VA Disability Rating Guide
Migraine Headaches — VA disability rating
38 CFR 4.124a Diagnostic Code 8100
Rated 0/10/30/50% under DC 8100. Rating depends on frequency of "prostrating attacks" (must lie down, can't function).
Rating tiers
10%
Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over the last several months.
$ pay rate at 10% →
30%
Characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over the last several months.
$ pay rate at 30% →
50%
Very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.
$ pay rate at 50% →
Evidence checklist
- Headache log (date, duration, severity, triggers) — VA uses this to assess "prostrating" frequency
- Doctor diagnosis (neurologist preferred; VA primary care also accepts)
- Medication records (especially abortive meds like sumatriptan/Imitrex)
- Employer / educational records showing work missed due to migraines
- Often filed as secondary to TBI, PTSD, or cervical spine condition
Common filing mistakes
- Not keeping a headache log — VA can't award based on subjective "I get migraines often" without dates/frequency
- Confusing "prostrating" with "painful" — prostrating means you must lie down, cannot function. A painful headache that you can work through is not prostrating.
- Not claiming secondary to PTSD/TBI — migraines often have neurological + stress triggers from service-connected conditions
How to file
File VA Form 21-526EZ with the diagnosis evidence above. A free CVSO will assemble your claim and file it on your behalf at no cost.
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Related conditions
Other VA rating guides
About this guide
VA disability rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). Criteria are subject to revision; always verify current rules at va.gov/disability/ before filing. This page is informational and is not a substitute for personalized advice from a CVSO, VSO representative, or VA-accredited attorney. Free claim help available from CVSOs and VSOs.