DC 8910 — Epilepsy, grand mal
Also known as: Grand mal, epilepsy, seizures, tonic-clonic, convulsions
These are commonly claimed secondary connections linked to this primary disability. Use them as a screening tool for conversations with your doctor, VSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Epilepsy, grand mal → Generalized anxiety disorder
How the connection is commonly explained
Fear of seizures and their unpredictability
Filing tip
File as a secondary claim to DC 8910 (Grand mal). Provide medical records showing fear of seizures and their unpredictability and request a nexus opinion linking Generalized anxiety disorder to your service-connected condition.
Epilepsy, grand mal → Major depressive disorder
How the connection is commonly explained
Epilepsy and depression share neurological pathways
Filing tip
File as a secondary claim to DC 8910 (Grand mal). Provide medical records showing epilepsy and depression share neurological pathways and request a nexus opinion linking Major depressive disorder to your service-connected condition.
Epilepsy, grand mal → Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI)
How the connection is commonly explained
Seizures can worsen or be caused by TBI — bidirectional
Filing tip
File as a secondary claim to DC 8910 (Grand mal). Provide medical records showing seizures can worsen or be caused by tbi — bidirectional and request a nexus opinion linking Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) to your service-connected condition.
Epilepsy, grand mal → Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to another medical condition or substance/medication-induced major or mild neurocognitive disorder
How the connection is commonly explained
Repeated seizures can cause progressive cognitive decline
Filing tip
File as a secondary claim to DC 8910 (Grand mal). Provide medical records showing repeated seizures can cause progressive cognitive decline and request a nexus opinion linking Major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to another medical condition or substance/medication-induced major or mild neurocognitive disorder to your service-connected condition.
Epilepsy, grand mal → Migraine
How the connection is commonly explained
Seizure disorders and migraines share neural mechanisms
Filing tip
File as a secondary claim to DC 8910 (Grand mal). Provide medical records showing seizure disorders and migraines share neural mechanisms and request a nexus opinion linking Migraine to your service-connected condition.
This condition may also be secondary to
TBI increases the risk of post-traumatic epilepsy and seizures.
How to File a Secondary Claim
Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.