VA Migraine Ratings (50%, 30%, 10%) | How to Win Your VA Claim
1. Introduction
How common are migraines among veterans?
Studies show that migraines affect veterans at much higher rates than civilians. Nearly 37% of veterans report a history of migraines, compared to about 13% of the general U.S. population (VFW/Headache Foundation, American Migraine Foundation). Among post-9/11 combat veterans, chronic migraine rates climb to 20% or higher (Gammacore).
Deployment history makes a difference too: one study found that 36% of veterans deployed to Iraq for at least a year showed signs of migraine, compared to about 12% in civilians (American Migraine Foundation).
And these aren’t just numbers on paper. In 2022 alone, nearly 460,000 veterans sought care for migraines or other headache disorders in the VA healthcare system (VA.gov).
The toll: work, daily life, family.
Migraines don’t just cause pain. A severe attack can put you in a dark, silent room for hours or days. That means missed work shifts, strained family relationships, and daily routines thrown off track. The unpredictability is often the hardest part.
Quick answer: yes, the VA rates migraines — but proving frequency & severity is the real battle.
The VA recognizes migraines as a compensable condition. The problem is that many claims get underrated or denied because the VA decides your attacks aren’t “prostrating” enough. If documentation doesn’t clearly show frequency and impact on work and daily life, the rating is usually too low.
2. VA Migraine Rating Criteria (38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8100)
The VA rates migraines under Diagnostic Code 8100. Ratings depend on how often attacks occur and whether they are “prostrating” — meaning they knock you out of normal activity.
- 50% – Very frequent, completely prostrating and prolonged attacks, producing severe economic inadaptability.
- 30% – Characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on average once a month.
- 10% – Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging once in 2 months.
- 0% – Less frequent attacks.
What the terms mean (M21-1 guidance): “Prostrating” = extreme exhaustion or powerlessness, leaving you substantially unable to do ordinary activities. “Completely prostrating” = total inability to function. “Severe economic inadaptability” = serious work impairment (you don’t have to be unemployable).
The VA considers both medical evidence (doctor’s notes, neurology exams, prescriptions) and lay evidence (your statements, family/co-workers). Headache logs are especially helpful.
| Rating | Criteria | Typical Frequency | Examples of Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | Very frequent, completely prostrating and prolonged attacks, producing severe economic inadaptability. | Multiple disabling attacks per month (often weekly or more). | Frequent log entries, ER visits, missed work, employer/family statements. You don’t have to be unemployable (Pierce v. Principi). |
| 30% | Characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on average once a month over the last several months. | ~1 disabling attack per month. | Headache log, treatment notes, leave requests, spouse/co-worker statements. |
| 10% | Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging once in 2 months over the last several months. | ~1 disabling attack every other month. | Log entries, med changes, reduced activity documented. |
| 0% | Less frequent attacks (not meeting the thresholds above). | Infrequent or non-prostrating. | Symptoms present but manageable; OTC meds provide relief. |
Tip: Keep a migraine log and submit it with your VA claim — it’s credible evidence of frequency and severity.
3. What Counts as a “Prostrating Attack”?
A prostrating migraine causes extreme exhaustion or incapacitation with substantial inability to engage in ordinary activities. Here’s what that looks like in real life:
- Isolated in a dark, quiet room, unable to interact with family.
- Unable to shower, cook, or manage daily tasks for hours or days.
- Missed work or skipped important family events.
- Bedridden until the attack passes.
- Needing your spouse or caregiver to take over basic tasks.
| Prostrating (Counts for VA Ratings) | Non-Prostrating (Usually Doesn’t) |
|---|---|
| Must lie down in a dark, quiet room | Painful but you can push through work/chores |
| Vomiting, blurred vision, severe light/noise sensitivity | Can still drive, watch TV, or use a computer |
| Missed work, left early, skipped family events | No missed time, just discomfort |
| Needed help from spouse/co-worker | Managed daily tasks independently |
| Hours/days of exhaustion after attack | Improves with OTC meds (ibuprofen/Tylenol) |
4. Evidence That Strengthens Your Claim
The VA looks at two things:
- Frequency of prostrating attacks
- Impact on work and daily functioning
Medical evidence: neurology notes, ER visits, prescriptions, C&P exams.
