Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive DisordersRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.124a
Jacksonian and focal motor or sensory epilepsy is a partial seizure disorder originating from a discrete focus in the motor or sensory cortex. Jacksonian seizures classically begin in one body part (a finger, the corner of the mouth) and spread along the body in a fixed sequence as the seizure marches across the motor strip; focal sensory seizures produce a localized abnormal sensation (tingling, numbness, flashes of light, abnormal smells). Consciousness may be preserved (simple partial) or impaired (complex partial), and the seizure can secondarily generalize into a tonic-clonic event. The VA rates DC 8912 as minor seizures under the General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures (38 CFR § 4.124a): 100% / 80% / 60% / 40% / 20% / 10% by seizure frequency, with the 10% floor for a confirmed diagnosis + history of seizures even if medication-controlled.
Rating levels
- -1% — Jacksonian and focal motor or sensory epilepsy is rated using the same 6-tier seizure-frequency ladder as petit mal epilepsy (DC 8911): 100% / 80% / 60% / 40% / 20% / 10%. The ladder credits both major and minor seizures, with the higher of the two criteria applying. The 10% floor applies to anyone with a confirmed diagnosis + history of seizures, even in medication-controlled remission.
- 100% — Although DC 8912 is rated as minor seizures, the ladder still credits major seizures at this top tier. You qualify for 100% if Jacksonian and focal motor or sensory epilepsy secondarily generalizes and you average at least 1 major (generalized tonic-clonic) seizure per month over the last year. Many focal epilepsies are mixed and produce occasional secondary generalized seizures; when they do, the major-seizure frequency drives the rating at this level.
- 80% — You qualify for 80% under DC 8912 if you have more than 10 minor (focal-type) seizures weekly, or if mixed-type epilepsy produces at least 1 major seizure every 3 months over the last year (roughly 4+ major seizures per year). The two criteria are alternatives.
- 60% — You qualify for 60% under DC 8912 if you have 9 to 10 minor seizures per week, or if mixed-type epilepsy produces at least 1 major seizure every 4 months over the last year (roughly 3+ major seizures per year).
- 40% — You qualify for 40% under DC 8912 if you average 5 to 8 minor seizures weekly, or if mixed-type epilepsy has produced at least 1 major seizure in the last 6 months OR at least 2 major seizures in the last year.
- 20% — You qualify for 20% under DC 8912 if you have had at least 2 minor seizures in the last 6 months, or at least 1 major seizure in the last 2 years. This tier covers partially-controlled focal epilepsy where breakthrough events continue despite medication.
- 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%.