How the VA Rates Migraines

The rating levels

Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8100 for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.

1. 50%

   $1,132.90/month

   With very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. The regulation sets no specific weekly count or hour duration for this level.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Very frequent, completely prostrating attacks
   • Prolonged attacks
   • Attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability (document lost work time, reduced productivity or income)
   • Preventive medications not adequately controlling attacks
2. 30%

   $552.47/month

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

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • At least one prostrating migraine per month
   • Must retreat to dark, quiet room
   • Lost work or activity days monthly
   • Aura (visual disturbances, numbness, speech changes)
3. 10%

   $180.42/month

   Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • At least one severe (prostrating) migraine every two months
   • Prostrating = must stop all activity and lie down
   • Sensitivity to light and sound
   • Nausea or vomiting
4. 0%

   $0/month (0% is still service-connected)

   With less frequent attacks (fewer than the 10% level's characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over the last several months).

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Diagnosed headache disorder
   • Headaches are rare or very mild
   • No lost work days

The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.