Lay evidence: your statements, plus buddy letters from family and co-workers.
Logs and journals: VA accepts them as proof of frequency and severity.
5. Secondary Conditions Linked to Migraines
Migraines rarely exist in isolation. Common links include: depression & anxiety, sleep disturbances, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and neck/back injuries.
- PTSD → Migraines: In BVA Decision 1521374 (2015), the Board granted secondary service connection after weighing two private nexus opinions against a VA examiner’s denial. Learn more in our article on PTSD diagnostic criteria and ratings.
- TBI → Migraines: In CAVC No. 19-6722, the Court vacated and remanded a Board denial after finding VA failed to define “prostrating” and assess economic impact. See example opinion on Justia.
For more on how secondary conditions work, see our guide to Understanding Service Connection.
6. Appeals: What to Do If the VA Lowballs You
Even with strong medical evidence, the VA often underrates migraines. Some veterans get 0% or 10% despite experiencing weekly, debilitating attacks. Others are denied outright because the VA claims the headaches are “not prostrating.” You do not have to accept this — you have the right to appeal.
Common Denial Reasons
- VA examiner wrote that your headaches are “not prostrating.”
- Rater failed to consider frequency of attacks documented in your log.
- VA ignored lay statements from family or co-workers.
- The decision didn’t explain why evidence was discounted.
Appeal Options
- Higher-Level Review (HLR): Ask for a senior rater to review the same evidence. You can request an informal conference call to point out errors, but no new evidence can be added.
- Supplemental Claim: Submit new and relevant evidence — such as an updated migraine log, medical nexus letter, or buddy statements.
- Board Appeal (BVA): Take your case to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Choose between direct review (fast, no new evidence), evidence submission lane (submit docs within 90 days), or hearing lane (appear before a Veterans Law Judge).
Helpful Case Law
- Pierce v. Principi, 18 Vet.App. 440 (2004): “Severe economic inadaptability” doesn’t mean unemployable — substantial work impairment can qualify. Read decision.
- Holmes v. Wilkie, 33 Vet.App. 67 (2020): A migraine attack includes all symptoms, not just head pain. Read decision.
7. Resources & Tools
The VA rating system for migraines is confusing, but you don’t have to face it alone. Veterans who succeed in their claims usually do two things:
- Document everything (logs, medical records, prescriptions).
- Stay connected with other veterans who’ve been through the process.
HadIt.com Veteran Resources
- 💬 HadIt Forum Discussions on Migraines
- 🧮 VA Disability Back Pay Calculator
- 📄 Migraine Log — Printable PDF
- 🖊️ Migraine Log — Fillable PDF
- 📑 Medical Evidence Toolkit — PDF
Bottom line: Migraines are one of the most common — and most underrated — conditions among veterans. The VA won’t connect the dots for you. Keep a log, gather your records, and connect with the veteran community. That’s how you build a winning claim.
Frequently Asked Questions about VA Migraine Ratings
Does the VA rate migraines?
Yes. The VA rates migraines under Diagnostic Code 8100. Ratings depend on the frequency of attacks and whether they are considered “prostrating” attacks that interfere with normal activities.
What is a “prostrating” migraine?
A prostrating attack causes extreme exhaustion or incapacitation and substantially prevents ordinary activities. Examples include needing to lie in a dark room, missing work, or needing help with daily tasks.
What are the VA migraine ratings?
- 50% – Very frequent, completely prostrating, prolonged attacks causing severe economic inadaptability.
- 30% – Prostrating attacks about once a month.
- 10% – Prostrating attacks about once every 2 months.
- 0% – Less frequent attacks.
Can I get VA disability for migraines secondary to PTSD or TBI?
Yes. Many veterans are granted service connection for migraines secondary to PTSD, TBI, or other conditions when a medical nexus opinion links the migraines to the primary disability.
What does a 30% VA migraine rating mean?
A 30% rating is assigned when migraines are considered prostrating and occur on average once per month. This is one of the most common ratings veterans receive for migraine claims.
What if the VA denied or underrated my migraine claim?
You can appeal via Higher-Level Review, file a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence (e.g., updated migraine log, nexus letter, buddy statements), or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
