Diagnostic Code 8910: Epilepsy, Grand Mal (Seizure Disorder) Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.124a
- Rating range
- 10% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 6
- Body system
- Neurological conditions
The VA rates Epilepsy, Grand Mal (Seizure Disorder) under diagnostic code 8910 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 8910 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | A confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy with a history of seizures What raters look forconfirmed diagnosis of epilepsy; history of seizures; continuous medication shown necessary for control (10 percent minimum) |
| 20% | At least 1 major seizure in the last 2 years; or at least 2 minor seizures in the last 6 months What raters look forat least 1 major seizure in the last 2 years; at least 2 minor seizures in the last 6 months |
| 40% | At least 1 major seizure in the last 6 months or 2 in the last year; or averaging at least 5 to 8 minor seizures weekly What raters look forat least 1 major seizure in the last 6 months or 2 in the last year; averaging at least 5 to 8 minor seizures weekly |
| 60% | Averaging at least 1 major seizure in 4 months over the last year; or 9-10 minor seizures per week What raters look foraveraging at least 1 major seizure in 4 months; 9-10 minor seizures per week |
| 80% | Averaging at least 1 major seizure in 3 months over the last year; or more than 10 minor seizures weekly What raters look foraveraging at least 1 major seizure in 3 months; more than 10 minor seizures weekly |
| 100% | Averaging at least 1 major seizure per month over the last year What raters look foraveraging at least 1 major seizure per month |
DC 8910 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 113 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 8910 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 31.0%, denied 57.5% and sent 11.5% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
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 8910 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 Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out.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 Epilepsy. The Epilepsy condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Epilepsy appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 1,746 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Epilepsy, 2021 to 2026. The Epilepsy 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 Epilepsy appeals generally rather than DC 8910 specifically. The DC 8910 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 8910?
Diagnostic code 8910 is the VA rating schedule entry for Epilepsy, Grand Mal (Seizure Disorder), 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 8910?
DC 8910 provides ratings of 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 8910 require?
The 100% rating for Epilepsy, Grand Mal (Seizure Disorder) requires: Averaging at least 1 major seizure per month over the last year.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 8910?
In 108 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 8910 from 2021 to 2026, 28.7% were granted, 59.3% denied and 12.0% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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