Migraines VA Disability Rating
Understanding Migraine Ratings
Migraines are rated under DC 8100 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a. The maximum schedular rating is 50%. The key terms are "prostrating" (severity that forces you to stop all activity and lie down) and "severe economic inadaptability" (the attacks cause you to miss significant work or be substantially less productive).
Per M21-1, Part IV.ii.3, the RVSR looks at frequency and severity of attacks documented in medical records. Key tip: Keep a headache log with dates, duration, severity (1-10), and whether the attack was prostrating. VA examiners rely heavily on documented frequency. The word "prostrating" specifically must appear in your medical records or C&P exam to support a 30% or 50% rating.
Rating Criteria (DC 8100)
Less frequent attacks than for a 10% rating.
Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over the last several months.
Characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over the last several months.
Very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.
Secondary Conditions Linked to Migraines
Under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310