Migraine — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 8100)
The VA rates Migraine under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8100, from 0% to 50% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 50% rating requires With very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. Related conditions in the Neurological body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Migraine?
With less frequent attacks
With characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over last several months
With characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over last several months
With very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability
“With characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over last several months”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Migraine?
How does the VA rate Neurological conditions?
Common Questions About Migraine VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Migraine?
The VA rates Migraine under Diagnostic Code 8100 at the following tiers: 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.
What is Diagnostic Code 8100?
Diagnostic Code 8100 is the VA rating identifier for Migraine within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124a. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.
What is the highest rating for Migraine?
The highest schedular rating for Migraine under DC 8100 is 50%. This tier requires: With very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Migraine alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What 38 CFR section governs Migraine ratings?
Migraine is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8100. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Migraine?
Conditions commonly secondary to Migraine include: Cervicogenic Pain / Cervical Muscle Spasm, Nausea / Gastroparesis (Migraine-Associated), Major Depressive Disorder (Migraine-Related), Medication Overuse Headache / Rebound Headache. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Medical nexus evidence linking the primary and secondary condition is required.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Migraine?
Service connection for Migraine requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.
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