine episode with dates, duration, and severity is essential for rating purposes. |
| 30% | With characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over last several months |
| 50% | With very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability Note: "Severe economic inadaptability" is the regulatory standard for the 50% maximum rating — it means the migraines seriously impair the veteran's ability to maintain gainful employment. Veterans with 50% migraines may qualify for TDIU if they cannot work. |
“With characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over last several months”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Migraine?
View 4 secondary conditions linked to Migraine
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
What other neurological conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Migraine in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 8023Progressive muscular atrophyRated up to 30%
- 8024SyringomyeliaRated up to 30%
- 8025Myasthenia gravisRated up to 30%
- 8045Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI)Rated up to 100%
- 8046Cerebral arteriosclerosisRated up to 0%
- 8103Tic, convulsiveRated up to 30%
- 8104Paramyoclonus multiplex (convulsive state, myoclonic type)Rated up to 60%
- 8105Chorea, Sydenham'sRated up to 100%
- 8106Chorea, Huntington'sRated up to 0%
- 8107Athetosis, acquiredRated up to 0%
Common Questions About Migraine VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Migraine?
The VA rates Migraine under Diagnostic Code 8100 at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%. The minimum 0% rating requires: With less frequent attacks. The maximum 50% rating requires: With very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Migraine?
The VA rates Migraine under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8100, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 50% rating for Migraine?
A 0% rating requires: With less frequent attacks. A 50% rating requires: With very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Migraine qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Migraine maxes at 50%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Migraine?
The key evidence for Migraine is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For neurological conditions, nerve conduction studies, EMG results, and documentation of complete vs incomplete paralysis distinguish the rating tiers. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Migraine?
Migraine is associated with 4 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Migraine?
The C&P examiner uses a Neurological Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 8100 rating criteria. The examiner tests reflexes, sensation, and motor function. If nerve damage is suspected, EMG or nerve conduction studies may be ordered. Distinguish between complete and incomplete paralysis — the rating difference is significant.
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