What is the VA rating for Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders?
Understand Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders guidance under DC 8910-8914, all dispatching into the General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures (100/80/60/40/20/10 percent), driven by documented seizure type and frequency pattern.
Condition Overview & Clinical Scope
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DC 8910 through DC 8914 each name a specific type of epilepsy, and all of them dispatch into one shared General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures (100/80/60/40/20/10 percent). Which tier applies depends on the documented type of seizure (major or minor) and how often it occurs, matched against the formula's own frequency-pattern descriptions. The 100 percent tier has no corresponding minor-seizure clause in the current text, so minor seizures alone cap at 80 percent.
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DC 8910 through DC 8914 each name a specific type of epilepsy, and all of them dispatch into one shared General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures (100/80/60/40/20/10 percent). Which tier applies depends on the documented type of seizure (major or minor) and how often it occurs, matched against the formula's own frequency-pattern descriptions. The 100 percent tier has no corresponding minor-seizure clause in the current text, so minor seizures alone cap at 80 percent.
Regulatory authority: 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8910-8914
This hub explains the published DC 8910-8914 criteria and common record language. It does not diagnose epilepsy, infer missing seizure-frequency documentation, determine service connection, or predict a VA decision. DC 8912 (Jacksonian and focal motor or sensory) has no independent rating criteria in the current text and is disclosed only, never computed (see NHD-1). Note (2) to the General Rating Formula -- 'in the presence of major and minor seizures, rate the predominating type' -- applies to the whole formula, not only DC 8913, and has no stated resolution mechanism; it is disclosed only, never computed (see NHD-2). Note (1) to the General Rating Formula also states that the 10 percent medication-minimum rating will not be combined with any other rating for epilepsy (see NHD-3). 38 CFR 4.124a also includes 'Mental Disorders in Epilepsies' and 'Epilepsy and Unemployability' provisions following the General Rating Formula; both are disclosed only, never computed (see NHD-4 and NHD-5).
Percentage Guides
Understanding Your Percentage
Select a pathway to see what the published criteria ask about, what records may clarify it, and what should not be assumed.
100%
Highest listed pathway
The 100% level describes major seizures averaging at least 1 per month over the last year. There is no equivalent minor-seizure pathway to this tier.
What separates the next level: The 80% level's major-seizure clause describes a less frequent pattern (at least 1 in 3 months); its minor-seizure clause (more than 10 weekly) is the highest tier minor seizures alone can reach.
Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
The General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures rates major seizures averaging at least 1 per month over the last year at 100 percent.
Qualification explanation
Reached only through the major-seizure track (DC 8910, grand mal, or DC 8914's major-presentation branch). Minor seizures alone cannot reach this tier.
Examples
Records documenting at least one major (grand mal) seizure per month, consistently over the past year.
Medical evidence
Neurology treatment records; Documented seizure frequency log or clinical notes; EEG findings, where available
Functional impact examples
Frequent, recurring major seizures across the past year.
Common misconceptions
A single severe seizure does not by itself establish this tier -- the text requires a sustained monthly average over the last year.
Related topics
major seizures; seizure frequency
Source context
38 CFR 4.124a; 8910-8914; Current General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures.
80%
Next: 100%
The 80% level is reached either by major seizures averaging at least 1 in 3 months over the last year, or by more than 10 minor seizures weekly.
What separates the next level: The 100% level's major-seizure clause requires a more frequent monthly pattern; there is no minor-seizure path to 100%, so this is the ceiling for minor seizures alone.
Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
The General Rating Formula rates major seizures averaging at least 1 in 3 months over the last year, or more than 10 minor seizures weekly, at 80 percent.
Qualification explanation
Two independent paths, one for each seizure track. A veteran is rated under whichever track their documented seizure type belongs to, not both at once.
Examples
Records documenting a major seizure roughly every 3 months over the past year.; Records documenting more than 10 minor (petit mal) seizures per week.
Medical evidence
Neurology treatment records; Documented seizure frequency log or clinical notes
Functional impact examples
Regular major seizures every few months, or frequent minor seizures on a weekly basis.
