Claiming Migraines / Headaches?
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VA Rating Tiers
50%
Very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks with 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 — service connected but non-compensable
Rating Notes
- ›50%: Very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks with severe economic inadaptability. DC 8100.
- ›30%: Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging once a month over the last several months. DC 8100.
- ›10%: Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging once every two months. DC 8100.
- ›0%: Less frequent prostrating attacks — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 8100 rates migraines based on frequency and whether attacks are 'prostrating' (force rest in a dark, quiet place).
- ›A headache diary tracking dates, duration, and impact is the most powerful supporting evidence.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •Frequency and severity are key — the VA rates migraines primarily on how often prostrating attacks occur.
- •Prostrating attacks are those that force you to stop activity and lie down in a dark, quiet place.
- •Functional impact and whether attacks interfere with work are important to document.
- •A headache diary tracking frequency, duration, and impact significantly strengthens the claim.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •sick call or medical records showing headache complaints during service
- •TBI-related records that may document headache onset
- •deployment or environmental exposure notes
Medical Evidence
- •neurology notes documenting migraine diagnosis and frequency
- •primary care records noting headache complaints
- •prescription records for abortive or preventive migraine medications
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •headache diary tracking frequency, duration, and functional impact
- •personal statement describing when headaches began and how they connect to service
- •buddy or family statement describing observed migraine attacks and impact
Diagnostic Tests
- •neurological examination
- •MRI or CT imaging (often normal — supports functional diagnosis)
- •neurology evaluation
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Headaches / Migraines DBQ
Be ready to describe
- •how often attacks happen — be specific (e.g., 3-4 times per month)
- •how severe they are and how long they last
- •whether you need to stop everything and lie down during attacks
- •how migraines affect your ability to work and function
Prep notes
- •Bring a headache diary or log if you have one — frequency and duration are the core of your rating.
- •Be specific about frequency — say '3-4 times per month' rather than 'often'.
- •Clearly describe what happens during an attack — do you have to stop everything and lie down?
- •Describe your worst attacks, not just average days.
- •If migraines have caused missed work or lost wages, mention that specifically.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 8100
- Category
- Neurological
- Subcategory
- Headaches
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 50%
Also Known As
migrainechronic headacheshead pain
Related Conditions
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