Epilepsy, petit mal DC 8911
VA rates it under diagnostic code 8911 in 38 CFR 4.124a. Body system: Head & nerves.
Also searched as: petit mal seizures, absence 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 minor seizures.
Notes in the schedule (2)
Note (1): A major seizure is characterized by the generalized tonic-clonic convulsion with unconsciousness.
Note (2): 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).
Related medications
Medications prescribed for it
A prescription shows the condition was diagnosed. It still needs its own link to service.
- Clonazepam (Klonopin). FDA labels: Clonazepam (DailyMed)
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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