Guide by NexusVetClaims, an independent education and claim-prep site. Confirm the current rating criteria and payment amounts with these primary sources:
Tension headaches do not have their own DC. They are rated analogously under DC 8100 (migraines) using the same "prostrating attack" framework. Cervicogenic headaches — originating from cervical spine pathology — are rated either analogously here or as part of the cervical spine rating if the causal chain is established.
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. |
| 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 2.8% 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 tension / cervicogenic headaches
- Keep a headache log — date, duration, required to lie down y/n.
- Neurology evaluation helpful for documentation.
- If cervicogenic: establish the cervical spine pathology as the cause.
- Use the word "prostrating" in narrative — VA is literal about terminology.
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
- Secondary to service-connected cervical spine strain: well-documented pathway.
- Secondary to TBI: tension headaches are a core post-concussive residual.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between tension headaches and migraines for rating?
None — both are rated under DC 8100 using the same prostrating-attacks framework. The distinction matters for medical treatment but not for rating percentage.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
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.