Migraine
Migraine. Diagnostic Code 8100.
Overview
Migraines are severe headaches that may come with nausea, light sensitivity, or vision changes. VA rates them on how often prostrating attacks occur and their impact.
How VA rates it
Diagnostic Code 8100 · 38 CFR 4.124a
Here is a plain language summary of the rating levels in the regulation. Read the official text for the exact wording.
| Rating | Summary of the criteria |
|---|---|
| 50% | Very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. |
| 30% | Characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on average once a month over the last several months. |
| 10% | Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over the last several months. |
| 0% | Less frequent attacks. |
Prostrating generally means an attack that forces you to stop activity and rest. A headache log is a common way to document frequency.
Common secondary connections
These are conditions often discussed in connection with Migraine. A secondary claim generally needs medical evidence that one condition caused or worsened another. This list is general education, not a suggestion about any claim.
- Often discussed alongside TBI, neck conditions, or PTSD
- Sleep problems
Presumptive notes
VA does not list this condition on its main presumptive lists covered in this library. Service connection is generally shown with evidence of a current condition, an in service event, and a link between them. See VA hazardous materials exposure for other presumptive programs.
Evidence veterans generally gather
VA describes evidence types in its evidence guide. For this condition, veterans often collect:
- A headache log with dates and duration
- Neurology or primary care records
- Lay statements about missed work or activities
- A current diagnosis from a medical provider
- Service treatment records and personnel records
- VA and private treatment records
- Statements from you, family, or fellow service members (lay statements)
- A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) completed by a provider, if available
Official source
Rating levels: 38 CFR 4.124a on eCFR. Rules change; always confirm the current text.
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