Seizure Disorder (Epilepsy)
Epilepsy and other seizure disorders are rated on how often you have seizures. Major (grand mal / tonic-clonic) seizures with loss of consciousness count for more than minor seizures, and a confirmed diagnosis guarantees at least 10 percent.
Presumptive condition — Chronic disease presumption (38 CFR 3.309(a))
Epilepsies are on the chronic disease list: service connection is presumed if the condition appeared to a degree of at least 10 percent within one year after separation. Unprovoked seizures are also presumptively secondary to a service-connected moderate or severe TBI under 38 CFR 3.310(d).
How the VA rates it
All epilepsies use the General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures. A 'major' seizure is a generalized tonic-clonic convulsion with unconsciousness; a 'minor' seizure is a brief interruption of consciousness or control (staring spells, blinking, brief jerking movements). The rating is set by seizure frequency over the past year. When both types occur, VA rates the predominating type, and there is no distinction between daytime and nighttime seizures.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 100%Averaging at least 1 major seizure per month over the last year.
Averaging at least 1 major seizure in 3 months over the last year; or more than 10 minor seizures weekly.
Averaging at least 1 major seizure in 4 months over the last year; or 9-10 minor seizures per week.
At least 1 major seizure in the last 6 months or 2 in the last year; or averaging 5 to 8 minor seizures weekly.
At least 1 major seizure in the last 2 years; or at least 2 minor seizures in the last 6 months.
A confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy with a history of seizures. Also the minimum rating whenever continuous medication is required for seizure control.
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- Major Depressive Disorder — Depression and other mental health conditions secondary to epilepsy are rated separately under the mental disorders schedule.
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) — Post-traumatic epilepsy is presumptively secondary to a service-connected moderate or severe TBI under 38 CFR 3.310(d).
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Keep a seizure log with dates and witness names - the entire rating formula runs on documented frequency over the last year.
- Witness statements matter: seizures with unconsciousness are often described by others, not the veteran. Buddy/spouse statements documenting observed convulsions are strong evidence.
- If you take daily anti-seizure medication, make sure that is in the record - continuous medication guarantees at least 10 percent even if seizures are controlled.
- Ask your neurologist to characterize each seizure type (major vs. minor) in the records, since the formula treats them differently.
Rating rules to know
The 10 percent minimum for continuous medication cannot be combined with any other epilepsy rating. Mental health conditions secondary to epilepsy are rated separately under their own diagnostic codes.
Related diagnostic codes
More neurological conditions
Migraine Headaches
Migraines are recurring severe headaches, often with nausea and light sensitivity. VA rates them entirely on how often you have 'prostrating' attacks - attacks so severe you must stop what you are doing and lie down.
Rated up to 50%
Sciatic Radiculopathy (Lower Extremity)
Sciatic radiculopathy is nerve pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating from the low back down the leg, usually caused by a spine condition pressing on the sciatic nerve root. VA rates it per leg based on how severe the nerve impairment is.
Rated up to 80%
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage in the feet, legs, or hands causing burning pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness - most often from diabetes. There is no single diagnostic code: VA rates each affected nerve in each extremity separately.
Rated up to 80%
Upper Extremity Radiculopathy (Cervical Radiculopathy)
Cervical radiculopathy is pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand from a compressed nerve root. VA rates it per arm, with higher percentages for your dominant (major) arm.
Rated up to 70%
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. VA rates it per wrist under the median nerve code, with higher percentages for your dominant hand.
Rated up to 70%
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Residuals
TBI residuals are the lasting effects of a head injury - problems with memory, concentration, mood, headaches, dizziness, and more. VA rates TBI with a unique facet-based system where your single worst area of impairment sets the rating.
Rated up to 100%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.