Seizures VA Rating 2026: DC 8910/8911 Criteria

What are seizures and how do they affect veterans?

Seizure disorders (epilepsy) involve abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes sudden, uncontrolled episodes ranging from brief staring spells to violent full-body convulsions. Veterans are at elevated risk for seizure disorders due to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from blast exposure, combat injuries, vehicle accidents, and training incidents. Post-traumatic epilepsy — seizures resulting from brain injury — is one of the most significant long-term consequences of TBI.

Seizure disorders affect veterans in ways that go far beyond the seizures themselves. The unpredictability of episodes creates constant anxiety about when the next seizure will strike. Many veterans with seizure disorders cannot drive, cannot work in jobs involving machinery or heights, and face restrictions that dramatically limit employment options. Anti-seizure medications often cause significant side effects including drowsiness, cognitive slowing, weight gain, and mood changes.

The VA rates seizure disorders under two primary diagnostic codes: DC 8910 for grand mal (tonic-clonic) epilepsy and DC 8911 for petit mal (absence) epilepsy. Both are rated under a single table, the General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures, and the rating depends primarily on how often seizures occur despite treatment.

VA diagnostic code for seizures

Seizure disorders are rated under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8910 (grand mal epilepsy) and DC 8911 (petit mal epilepsy) per 38 CFR § 4.124a, Schedule of Ratings — Diseases of the Central Nervous System.

Grand mal epilepsy (DC 8910) involves loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions (tonic-clonic activity). The regulation says to “rate under the general rating formula for major seizures.”

Petit mal epilepsy (DC 8911) is characterized by brief episodes of altered consciousness — staring spells, minor motor symptoms, or brief loss of awareness — without the full-body convulsions of grand mal seizures. The regulation says to “rate under the general rating formula for minor seizures.” There are no separate petit mal–only criteria; DC 8911 uses the minor-seizure half of the same formula.

The Notes under DC 8910 and 8911 in 38 CFR § 4.124a define the two seizure types: a major seizure “is characterized by the generalized tonic-clonic convulsion with unconsciousness.” A minor seizure “consists of a brief interruption in consciousness or conscious control associated with staring or rhythmic blinking of the eyes or nodding of the head (‘pure’ petit mal), or sudden jerking movements of the arms, trunk, or head (myoclonic type) or sudden loss of postural control (akinetic type).” Separately, 38 CFR § 4.121 requires that “the seizures must be witnessed or verified at some time by a physician,” and says that “competent, consistent lay testimony” may be accepted as to how often they happen.

When a veteran has both major and minor seizures, VA does not rate each type separately. The regulation says: “In the presence of major and minor seizures, rate the predominating type.”

Rating criteria for seizures

Both DC 8910 and DC 8911 are rated under the General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures in 38 CFR § 4.124a. Each tier can be met by major seizures or by minor seizures. If you have both types, VA rates whichever type predominates. The formula does not distinguish between daytime and nighttime major seizures (“There will be no distinction between diurnal and nocturnal major seizures”).

10% rating — $180.42/month

Criteria: “A confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy with a history of seizures.” In addition, “When continuous medication is shown necessary for the control of epilepsy, the minimum evaluation will be 10 percent.” That medication-based 10% is not combined with any other epilepsy rating.

What this looks like: You have a documented history of seizures and a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy, but your seizures are currently well controlled by medication. You may not have had a seizure recently, but the underlying condition exists and requires ongoing medication. This is the lowest rating in the epilepsy formula; there is no 0% tier for a confirmed, service-connected epilepsy with a seizure history.

20% rating — $356.66/month

Criteria: “At least 1 major seizure in the last 2 years; or at least 2 minor seizures in the last 6 months.”

What this looks like: Your seizures break through despite medication, but they are relatively infrequent. You may have had one grand mal seizure in the past two years that required emergency medical attention, or you have had a couple of minor seizures (brief staring spells, momentary loss of awareness) in the past six months.

40% rating — $795.84/month

Criteria: “At least 1 major seizure in the last 6 months or 2 in the last year; or averaging at least 5 to 8 minor seizures weekly.”

