---
title: "DC 8910 - Epilepsy, grand mal."
diagnostic_code: "8910"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8910-epilepsy-grand-mal"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:45:56.198262Z"
---

# DC 8910 - Epilepsy, grand mal.

Rated under § 4.124a. Body system: Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders.

Rate under the general rating formula for major seizures.

General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | Averaging at least 1 major seizure per month over the last year |
| 80% | Averaging at least 1 major seizure in 3 months over the last year; or more than 10 minor seizures weekly |
| 60% | Averaging at least 1 major seizure in 4 months over the last year; or 9-10 minor seizures per week |
| 40% | At least 1 major seizure in the last 6 months or 2 in the last year; or averaging at least 5 to 8 minor seizures weekly |
| 20% | At least 1 major seizure in the last 2 years; or at least 2 minor seizures in the last 6 months |
| 10% | A confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy with a history of seizures |

## Notes

- Note (1): A major seizure is characterized by the generalized tonic-clonic convulsion with unconsciousness.
- Note (2): A minor seizure consists of a brief interruption in consciousness or conscious control associated with staring or rhythmic blinking of the eyes or nodding of the head (âpureâ petit mal), or sudden jerking movements of the arms, trunk, or head (myoclonic type) or sudden loss of postural control (akinetic type).
- Note (1): When continuous medication is shown necessary for the control of epilepsy, the minimum evaluation will be 10 percent. This rating will not be combined with any other rating for epilepsy.
- Note (2): In the presence of major and minor seizures, rate the predominating type.
- Note (3): There will be no distinction between diurnal and nocturnal major seizures.

# Epilepsy, Grand Mal (VA Diagnostic Code 8910)

**Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders · 38 CFR § 4.124a**

## Understanding This Condition

Grand mal epilepsy is a convulsive disorder rated by the VA under Diagnostic Code 8910. The VA evaluates this condition using the **General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures**, applying the criteria for major seizures.

Under this formula, seizures are classified into two types:

- **Major seizure:** A generalized tonic-clonic convulsion with unconsciousness.
- **Minor seizure:** A brief interruption in consciousness or conscious control. This can appear as staring or rhythmic blinking of the eyes or nodding of the head ("pure" petit mal); sudden jerking movements of the arms, trunk, or head (myoclonic type); or sudden loss of postural control (akinetic type).

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating based on the frequency and type of seizures over specified time periods:

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **100%** | Averaging at least 1 major seizure per month over the last year |
| **80%** | Averaging at least 1 major seizure in 3 months over the last year; or more than 10 minor seizures weekly |
| **60%** | Averaging at least 1 major seizure in 4 months over the last year; or 9–10 minor seizures per week |
| **40%** | At least 1 major seizure in the last 6 months or 2 in the last year; or averaging at least 5 to 8 minor seizures weekly |
| **20%** | At least 1 major seizure in the last 2 years; or at least 2 minor seizures in the last 6 months |
| **10%** | A confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy with a history of seizures |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating grand mal epilepsy, the VA considers the following:

- **Type and frequency of seizures.** Ratings are based on how often major or minor seizures occur over defined time periods such as the last 6 months, the last year, or the last 2 years.
- **The predominating type.** When both major and minor seizures are present, the VA rates the predominating type.
- **No day/night distinction.** There is no distinction between daytime (diurnal) and nighttime (nocturnal) major seizures.
- **Ongoing medication.** When continuous medication is shown to be necessary for the control of epilepsy, the minimum evaluation is 10 percent. This rating will not be combined with any other rating for epilepsy.

---

*This information is provided for general educational purposes and reflects the VA rating criteria for Diagnostic Code 8910. Individual evaluations depend on the specific facts and medical evidence in each case.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a