Common misconceptions
Minor seizures, no matter how frequent, cannot reach 100 percent under the current text.
Related topics
major seizures; minor seizures; seizure frequency
Source context
38 CFR 4.124a; 8910-8914; Current General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures.
60%
Next: 80%
The 60% level is reached either by major seizures averaging at least 1 in 4 months over the last year, or by 9 to 10 minor seizures per week.
What separates the next level: The 80% level requires a more frequent pattern on either track.
Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
The General Rating Formula rates major seizures averaging at least 1 in 4 months over the last year, or 9 to 10 minor seizures per week, at 60 percent.
Qualification explanation
Two independent paths, one for each seizure track.
Examples
Records documenting a major seizure roughly every 4 months over the past year.; Records documenting 9 to 10 minor seizures per week.
Medical evidence
Neurology treatment records; Documented seizure frequency log or clinical notes
Functional impact examples
Major seizures spaced a few months apart, or near-daily minor seizures.
Common misconceptions
Occasional minor seizures well below 9 per week do not reach this tier.
Related topics
major seizures; minor seizures; seizure frequency
Source context
38 CFR 4.124a; 8910-8914; Current General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures.
40%
Next: 60%
The 40% level is reached either by at least 1 major seizure in the last 6 months (or 2 in the last year), or by averaging 5 to 8 minor seizures weekly.
What separates the next level: The 60% level requires a more frequent pattern on either track.
Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
The General Rating Formula rates 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, at 40 percent.
Qualification explanation
Two independent paths, one for each seizure track.
Examples
Records documenting one major seizure within the past 6 months.; Records documenting an average of 5 to 8 minor seizures per week.
Medical evidence
Neurology treatment records; Documented seizure frequency log or clinical notes
Functional impact examples
An occasional major seizure within the last several months, or several minor seizures weekly.
Common misconceptions
Two major seizures spread across more than a year, without meeting the 6-month clause, does not by itself establish this tier.
Related topics
major seizures; minor seizures; seizure frequency
Source context
38 CFR 4.124a; 8910-8914; Current General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures.
20%
Next: 40%
The 20% level is reached either by at least 1 major seizure in the last 2 years, or by at least 2 minor seizures in the last 6 months.
What separates the next level: The 40% level requires a more frequent pattern on either track.
Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
The General Rating Formula rates at least 1 major seizure in the last 2 years, or at least 2 minor seizures in the last 6 months, at 20 percent.
Qualification explanation
Two independent paths, one for each seizure track.
Examples
Records documenting a single major seizure within the past 2 years.; Records documenting 2 minor seizures within the past 6 months.
Medical evidence
Neurology treatment records; Documented seizure frequency log or clinical notes
Functional impact examples
An infrequent major seizure history, or occasional minor seizures.
Common misconceptions
A single minor seizure in the last 6 months does not reach this tier -- the text requires at least 2.
Related topics
major seizures; minor seizures; seizure frequency
Source context
38 CFR 4.124a; 8910-8914; Current General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures.
10%
Next: 20%
The 10% level is the floor for any confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy with a history of seizures, regardless of whether it is a major or minor seizure type.
What separates the next level: The 20% level requires a more specific, more frequent documented pattern than a bare confirmed diagnosis.
Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
The General Rating Formula rates a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy with a history of seizures at 10 percent.
Qualification explanation
Unlike every other tier, this row's text does not distinguish major from minor seizures -- it applies to a confirmed diagnosis on either track.
Examples
A confirmed epilepsy diagnosis with a documented history of seizures, without a frequency pattern matching a higher tier.
Medical evidence
Neurology treatment records confirming the diagnosis and seizure history
Functional impact examples
A confirmed but infrequent or not-yet-well-characterized seizure history.
Common misconceptions
Note (1) states that when continuous medication is shown necessary to control epilepsy, the minimum evaluation is 10 percent, and that 'this rating will not be combined with any other rating for epilepsy' -- this is the same floor already reflected here, not a separate, additional rating stacked on top of a frequency-based tier.