What this looks like: Seizures occur with moderate frequency despite medication. You may have had a grand mal seizure within the past six months or two in the past year, or you have minor seizures about five to eight times a week. The unpredictability significantly impacts your life — you may have lost your driver’s license, face employment restrictions, and live with the constant fear of a seizure occurring at a dangerous time.

60% rating — $1,435.02/month

Criteria: “Averaging at least 1 major seizure in 4 months over the last year; or 9-10 minor seizures per week.”

What this looks like: Seizures are frequent and significantly disruptive. You are averaging a grand mal seizure every four months or so, or minor seizures more than once a day on most days. Employment is severely limited. You may have sustained injuries during seizures (falls, tongue biting, burns). You likely cannot drive and require supervision during many activities.

80% rating — $2,102.15/month

Criteria: “Averaging at least 1 major seizure in 3 months over the last year; or more than 10 minor seizures weekly.”

What this looks like: Seizures are frequent despite medical treatment. You are averaging a grand mal seizure every three months or so, or more than 10 minor seizures every week. You may be unable to hold a job or drive, and you may need help with daily activities because of the risk of seizures. Post-seizure recovery (postictal) periods can be significant, causing confusion, exhaustion, and headaches that may last hours or days.

100% rating — $3,938.58/month

Criteria: “Averaging at least 1 major seizure per month over the last year.”

What this looks like: You have averaged a grand mal seizure every month (or more often) over the past year. Seizures are uncontrolled despite medication management. You may be unable to work or drive and may need a caregiver for safety. You are at significant risk of injury during seizures and may have been hospitalized multiple times.

Note: Only major seizures can reach the 100% tier. Minor seizures top out at 80% (“more than 10 minor seizures weekly”), so a veteran whose seizures are predominantly minor — including petit mal epilepsy under DC 8911 — cannot reach 100% under this formula alone, though they may be considered for TDIU or reach a higher combined rating with other conditions.

Other epilepsy codes

• DC 8912 (Jacksonian and focal motor or sensory) and DC 8913 (diencephalic): “Rate as minor seizures, except in the presence of major and minor seizures, rate the predominating type.”
• DC 8914 (psychomotor): rated as major seizures “when characterized by automatic states and/or generalized convulsions with unconsciousness,” and as minor seizures when characterized by brief transient episodes such as random motor movements, hallucinations, perceptual illusions, or abnormalities of thinking, memory, or mood.

What evidence do you need?

Service records

• Service treatment records documenting head injuries, TBI events, blast exposure, or loss of consciousness
• Records of vehicle accidents, falls, or combat injuries involving head trauma
• Documentation of any in-service seizure episodes
• Deployment records showing exposure to blast events (for post-traumatic epilepsy claims)

Medical evidence

• Electroencephalogram (EEG) — This is the primary diagnostic test for seizure disorders. An EEG records the brain’s electrical activity and can identify the abnormal patterns associated with epilepsy. Both routine and extended/ambulatory EEGs may be needed.
• Brain imaging (MRI or CT scan) — Shows structural brain abnormalities that may be causing seizures (lesions from TBI, scarring, tumors)
• Seizure diary — A detailed log of every seizure event including date, time, duration, type (grand mal vs. petit mal), symptoms, triggers, and recovery time. This is essential for establishing frequency.
• Neurologist treatment records documenting your diagnosis, seizure frequency, and medication management
• Emergency room records from seizure-related visits
• Anti-seizure medication records showing dosages and changes over time

Nexus letter

A neurologist’s opinion connecting your seizure disorder to your military service. For post-traumatic epilepsy, the letter should explain how your documented TBI or head injury caused the development of seizures — the medical literature strongly supports this connection, as brain injury is a well-established cause of epilepsy. The letter should state the connection is “at least as likely as not.”

Buddy statements

Statements from people who have witnessed your seizures are extremely valuable. Describe what they observed: loss of consciousness, convulsions, confusion afterward, how long episodes last. Statements from family members about how seizures affect daily life — the constant supervision needed, the inability to drive, employment problems, the impact on family dynamics.

