VA Disability Rating for Migraine Headaches
Rated 0/10/30/50% by frequency of prostrating attacks. 50% cap unless extraschedular.
Migraines (DC 8100) are rated by how often you have a "prostrating attack" — meaning the attack forces you to stop and lie down. The VA's word "prostrating" is load-bearing; a "bad headache" is not the same as a "prostrating migraine."
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | — | Less frequent than once every 2 months. |
| 10% | $180.42 | Prostrating attacks averaging once every 2 months (over the past 12 months). |
| 30% | $552.47 | Prostrating attacks averaging once per month. |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | Very frequent, completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
- →At 50%: $1,132.90/mo · $13,595/year, tax-free
How to get rated for migraine headaches
- Keep a migraine log: date, duration, whether you had to lie down, medications used.
- Get a neurologist's diagnosis if possible.
- Use the word "prostrating" in your narrative — the VA is literal about terminology.
- Document work impact: call-outs, reduced hours, employer accommodations.
Common secondary conditions
- +Depression
- +Anxiety
- +Sleep disturbance
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Service connection via TBI: migraines are a core post-concussive symptom. If you had in-service blast exposure, document both migraine and TBI claims.
- Secondary to tinnitus: well-documented pathway in peer-reviewed literature.
Frequently asked
What counts as "prostrating"?
VA defines prostrating as incapacitating and requiring you to cease activity and lie down in a dark, quiet place. A migraine that you "push through" at work does not count as prostrating for that episode.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.