§ 4.124a Schedule of ratings—neurological conditions and convulsive disorders.

Migraine

A recurring type of headache that may cause throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound.

What the rating means

VA rates migraines under diagnostic code 8100 based on how often your attacks occur and how severely they affect your ability to work. There are four possible ratings: 50%, 30%, 10%, and 0%.

A 50% rating applies when you have very frequent attacks that are completely prostrating and prolonged, and that produce severe economic inadaptability. A 30% rating applies when you have characteristic prostrating attacks averaging at least once a month over the last several months. A 10% rating applies when characteristic prostrating attacks average once every two months over the last several months. A 0% rating applies when attacks are less frequent than that.

The key factors that separate one rating from the next are how often the attacks occur, whether they are prostrating in nature, how long they last, and, at the highest level, whether they severely affect your ability to work.

Evidence that helps

Medical records that document the frequency, duration, and severity of your migraine attacks are central to establishing any rating level. Notes from treating providers that describe attacks as prostrating — meaning they force you to stop all activity and rest — directly support the criteria at the 10%, 30%, and 50% levels. Headache diaries or logs showing how often attacks occur over the last several months can help demonstrate whether you meet the once-a-month threshold for 30% or the once-every-two-months threshold for 10%.

For the 50% rating, evidence showing that attacks are very frequent, prolonged, and severely limit your ability to hold or perform work is especially relevant. Statements from you, family members, or employers describing how migraines cause you to miss work, leave early, or become unable to function during an attack can help show severe economic inadaptability. Records of emergency visits or urgent care during attacks may also reflect the prostrating nature and duration of your migraines.

Secondary conditions

Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.

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What the rating means

Evidence that helps

Secondary conditions

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