Personal statement

Describe your seizure history in detail: when they started, how frequently they occur, what happens during and after a seizure, and how the condition affects every aspect of your life. Be specific: “I had a grand mal seizure at the grocery store last month and woke up in an ambulance with a bitten tongue and a gash on my head from falling. My wife has to drive me everywhere because I lost my license after my third seizure. I was fired from my job as a [occupation] because my employer could not accommodate the safety risk.”

C&P exam tips for seizures

What the examiner evaluates

• Your seizure history: type, frequency, duration, and pattern over the past year
• Current medication regimen and whether seizures are controlled
• Review of EEG findings
• Review of brain imaging
• Seizure diary entries
• Neurological examination (motor, sensory, reflexes, coordination)
• Impact on daily functioning, employment, and driving ability
• Whether seizures are grand mal, petit mal, or both
• Postictal symptoms (confusion, headache, fatigue after seizures)

How to prepare

1. Keep a detailed seizure diary. Start tracking every seizure event immediately — date, time, duration, type, witnesses, and recovery time. This is the most important evidence for determining your rating level, which is based on seizure frequency.
2. Get witness statements for major seizures. If someone witnessed your seizure, get their written statement describing what they saw. Witnessed seizures carry more weight than self-reported events.
3. Bring your EEG results and brain imaging. These provide the objective evidence of your seizure disorder.
4. List all medications and their side effects. Anti-seizure medications often cause significant side effects (drowsiness, cognitive fog, weight gain, mood changes) that add to your overall disability picture.
5. Describe the full impact. Talk about driving restrictions, employment limitations, injuries sustained during seizures, the need for supervision, and the psychological toll of living with an unpredictable condition.
6. Don’t skip the exam. Missing an exam can delay your claim, and VA may decide it using the existing evidence. If you miss an exam for good cause, VA can schedule another appointment. Contact VA or the exam provider promptly to explain what happened; the consequences depend on the type of claim and circumstances. See VA’s guidance on missed exams.

Common mistakes

• Not documenting seizure frequency — a diary is useful, but competent, consistent witness statements and available medical records may also establish frequency
• Not mentioning minor seizures (absence/staring spells) — they count toward the rating formula, and VA needs the full picture to decide which seizure type predominates
• Failing to get witness statements for seizure events
• Not connecting seizures to a documented TBI or head injury during service
• Not describing postictal symptoms (the confusion, exhaustion, and impairment that follow seizures, which can last hours or days)
• Minimizing the impact on employment and daily activities

Common secondary conditions linked to seizures

Seizure disorders frequently cause or are associated with other conditions:

• Depression — Epilepsy has one of the highest rates of comorbid depression among neurological conditions. The unpredictability of seizures, loss of independence (driving restrictions), employment difficulties, social stigma, and medication side effects all contribute to depression.
• Anxiety — The constant fear of when the next seizure will occur, worry about seizure-related injuries, and the loss of control create significant anxiety. Many veterans with seizure disorders develop anticipatory anxiety that limits their willingness to leave home.
• Sleep apnea — Anti-seizure medications can cause weight gain, a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep deprivation from sleep apnea can also lower the seizure threshold, creating a dangerous cycle.
• Migraines — Seizures and migraines share neurological mechanisms, and many veterans experience both conditions. Post-seizure headaches are also common and can be severe.
• TBI residuals — If your seizures are caused by a TBI, you may have other TBI-related symptoms (cognitive impairment, headaches, dizziness, mood changes) that warrant separate evaluation.
• Cognitive impairment — Both seizures themselves and anti-seizure medications can impair memory, concentration, and processing speed.

How to calculate your monthly payment

Your total VA disability payment depends on your combined rating across all service-connected conditions. A seizure disorder combined with TBI, depression, and other conditions can produce a significantly higher combined rating.

Use our VA disability calculator to:

• Calculate your combined rating with seizures, TBI, and secondary conditions
• See how VA math combines ratings differently than simple addition
• Estimate your monthly payment including dependents

For the full breakdown of payment amounts at every rating level, see our 2026 VA disability pay rates page.

Correction — October 21, 2026: Corrected missed-exam guidance, which said a missed exam leads to denial. Removed the claim that not keeping a seizure diary leads to a lower rating.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For personalized guidance on your VA disability claim, consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or claims agent. You can find accredited representatives at VA.gov.