Related topics
confirmed diagnosis; seizure history
Source context
38 CFR 4.124a; 8910-8914; Current General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures.
Learn
Understand the details behind the criteria
Use these short guides to connect published terms with the records and observations that may clarify them.
Major seizures vs. minor seizures, and which epilepsy types use which track
The General Rating Formula has two independent tracks -- one for major seizures, one for minor -- and each named epilepsy code tells you which track applies.
A major seizure is a generalized tonic-clonic convulsion with unconsciousness (Note (1)).
A minor seizure is a brief interruption in consciousness or conscious control, associated with staring, rhythmic blinking, head nodding, sudden jerking movements, or sudden loss of postural control (Note (2)).
DC 8910 (grand mal) rates under the major track. DC 8911 (petit mal) rates under the minor track.
DC 8913 (diencephalic) rates under the minor track by its primary instruction.
DC 8914 (psychomotor) dispatches to the major track when characterized by automatic states or generalized convulsions with unconsciousness, and to the minor track when characterized by brief transient episodes of random motor movements, hallucinations, perceptual illusions, or similar.
There is no distinction between diurnal and nocturnal major seizures (Note (3)).
Records to review: Neurology treatment records; Documented seizure type and presentation.
DC 8912 (Jacksonian and focal motor or sensory): disclosed, not resolved (NHD-1)
DC 8912 is listed by name in the current text with no independent rating criteria and no instruction for which track to use.
Every sibling code in this range states how it is rated -- DC 8912 does not.
RatingScope does not guess whether Jacksonian or focal motor or sensory epilepsy should be rated as major or minor seizures.
Selecting this type always results in a disclosed needs-detail outcome rather than a computed percentage.
Records to review: Neurology treatment records documenting the specific epilepsy diagnosis.
The 'predominating type' rule: general to the whole formula, not just DC 8913 (NHD-2)
Note (2) to the General Rating Formula says that when both major and minor seizures are present, the predominating type is rated -- a rule attached to the formula itself, not unique to DC 8913.
Note (2) to the General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures states: 'In the presence of major and minor seizures, rate the predominating type.'
DC 8913 (diencephalic epilepsy) restates this same rule as part of its own primary instruction -- rate as minor seizures, except in the presence of major and minor seizures, rate the predominating type -- but the rule itself is not unique to DC 8913.
Any veteran with documented major and minor seizures, under any of DC 8910-8914, is potentially subject to this same rule.
The current text does not explain how to determine which type 'predominates' when a veteran has both.
RatingScope models DC 8913 as always-minor, matching its primary instruction, and discloses this rule -- for DC 8913 and generally -- as unresolved context, not collected as a fact or computed.
Records to review: Neurology treatment records documenting both major and minor seizure presentations, if applicable.
Note (1): the medication-minimum rating does not combine with any other epilepsy rating (NHD-3)
Note (1) to the General Rating Formula states that the 10 percent medication-minimum evaluation will not be combined with any other rating for epilepsy.
Note (1) to the General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures states: 'When continuous medication is shown necessary for the control of epilepsy, the minimum evaluation will be 10 percent. This rating will not be combined with any other rating for epilepsy.'
RatingScope's 10 percent tier already reflects this floor as a single evaluation, not as an additional rating added on top of a frequency-based tier.
This is the regulation's own non-combination language, disclosed here directly.
Records to review: Neurology treatment records documenting continuous medication necessity.
Mental Disorders in Epilepsies: a co-occurring mental disorder is rated separately (NHD-4)
38 CFR 4.124a directs that a nonpsychotic organic brain syndrome, or a psychotic, psychoneurotic, or personality disorder shown secondary to or directly associated with epilepsy, is rated separately under its own diagnostic code.
The regulation's exact text: 'A nonpsychotic organic brain syndrome will be rated separately under the appropriate diagnostic code (e.g., 9304 or 9326).'
