Epilepsy, grand mal DC 8910
VA rates it under diagnostic code 8910 in 38 CFR 4.124a. Body system: Head & nerves.
Also searched as: seizures, epilepsy, grand mal seizures.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 6 rating levels for this code: 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
Rated under the general rating formula for major and minor epileptic seizures (§ 4.124a).
Source: 38 CFR 4.124a on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
This code is rated under the General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures (38 CFR 4.124a).
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 100% | Averaging at least 1 major seizure per month over the last year |
| 80% | Averaging at least 1 major seizure in 3 months over the last year; or more than 10 minor seizures weekly |
| 60% | Averaging at least 1 major seizure in 4 months over the last year; or 9-10 minor seizures per week |
| 40% | 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 |
| 20% | At least 1 major seizure in the last 2 years; or at least 2 minor seizures in the last 6 months |
| 10% | A confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy with a history of seizures |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.124a, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Rate under the general rating formula for major seizures.
Commonly claimed as secondary to
If one of these is already service connected, you may be able to claim this condition as secondary to it.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) DC 8045 Established link
VA's TBI rule holds unprovoked seizures to be caused by a moderate or severe service-connected TBI. Seizures are rated under the epilepsy codes.
What to gather: A seizure disorder diagnosis and records showing how severe the TBI was when it happened.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310(d) (conditions VA holds to be caused by TBI); 38 CFR 4.124a (nerve and neurological ratings)
Presumptive rules that include it
If your service matches one of these, VA presumes the link to service and you do not need a medical opinion connecting it.
Chronic diseases that show up within a year of discharge
Covered: Epilepsies.
Time limit: At least 10% disabling within 1 year of discharge.
Who qualifies: 90 days or more of continuous active service during a war period or after December 31, 1946, and the disease reached at least 10% disabling within 1 year of leaving service (3 years for tuberculosis and Hansen's disease, 7 years for multiple sclerosis).
38 CFR 3.307(a)(3) and 3.309(a). Sources: 38 CFR 3.307; 38 CFR 3.309; VA M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section B: Conditions of the auditory system
Related medications
Medications prescribed for it
A prescription shows the condition was diagnosed. It still needs its own link to service.
- Anti-seizure medicines (for example topiramate, valproate (divalproex, valproic acid), lamotrigine, carbamazepine). FDA labels: Topiramate (DailyMed)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise). FDA labels: Gabapentin (DailyMed)
- Pregabalin (Lyrica). FDA labels: Pregabalin (DailyMed)
Check your claim
The claim finder asks about your service and current ratings, then lists conditions you may be able to claim. The calculator shows what a new rating does to your combined rating and monthly pay.
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
Not affiliated with the VA. VA decides ratings. Free help from an accredited VSO is available at no cost.