---
title: "DC 8911 - Epilepsy, petit mal."
diagnostic_code: "8911"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8911-epilepsy-petit-mal"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:46:16.935486Z"
---

# DC 8911 - Epilepsy, petit mal.

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

Rate under the general rating formula for minor 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, Petit Mal — VA Disability Rating (Diagnostic Code 8911)

**Body System:** Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders
**Regulation:** 38 CFR § 4.124a
**Rating Formula:** General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures

---

## Understanding the Condition

Petit mal epilepsy is rated under Diagnostic Code 8911, using the General Rating Formula for minor seizures. The VA distinguishes between two seizure types when evaluating this condition:

- **Major seizure:** Characterized by a generalized tonic-clonic convulsion with unconsciousness.
- **Minor seizure:** A brief interruption in consciousness or conscious control associated with staring or rhythmic blinking of the eyes or nodding of the head ("pure" petit mal); or 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 documented over time:

| 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 petit mal epilepsy, the VA considers the following:

- **Frequency and type of seizures.** The rating ladder is built around how often major and/or minor seizures occur over specific time periods.
- **Predominating seizure type.** When both major and minor seizures are present, the VA rates the predominating type.
- **Diurnal vs. nocturnal seizures.** There is no distinction between daytime and nighttime major seizures.
- **Continuous medication.** 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.

---

*This information is based on the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 8911 under 38 CFR § 4.124a. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or a guarantee of any particular rating outcome.*

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