It further provides that a psychotic, psychoneurotic, or personality disorder, if diagnosed and shown to be secondary to or directly associated with epilepsy, will also be rated separately -- the psychotic or psychoneurotic disorder under the appropriate diagnostic code, and the personality disorder as a dementia (e.g., DC 9304 or 9326).
This is a separate-rating instruction, not a combination or an addition to the seizure-frequency percentage computed by the General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures.
RatingScope does not rate a co-occurring mental disorder within this Epilepsy hub -- a veteran with a documented mental disorder shown secondary to or associated with epilepsy should also review the applicable mental-disorder rating criteria.
Records to review: Neurology and psychiatric treatment records documenting any co-occurring organic brain syndrome or psychiatric disorder.
Epilepsy and Unemployability: a codified directive to consider employability impact (NHD-5)
38 CFR 4.124a directs rating specialists to consider whether epilepsy is the determining factor in a veteran's unemployment, including a specific economic and social survey and possible referral to the Compensation Service or the Director, Pension and Fiduciary Service.
The regulation states that rating specialists 'must bear in mind that the epileptic, although his or her seizures are controlled, may find employment and rehabilitation difficult of attainment due to employer reluctance to the hiring of the epileptic.'
Where a definite history of unemployment is present, the regulation calls for full development to ascertain whether epilepsy is the determining factor, including (with the claimant's assent) an economic and social survey covering education, prior and subsequent occupations, places of employment and reasons for termination, wages received, and number of seizures.
Where the rating board judges unemployability is due to epilepsy and jurisdiction is not vested in that body by reason of schedular evaluations, the case is directed to the Compensation Service or the Director, Pension and Fiduciary Service.
This is a codified regulatory directive, not a percentage tier RatingScope computes. RatingScope does not conduct an economic and social survey, assess employability, or predict a referral outcome.
Records to review: Employment history records; Documentation connecting seizure frequency to job loss or hiring difficulty.
Evidence
Evidence that may clarify the published criteria
Neurology treatment records
Treatment records document the confirmed epilepsy diagnosis, seizure type, and frequency over time.
A diagnosis alone does not identify which percentage tier applies.
Documented seizure frequency
The frequency pattern documented over the relevant lookback period is the fact the General Rating Formula's tiers are built on.
A general history of 'seizures' without a documented frequency pattern cannot be substituted for a specific finding.
Personal and firsthand lay evidence
Plain descriptions can help characterize how often seizures occur and what they look like.
Lay evidence can describe observed impact, but it should not invent measurements or diagnoses.
Official VA Forms & DBQs
Downloadable DBQs & Supporting Claim Forms
Take the public DBQ to your private physician or review it prior to your C&P examination.
Terminology
Plain-English terms
Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders
Whichever specific epilepsy type is diagnosed, the actual percentage comes from one shared frequency-based formula, not a separate table per type.
The formula depends on documented seizure type (major or minor) and frequency, not the type name alone.
If seizures are documented as a residual of a TBI, this Epilepsy hub is where that specific finding is rated -- the TBI hub's own facet table does not rate seizures itself.
A veteran with both a TBI diagnosis and documented seizures may need to review both hubs, since they cover genuinely separate rating pathways for related but distinct findings.
Neurology treatment records; TBI evaluation records
Even if the schedular rating for Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders does not reach 100 percent, TDIU may still provide a pathway to compensation at the 100 percent rate, based on unemployability from this and/or other service-connected disabilities combined.
A lower schedular percentage does not by itself foreclose TDIU eligibility -- this hub computes only the schedular percentage for this specific condition and does not determine TDIU eligibility.
DC 8910 through DC 8914 each name a specific epilepsy type, and all dispatch into one shared General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures (100/80/60/40/20/10 percent), based on documented seizure type and frequency.
What is the difference between major and minor seizures?
A major seizure is a generalized tonic-clonic convulsion with unconsciousness. A minor seizure is a brief interruption in consciousness or conscious control, or sudden jerking movements or loss of postural control, without the same generalized convulsion pattern.
Why does DC 8912 have no rating tier shown?
