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% | With less frequent attacks What raters look forattacks less frequent than one prostrating attack in 2 months |
| 10% | With characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over last several months What raters look forcharacteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months |
| 30% | With characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over last several months What raters look forcharacteristic prostrating attacks averaging once a month |
| 50% | With very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability What raters look forvery frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks; severe economic inadaptability |
DC 8100 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 8,259 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 8100 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 47.7%, denied 43.4% and sent 8.9% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
| What the appeal asked for | Decided rulings | Granted |
|---|---|---|
| A higher rating | 8,082 | 46.7% |
| A rating VA reduced | 175 | 90.3% |
By the rating the Board's order named
Only orders that state a rating percentage with a date are counted. An order denying a rating "in excess of 50 percent" names the existing rating; a grant may name the rating awarded. These are not all ratings veterans requested.
| Rating the order named | Decided rulings | Granted |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | 185 | 44.9% |
| 30 percent | 742 | 51.1% |
| 50 percent | 1,000 | 80.0% |
Recorded exam issues in remanded DC 8100 rulings
Percentages use all 734 rating rulings under this code the Board remanded, 2021 to 2026. Some rulings have no recorded exam classification, and small categories are not shown, so these rows need not total 100 percent.
- The VA exam or opinion was not adequate77.8%
- The exam was out of date or the condition had worsened10.2%
- No exam problem recorded10.2%
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 8100 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
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 30,358 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Migraines, 2021 to 2026. The Migraines condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Migraines appeals generally rather than DC 8100 specifically. The DC 8100 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. 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: With very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 8100?
In 8,082 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 8100 from 2021 to 2026, 46.7% were granted, 44.2% denied and 9.1% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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