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All rating criteria

How the VA Rates Migraines

The plain-English version of the 38 CFR Part 4, DC 8100 criteria a VA rater evaluates Migraines against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.

Diagnostic code 8100

The rating levels

Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, 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.

0%

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

Headaches diagnosed and documented but infrequent, not prostrating, and not causing any loss of work time.

Examples from this level’s criteria

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

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

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)

50%

$1,132.90/month

Very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability — migraines occurring more than once a week, causing severe occupational and social impairment.

Examples from this level’s criteria

  • More than once weekly prostrating attacks
  • Severe economic inadaptability — cannot hold steady employment
  • Prolonged attacks lasting more than 24 hours
  • Significant lost work time weekly
  • Preventive medications not adequately controlling attacks

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.

The evidence that matters most

Headache log with dates, duration, and prostrating episodes documented

C&P exam tips for Migraines

  • Keep a headache diary before your exam: date, time, duration, severity (1–10), triggers, medications used, and whether you were incapacitated.
  • The key word is 'prostrating' — it means you must stop all activity and lie down. Use this word explicitly.
  • Describe how each migraine affects your ability to work, drive, or function.
  • Mention any ER visits for migraines.
  • List all medications tried — both preventive and abortive. Showing treatment resistance supports severity.

Common mistakes on Migraines claims

  • Not keeping a headache diary — frequency is the primary rating driver and must be documented.
  • Calling a headache a 'bad headache' instead of documenting that it was prostrating (required you to stop all activity).
  • Not documenting economic impact — lost work time, inability to drive during attacks.
  • Forgetting that the frequency is averaged 'over the last several months,' so you need a track record, not just one bad month.

Frequently asked questions

What diagnostic code does the VA use for Migraines?

Migraines is rated under 38 CFR Part 4, DC 8100 — diagnostic code 8100.

What is the highest schedular VA rating for Migraines?

50% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Migraines. The criteria at that level describe: Very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability — migraines occurring more than once a week, causing severe occupational and social impairment.

How much does a 50% VA rating for Migraines pay in 2026?

$1,132.90 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.

Can Migraines be claimed as a secondary condition?

Yes — veterans commonly file Migraines secondary to PTSD / Mental Health under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310. What carries a secondary claim is a medical nexus opinion connecting it to the service-connected condition.

Related tools & guides

Build your Migraines claim documentation

Your first claim builds free, on screen — a personal statement mapped to these criteria and a cited draft medical opinion. No card to sign up.

Start your claim — free

Educational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.