This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Migraines
- The maximum schedular rating for migraines is 50%.
- The key distinction is between prostrating (activity-stopping) and non-prostrating attacks.
- A headache diary can be critical evidence for establishing the frequency and severity of attacks.
- "Severe economic inadaptability" does not require unemployment; it means significant interference with the ability to work.
Based on VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and related service-connection regulations. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities), VA.gov disability compensation, 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection)
Overview
Migraine headaches are a common service-connected condition among veterans, often linked to TBI, noise exposure, or service-related stress. Migraines are rated under Diagnostic Code 8100 based on the frequency of prostrating attacks and their economic impact.
The VA distinguishes between prostrating and non-prostrating migraine attacks. A prostrating attack is one severe enough to cause the veteran to stop all activity and rest. The rating schedule considers both the frequency of these attacks and whether they result in severe economic inadaptability, meaning significant interference with employment.
Migraines can be claimed as a primary condition or as secondary to conditions such as PTSD, TBI, or tinnitus. They may also lead to secondary claims for depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Less frequent attacks than those required for a 10% rating. |
| 10% | Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months. |
| 30% | Characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over the last several months. |
| 50% | Very frequent, completely prostrating, and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. This is the maximum schedular rating for migraines. |
- 0%
Less frequent attacks than those required for a 10% rating.
- 10%
Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months.
- 30%
Characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over the last several months.
- 50%
Very frequent, completely prostrating, and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. This is the maximum schedular rating for migraines.
These criteria describe how a VA Compensation & Pension examiner evaluates the condition during a rating exam. They are not a self-test. For mental health conditions under 38 CFR 4.130, a diagnosis must be made by a qualified clinician under DSM-5. Actual ratings depend on the totality of evidence reviewed by the VA.
Evidence Checklist
Required
Medical diagnosis
A current diagnosis of migraine headaches from a qualified healthcare provider.
Recommended
Headache diary
A log documenting the date, duration, severity, and symptoms of each migraine episode, including whether it was prostrating.
Treatment records
Records showing medications prescribed, emergency room visits, or other treatments for migraines.
Helpful
Employment impact documentation
Records of missed work days, reduced productivity, or employer accommodations due to migraines.
Buddy statements
Statements from family members or coworkers describing observed migraine episodes and their impact.
Secondary Conditions
These conditions may be claimed as secondary to Migraines. A nexus is the medical link between a service-connected condition and a related condition. Nexus strength indicates the level of established medical evidence supporting that connection.
Depression
DC 9434, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 100%
Anxiety
DC 9400, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 100%
Sleep Disturbance
DC 6847, Typical range: 0%, 30%, 50%, 100%
Explore all secondary conditions in the Secondary Condition Mapper tool.
C&P Exam Preparation
What to Expect
- The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and severity of your headaches over the past several months.
- You will be asked to describe whether your headaches are prostrating, meaning they force you to stop what you are doing and lie down or rest.
- The examiner will ask about associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity (photophobia), sound sensitivity (phonophobia), and visual aura.
How to Prepare
- Consider keeping a headache diary for at least 30 days before the exam, recording the date, duration, severity, whether it was prostrating, and what you could not do.
- Think about the economic impact: how many days of work you have missed, left early, or performed at significantly reduced capacity because of headaches.
- You may want to prepare to describe a typical prostrating episode in detail, including what you feel, how long it lasts, and what you do during it.
View the full C&P exam preparation guide for detailed tips and common mistakes.
Related DBQs
Headaches (Including Migraines)
Form 21-0960C-8
Search all DBQ forms in the DBQ Finder tool.
Next Steps
This information is for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.