Migraine headaches are among the most debilitating conditions veterans deal with -- and among the most strategically important to document correctly. The rating depends entirely on attack frequency and severity, which means your personal records and headache diary can determine whether you receive 0% or 50%.
How the VA Rates Migraines
Rated under Diagnostic Code 8100 based on frequency of prostrating attacks:
| Rating | Frequency of Prostrating Attacks | Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Less than once every two months | $0 (service connection established) |
| 10% | About once every two months | $180.42 |
| 30% | Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one per month over several months | $553.31 |
| 50% | Very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks with economic inadaptability | $1,133.68 |
A prostrating attack is one severe enough to require you to stop all activity and lie down. If your migraines force you to stop work, go to a dark room, and lie down -- those are prostrating attacks. Document this exact description in your records and personal statement.
Why Your Headache Diary Is Critical
The VA cannot know how often your migraines occur unless you document them. Keep a headache diary recording: date and time of each attack, duration, severity (1-10), whether it was prostrating, any missed work or activities, and medications taken. This diary, submitted with your claim, is often the difference between 10% and 30% or 50%.
Migraines as a Secondary Condition
- Secondary to TBI: Post-traumatic headaches from traumatic brain injury are among the most well-established secondary connections in the VA system
- Secondary to PTSD: Tension and stress-induced migraines are commonly secondary to service-connected PTSD
- Secondary to cervical spine: Neck injuries can cause or contribute to cervicogenic headaches that may qualify as migraines
Economic Inadaptability -- The Path to 50%
The 50% rating requires "economic inadaptability" -- meaning your migraines prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment. If your migraines cause you to miss work regularly, leave early, or have been a factor in job loss, document every instance carefully. Statements from employers and coworkers can support this.
See Your Pay With a Migraine Rating
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Start your headache diary today if you have not already. Every undocumented prostrating attack is a lost opportunity to support a higher rating. If your migraines are secondary to TBI, PTSD, or a neck condition, file that secondary claim simultaneously -- the nexus is well-established and the additional rating can be significant.