Epilepsy — Petit Mal (Absence)

DC 8911Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8911 — Epilepsy, Petit Mal

A seizure disorder causing brief episodes of staring or loss of awareness (absence seizures) without the convulsions seen in grand mal seizures. The VA rates petit mal 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 seizure episodes
Comprehensive seizure documentation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Absence seizures are brief and easy to miss — others may think you are daydreaming. Get buddy statements from people who have witnessed your episodes.
⚠Not getting EEG testing — petit mal seizures have a characteristic brainwave pattern that helps confirm the diagnosis objectively.
⚠Not documenting how seizures affect your ability to work safely — even brief absences can be dangerous if you operate machinery, drive, or work at heights.
⚠Not tracking minor seizures carefully — because they are brief, they are easy to undercount. Keep a detailed log.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — seizure medications often cause side effects (fatigue, cognitive slowing, mood changes) that may warrant separate evaluation.

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 seizure episodes
Comprehensive seizure documentation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Absence seizures are brief and easy to miss — others may think you are daydreaming. Get buddy statements from people who have witnessed your episodes.

⚠Not getting EEG testing — petit mal seizures have a characteristic brainwave pattern that helps confirm the diagnosis objectively.

⚠Not documenting how seizures affect your ability to work safely — even brief absences can be dangerous if you operate machinery, drive, or work at heights.

⚠Not tracking minor seizures carefully — because they are brief, they are easy to undercount. Keep a detailed log.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — seizure medications often cause side effects (fatigue, cognitive slowing, mood changes) that may warrant separate evaluation.