Migraines VA Disability Rating
VA rates migraine headaches under Diagnostic Code 8100 in 38 CFR 4.124a. Ratings turn on how often you have prostrating attacks — headaches severe enough that you have to stop what you are doing and lie down — and whether those attacks affect your ability to work.
Educational information only. StratForge is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and does not guarantee any rating, decision, or benefit.
Migraines rating percentages and criteria
Criteria are paraphrased from 38 CFR 4.124a. Read the official text before relying on any summary.
Very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.
Characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average of once a month over the last several months.
Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months.
Less frequent attacks than the 10% criteria.
Common symptoms
- Throbbing or pulsating head pain, often one-sided
- Light and sound sensitivity (photophobia, phonophobia)
- Nausea or vomiting during attacks
- Visual aura before the headache begins
- Needing to lie down in a dark, quiet room until the attack passes
- Missed work days or reduced productivity after an attack
Evidence VA may consider
- A headache log recording date, duration, severity, and whether you had to lie down
- Treatment records showing diagnosis and prescribed abortive or preventive medication
- Emergency room or urgent care visits for headache
- Employer statements or leave records showing missed time
- Buddy statements describing what you look like during an attack
- Service treatment records showing head injury, headaches, or related treatment in service
Not sure what is already in your file? Request and review your VA C-File or gather your medical records.
C&P exam information for migraines
- Describe frequency in attacks per month, not 'sometimes'.
- Say plainly whether an attack forces you to stop activity and lie down — that is what 'prostrating' means.
- Explain the effect on work: missed shifts, leaving early, reduced hours.
- Mention how long an attack lasts and how long recovery takes afterward.
More detail: How to prepare for a VA C&P exam.
Potential secondary conditions
- Migraines secondary to traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Migraines secondary to cervical spine (neck) conditions
- Migraines secondary to medication side effects
- Depression or anxiety secondary to chronic migraines
- Sleep impairment secondary to migraines
Learn how these claims work on the VA secondary conditions guide.
Migraines VA claim FAQs
What does 'prostrating' mean for VA migraine ratings?
A prostrating attack is one that forces you to stop normal activity and lie down until it eases. VA raters look for this word in the medical evidence, so describing it accurately at your exam matters.
Can migraines be rated higher than 50%?
50% is the maximum schedular rating under DC 8100. Veterans whose migraines prevent substantially gainful employment may pursue a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), which is a separate determination.
Do I need a headache diary?
It is not required, but a contemporaneous log is one of the most useful pieces of evidence because the rating depends on documented frequency of prostrating attacks.
Related StratForge tools
See how this rating would combine with your other ratings.
Understand how VA writes and applies rating criteria.
Find out exactly why a claim was granted or denied.
Check which code VA used and whether it fits your symptoms.