Migraine (DC 8100) | VA Rating Tool
| Diagnostic Code | 8100 |
|---|---|
| Category | Neurological Conditions And Convulsive Disorders |
| Subcategory | Miscellaneous Diseases |
| Also Known As | Migraine, migraine headaches, migraines, headache, headaches, severe headache, prostrating headache, aura, cluster headaches, severe headaches |
| CFR Section | 38 CFR § 4.124a |
📊 What Veterans Actually Get
Migraines are most commonly rated at 30% (characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on average once a month over the last several months). The maximum 50% requires attacks that are completely prostrating and prolonged, producing severe economic inadaptability.
Next Steps for This Condition
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 50% | With very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability |
| 30% | With characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over last several months |
| 10% | With characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over last several months |
| 0% | With less frequent attacks |
Conditions Secondary to This
4 linksChronic migraines are strongly associated with depression.
Fear of migraine episodes and their unpredictability commonly causes anxiety.
Migraine medications such as NSAIDs can cause or worsen GERD.
Pain and migraine cycles disrupt normal sleep patterns.
This May Be Secondary To
14 linksCentral sensitization links fibromyalgia and migraines
Cervical spine conditions are a well-documented cause of cervicogenic headaches and migraines
Depression and migraines share serotonin pathways — strongly linked
Post-traumatic neurocognitive disorder from TBI commonly causes chronic headaches and migraines.
Research shows significantly higher rates of migraines among veterans with PTSD. Chronic stress and hyperarousal are migraine triggers.
Post-traumatic headaches are one of the most common TBI sequelae.
Anxiety is a well-documented migraine trigger
Seizure disorders and migraines share neural mechanisms
Vestibular migraines and Meniere's frequently overlap
Vestibular disorders frequently co-occur with and trigger migraine headaches (vestibular migraine).
Nasal obstruction and sinus pressure trigger headaches
Sinus pressure and inflammation trigger headaches and migraines
Disrupted sleep and oxygen desaturation trigger migraines.
Tinnitus can trigger or worsen migraines through sensory overload.
Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.