EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Cluster Headaches
DC 8100 | 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8100 |
Cluster Headaches is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 8100 of 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8100 across 4 severity tiers (0% / 10% / 30% / 50%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
OVERVIEW
Severe unilateral headaches occurring in cyclical clusters with autonomic symptoms including tearing and nasal congestion.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
0%
With less frequent attacks than required for a 10% rating.
10%
With characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over the last several months.
30%
With characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over the last several months.
50%
With very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records showing injury or complaints
-Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)
-Range of motion measurements
-Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin
-Buddy statements describing limitations
-Prescription history
-Physical therapy records
-Employment impact documentation
C&P EXAM TIPS (6)
1.Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.
2.Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.
3.Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.
4.Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).
5.If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.
6.Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026