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Neurological

Migraines

Recurring headache attacks that may include nausea, light sensitivity, or functional interruption.

Regulatory summaries checked against eCFR current through July 9, 2026 · condition-library-2026.07.09 · record 574e6c199bd8
Quick rating reference

How VA may evaluate Migraines

Select a diagnostic code or shared formula to see the criteria that apply to that manifestation.

Verified summaries are labeled
Potential codesDC 8100
Verified evaluation levels0% · 10% · 30% · 50%
Rating paths shown1
Diagnostic-code criteria

Migraine

Attack frequency, whether attacks are prostrating, their duration, and economic impact drive the schedule.

Plain-language summary verified
EvaluationPlain-language criteria summary
0%
Less frequent attacks

Attacks do not meet the frequency described for the 10% level.

10%
About one prostrating attack every 2 months

Characteristic prostrating attacks average one in 2 months over the last several months.

30%
About one prostrating attack each month

Characteristic prostrating attacks occur on average once a month over the last several months.

50%
Very frequent, completely prostrating, prolonged attacks

Attacks also produce severe economic inadaptability.

The regulation uses “prostrating,” not headache frequency alone. Weekly headaches are not automatically a particular percentage.

This reference explains the schedule; it does not predict an individual rating. VA determines the applicable code and evaluation from the complete record.

Overview

Migraine experiences vary widely. Useful preparation describes the pattern over time, what happens during an attack, how long recovery takes, and what activities must stop.

What VA measures

The rating schedule for migraine considers the frequency and severity of characteristic prostrating attacks and their economic impact. The controlling language appears under diagnostic code 8100.

How often characteristic attacks occur
Whether attacks require lying down or stopping activity
Duration and recovery time
Effects on reliable work and ordinary activity

Evidence that may be useful

  • Current diagnosis or clinical assessment
  • Treatment notes and medication history
  • Headache or symptom log
  • Work attendance or accommodation records
  • Statements from people who observe attacks

Helpful documentation habits

  • Record dates, duration, symptoms, and recovery for each attack
  • Describe what you cannot do during an attack
  • Note medication effectiveness and side effects
  • Use specific examples of missed or interrupted activities

Common preparation gaps

  • Reporting pain without documenting attack frequency
  • Using severity labels without describing functional effects
  • Reconstructing a log from memory without identifying it as approximate

Diagnostic-code map

A diagnosis or body part can involve more than one code. The applicable code depends on the medical findings and manifestations in the record.

DC 8100§ 4.124a
Migraine

Uses the frequency and severity of characteristic prostrating attacks and, at the highest level, economic impact.

Official criteria