Quick Answer: The VA rates migraines under Diagnostic Code 8100 based on frequency of “prostrating attacks” — episodes severe enough to require bed rest and cessation of normal activity. The difference between a 30% and 50% rating is whether attacks occur more or less than once per month, making accurate documentation critical.
VA Migraine Rating Scale
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Less frequent attacks without characteristic prostration | 0% |
| Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over the last several months | 10% |
| Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in a month over the last several months | 30% |
| Characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on average once every 4 weeks or more frequently, with economic inadaptability | 50% |
What Is a “Prostrating Attack”?
A prostrating attack is a migraine severe enough to require you to stop all activity and rest — typically in a dark, quiet room. You cannot function through a prostrating attack. If your migraines cause nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and require you to lie down for hours, those are prostrating attacks.
The key: if you can push through your migraine and continue working or functioning, the VA may not consider it prostrating. If the pain forces you to stop everything and rest, document that specifically.
How to Document Migraine Frequency
The VA rates based on attacks “over the last several months” — typically the preceding 12 months. Keep a migraine diary that records:
- Date and time of onset
- Duration of attack
- Severity (1–10 scale)
- Whether the attack was prostrating (required ceasing activity and resting)
- Medications taken and their effectiveness
- Impact on work, family, or daily activities for that day
Bring this diary to your C&P exam. A 12-month log documenting frequency and prostration is powerful evidence the examiner must address.
Economic Inadaptability: The Path to 50%
The 50% rating requires both frequency (at least once every 4 weeks) AND “economic inadaptability” — meaning the migraines render the veteran unable to maintain employment at a normal level. If your migraines are causing job performance issues, write-ups, or job losses, document this carefully. This is where the 30-to-50% gap lives for most veterans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim migraines as secondary to PTSD or TBI?
Yes. Migraines are commonly claimed secondary to PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), cervical spine conditions, and certain medications. The medical literature supports connections between PTSD and migraine frequency. A nexus letter from a neurologist or your treating physician can establish this secondary link.
Does the VA consider medication side effects when rating migraines?
Yes. If migraine medications cause significant side effects that impair your daily functioning, those side effects can be considered in the overall rating or may support a separate claim for the medication-induced condition.