Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124a
Grand mal epilepsy (generalized tonic-clonic epilepsy) involves major seizures with loss of consciousness and generalized convulsions. The VA rates DC 8910 under the General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures (38 CFR § 4.124a): 100% (>= 1 major seizure per month average), 80% (>= 1 major seizure per 3 months OR >10 minor per week), 60% (>= 1 major per 4 months OR 9-10 minor per week), 40% (>= 1 major in last 6 months or 2 in last year OR 5-8 minor per week), 20% (>= 1 major in last 2 years OR 2 minor in last 6 months), 10% floor (confirmed diagnosis + history of seizures, even if medication-controlled). Major seizure = generalized tonic-clonic with loss of consciousness.
Rating levels
- 100% — You qualify for 100% if you average at least 1 major (grand mal / generalized tonic-clonic) seizure per month over the last year. Major seizure = generalized tonic-clonic convulsion with loss of consciousness. The frequency is averaged across the full 12-month look-back window, so 12+ major seizures in a year qualifies even if they were clustered.
- 80% — You qualify for 80% if you average at least 1 major seizure every 3 months over the last year (roughly 4+ major seizures per year), or if you have more than 10 minor seizures weekly. The two criteria are alternatives, the rater applies whichever matches.
- 60% — You qualify for 60% if you average at least 1 major seizure every 4 months over the last year (roughly 3+ major seizures per year), or if you have 9 to 10 minor seizures per week.
- 40% — You qualify for 40% if you have had at least 1 major seizure in the last 6 months OR at least 2 major seizures in the last year, or if you average 5 to 8 minor seizures weekly.
- 20% — You qualify for 20% if you have had at least 1 major seizure in the last 2 years, or at least 2 minor seizures in the last 6 months. This tier covers veterans whose seizures are partially controlled by medication but who still break through with occasional events.
- 10% — You qualify for 10% (the floor) if you have a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy with a history of seizures, even if your seizures are currently controlled by medication and you have not had a recent event. The diagnosis itself + documented seizure history is enough; current ongoing seizures are NOT required. Medication-controlled remission still rates 10%.