Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 8911: Epilepsy, Petit Mal Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.124a
- Rating range
- 10% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 6
- Body system
- Neurological conditions
The VA rates Epilepsy, Petit Mal under diagnostic code 8911 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 8911 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy with a history of seizures What raters look forconfirmed epilepsy; history of seizures |
| 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 for1 major/2 years; 2 minor/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 for1 major/6 months; 5-8 minor/week |
| 60% | Averaging at least 1 major seizure in 4 months over the last year, or 9 to 10 minor seizures per week What raters look for1 major/4 months; 9-10 minor/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 for1 major/3 months; over 10 minor/week |
| 100% | Averaging at least 1 major seizure per month over the last year What raters look for1+ major/month |
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 500 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Epilepsy as the primary issue. The Epilepsy 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 Epilepsy appeals generally rather than DC 8911 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 8911?
Diagnostic code 8911 is the VA rating schedule entry for Epilepsy, Petit Mal, 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 8911?
DC 8911 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 8911 require?
The 100% rating for Epilepsy, Petit Mal requires: Averaging at least 1 major seizure per month over the last year.