Headache/Megraine
The VA does not provide a formal medical definition of a headache or migraine in its rating schedule. Instead, the VA relies on medical evidence and focuses on the frequency, severity, and impact on functioning—especially whether the headache qualifies as “prostrating” under 38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8100 (Migraine).
Please proceed to the quiz questions.
Step 1. Helpful Videos
Please review the video’s that demonstrate the range of motion.
Plantar Flexion
For the Plantar Flexion – Your foot is flat on the ground. Bend your ankle moving your heel upwards. How far can you move your heel up without any pain or discomfort on the worst day, what the VA calls a Flare Up? 0 inches, 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches or 4 inches?
Step 2:
Key Factors:
Migraine severity is evaluated based on:
- Severity (especially if prostrating or completely prostrating)
- Frequency of attacks
- Impact on ability to work (economic inadaptability)
- The term “prostrating” is key and generally understood by the VA to mean:
A debilitating headache that requires the veteran to stop all activity and lie down in a dark, quiet room. It renders the person unable to function normally during the episode.
The VA doesn’t differentiate between types of headaches (tension, cluster, sinus, etc.) unless medically diagnosed and service-connected. If diagnosed as migraine, it’s rated under DC 8100.
The VA rates headaches and migraines the same. Continue with the quiz for headache/migraines.
When completed, you will view the results of your quiz.