DC 8912 (Jacksonian and focal motor or sensory) has no independent rating criteria and no rate-as instruction anywhere in the current text, unlike every sibling code. RatingScope discloses this rather than guessing whether it should be rated as major or minor seizures.
What if I have both major and minor seizures?
Note (2) to the General Rating Formula says that when both major and minor seizures are present, the predominating type is rated -- this is a general rule for the whole formula, not just for DC 8913 (diencephalic epilepsy). DC 8913 restates the same rule as part of its own primary instruction. The current text does not explain how to determine which type predominates. RatingScope models DC 8913 as always-minor and discloses this rule -- for DC 8913 and generally -- rather than computing a comparison.
Does the 10 percent medication-minimum rating stack with my seizure-frequency rating?
No. Note (1) to the General Rating Formula states that when continuous medication is shown necessary to control epilepsy, the minimum evaluation is 10 percent, and 'this rating will not be combined with any other rating for epilepsy.' It is a floor, not an addition to a separately computed frequency-based tier.
What if I also have a mental disorder connected to my epilepsy?
38 CFR 4.124a's 'Mental Disorders in Epilepsies' provision states that a nonpsychotic organic brain syndrome, or a psychotic, psychoneurotic, or personality disorder shown secondary to or directly associated with epilepsy, is rated separately under its own diagnostic code -- not folded into the seizure-frequency percentage. RatingScope does not rate a co-occurring mental disorder here; review the applicable mental-disorder criteria separately.
Does VA consider whether epilepsy affects my ability to work?
Yes. 38 CFR 4.124a's 'Epilepsy and Unemployability' provision directs rating specialists to consider whether epilepsy is the determining factor in a veteran's unemployment, including (with the claimant's assent) an economic and social survey, with possible referral to the Compensation Service or the Director, Pension and Fiduciary Service. This is a codified regulatory directive, not a percentage tier RatingScope computes.
Is this related to my TBI residuals?
DC 8045 (TBI residuals) dispatches documented seizures to whichever other diagnostic code covers that specific finding, rather than rating them directly. This Epilepsy hub is that destination for seizure findings.
If my schedular rating for Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders is below 100%, can I still be compensated at the 100% rate?
Possibly, through TDIU (Total Disability rating based on Individual Unemployability, 38 CFR 4.16) -- a separate pathway to 100 percent compensation based on unemployability, from this and/or other service-connected disabilities combined, independent of whether the schedular rating itself reaches 100 percent. This hub computes only the schedular percentage and does not determine TDIU eligibility.
What separates the 100% rating from adjacent levels?
The 80% level's major-seizure clause describes a less frequent pattern (at least 1 in 3 months); its minor-seizure clause (more than 10 weekly) is the highest tier minor seizures alone can reach.
What separates the 80% rating from adjacent levels?
The 100% level's major-seizure clause requires a more frequent monthly pattern; there is no minor-seizure path to 100%, so this is the ceiling for minor seizures alone.
What separates the 60% rating from adjacent levels?
The 80% level requires a more frequent pattern on either track.
What separates the 40% rating from adjacent levels?
The 60% level requires a more frequent pattern on either track.
What separates the 20% rating from adjacent levels?
The 40% level requires a more frequent pattern on either track.
What separates the 10% rating from adjacent levels?
The 20% level requires a more specific, more frequent documented pattern than a bare confirmed diagnosis.
If more than one condition is involved, combined-rating math is educational context and does not simply add percentages.
Ready when you are
Compare documented epilepsy findings
Use the documented seizure type and frequency pattern already noted in your records. Do not upload records or enter Social Security numbers, claim numbers, full dates of birth, or other sensitive identifiers. RatingScope does not infer missing findings.
Informational guidance only. RatingScope does not predict, decide, or guarantee VA outcomes.
38 CFR 4.16 - Total disability ratings for compensation based on unemployability (TDIU)
Official source for TDIU, a separate pathway to 100 percent compensation based on unemployability, independent of the schedular percentage. This hub does not determine TDIU eligibility.