Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 8100: Migraine Headaches Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.124a
- Rating range
- 0% to 50%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Neurological conditions
The VA rates Migraine Headaches under diagnostic code 8100 in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 8100 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Less frequent attacks What raters look forinfrequent migraines |
| 10% | Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over the last several months What raters look forprostrating attacks every 2 months |
| 30% | Characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over the last several months What raters look formonthly prostrating attacks |
| 50% | Very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability What raters look forvery frequent attacks; completely prostrating; prolonged; severe economic impact; cannot maintain employment |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Migraines. The Migraines condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Migraines appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 869 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Migraines as the primary issue. The Migraines condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Migraines appeals generally rather than DC 8100 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 8100?
Diagnostic code 8100 is the VA rating schedule entry for Migraine Headaches, found in 38 CFR § 4.124a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 8100?
DC 8100 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 8100 require?
The 50% rating for Migraine Headaches requires: Very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.