Details for Disability (Migraine)
Navigating the complexities of VA disability benefits for migraine headaches can be challenging. This section offers a clear guide for veterans seeking compensation for migraine-related impairments. It outlines the necessary documentation, such as medical records, headache journals, and prescription histories, and explains how the VA evaluates migraine severity under 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8100.
Headache & Migraine Disability Benefits Questionnaire
This form is used by healthcare providers to document the frequency, severity, and impact of your headache condition—including migraine—for VA disability claims. It helps the VA evaluate your eligibility for benefits.
Download the headache (including migraine) disability benefits questionnaire
How do I Qualify for VA Disability Benefits for Migraine Attacks?
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
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.
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.”
- It does not mean the individual is incapable of any substantially gainful employment.
- Evidence of work impairment includes but is not necessarily limited to, the use of sick leave or unpaid absence.