Chronic Tension-Type Headaches

DC 8100Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8100 — Migraine Headaches

Frequent headaches causing pressing or tightening pain on both sides of the head. Distinguished from migraines by lacking aura and not typically prostrating. Rated under the same criteria as migraines based on frequency and economic impact.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 8100

Rating range

0% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8100 — Migraine Headaches. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have very frequent, completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

What the VA looks for

Very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged headache attacks
Documentation of severe economic inadaptability
Lost work days or reduced work capacity due to headaches
Comprehensive headache diary showing frequent prostrating episodes
Employer statements or work records showing impact on employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠The VA may rate tension headaches lower than migraines — document prostrating episodes carefully with specific dates, duration, and how they prevented you from functioning.
⚠Keeping a headache diary is critical — without a consistent log of headache frequency, duration, and severity, it is difficult to prove the rating criteria are met.
⚠Not connecting headaches to TBI, neck injury, or PTSD — these are common secondary connections that establish service connection for headaches.
⚠Not documenting lost work days due to headaches — "severe economic inadaptability" for the 50% rating requires evidence of how headaches affect your ability to earn a living.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Headaches (Including Migraine Headaches)

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Chronic Tension-Type Headaches or rated under the same body system.

Migraine Headaches

DC 8100·Neurological

Radiculopathy — Sciatic Nerve

DC 8520·Neurological

Peripheral Neuropathy — Lower Extremities

DC 8520·Neurological

Peripheral Neuropathy — Upper Extremities

DC 8515·Neurological

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

DC 8045·Neurological

Epilepsy — Grand Mal (Generalized Convulsive)

DC 8910·Neurological

Epilepsy — Petit Mal (Absence)

DC 8911·Neurological

Trigeminal Neuralgia

DC 8205·Neurological

Condition Rating Guides

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Chronic Tension-Type Headaches

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8100

Rating range

0% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have very frequent, completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

What the VA looks for

Very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged headache attacks
Documentation of severe economic inadaptability
Lost work days or reduced work capacity due to headaches
Comprehensive headache diary showing frequent prostrating episodes
Employer statements or work records showing impact on employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠The VA may rate tension headaches lower than migraines — document prostrating episodes carefully with specific dates, duration, and how they prevented you from functioning.

⚠Keeping a headache diary is critical — without a consistent log of headache frequency, duration, and severity, it is difficult to prove the rating criteria are met.

⚠Not connecting headaches to TBI, neck injury, or PTSD — these are common secondary connections that establish service connection for headaches.

⚠Not documenting lost work days due to headaches — "severe economic inadaptability" for the 50% rating requires evidence of how headaches affect your ability to earn a living.