Headache (Including Migraine Headache) Disability Benefits Questionnaire

Completed by your healthcare provider:

https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/docs/Headaches_Including_Migraines.pdf

To qualify for VA disability benefits for migraine attacks, veterans must:

• Provide details about their condition, including their diagnosis, medical history, and the frequency and severity of their symptoms
• Submit evidence to the VA, such as:
  • Medical progress notes, examination reports, or opinions
  • A migraine headache journal or log
  • Records showing the veteran's history of prescription refills

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How does the VA rate “migraine headaches” for disability compensation?

The VA rates migraine based on specific criteria that assess the severity and frequency of the condition. Migraine is evaluated under the criteria of 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8100 as follows:

DC 8100, VA Rating For “Migraine Headaches”:	VA Rating
Migraine attacks with very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability	50%
Migraine attacks with characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over last several months	30%
Migraine attacks with characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over last several months	10%
Migraine attacks with less frequent attacks	0%

Each rating level considers the impact of migraine attacks on a veteran's work and lifestyle, with the higher percentages reflecting more severe limitations.

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What is the Difference Between a “Prostrating” and a “Completely Prostrating” Migraine Headache?

• Prostrating Migraine Headache, as used in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8100, means “causing extreme exhaustion, powerlessness, debilitation or incapacitation with substantial inability to engage in ordinary activities.”
• Completely Prostrating Migraine Headache, as used in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8100, means extreme exhaustion or powerlessness with essentially total inability to engage in ordinary activities for at least three hours.

What is Severe Economic Inadaptability?

• Severe economic inadaptability denotes a degree of substantial work impairment.
  • It does not mean the individual is incapable of any substantially gainful employment.
    • Translation: You can have a job and still get a 50 percent VA rating for “migraine headaches.”
• Evidence of work impairment includes but is not necessarily limited to, the use of sick leave or unpaid absence.