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.

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 →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Chronic Tension-Type Headaches

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.