Epilepsy — Grand Mal (Generalized Convulsive)

DC 8910Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8910 — Epilepsy, Grand Mal

A seizure disorder causing grand mal (tonic-clonic) seizures — episodes where you lose consciousness and your body stiffens and jerks. The VA rates epilepsy based on how often seizures happen.

Rating Levels

You average at least one major seizure per month over the last year.

What the VA looks for

12 or more major seizures per year
Monthly or more frequent convulsive episodes
Comprehensive seizure log with medical corroboration

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not keeping a seizure diary — frequency is everything for this rating. Write down every seizure, including date, time, duration, and symptoms.
⚠Not having witnesses provide buddy statements — seizures often involve loss of consciousness, so you may not remember them. Family and coworkers can confirm what happened.
⚠Not distinguishing between major seizures (grand mal with loss of consciousness and convulsions) and minor seizures — the rating criteria treat them differently.
⚠Not requesting driving restrictions or work limitation documentation from your neurologist — this supports the severity of your condition.
⚠Missing secondary conditions — epilepsy commonly causes depression, anxiety, memory problems, and medication side effects that may be separately rated.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Rating Levels

You average at least one major seizure per month over the last year.

What the VA looks for

12 or more major seizures per year
Monthly or more frequent convulsive episodes
Comprehensive seizure log with medical corroboration

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not keeping a seizure diary — frequency is everything for this rating. Write down every seizure, including date, time, duration, and symptoms.

⚠Not having witnesses provide buddy statements — seizures often involve loss of consciousness, so you may not remember them. Family and coworkers can confirm what happened.

⚠Not distinguishing between major seizures (grand mal with loss of consciousness and convulsions) and minor seizures — the rating criteria treat them differently.

⚠Not requesting driving restrictions or work limitation documentation from your neurologist — this supports the severity of your condition.

⚠Missing secondary conditions — epilepsy commonly causes depression, anxiety, memory problems, and medication side effects that may be separately rated.