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DC 8100Neurological Conditions38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8100

Migraine Headaches

VA disability rating criteria for Migraine Headaches under Diagnostic Code 8100. The VA assigns ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50% based on the severity and functional impact of your condition.

Rating Criteria

0%Disability Rating

Less frequent attacks of migraine headaches. Characteristic prodromal, migraine, or postcoma phenomena are present with infrequent attacks that do not significantly interfere with daily activities.

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%Disability Rating

Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over the 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%Disability Rating

Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 1 month over the last several months.

50%Disability Rating

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.

Secondary Conditions

4 known secondary conditions linked to Migraine Headaches

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