---
title: "DC 8913 - Epilepsy, diencephalic."
diagnostic_code: "8913"
body_system: "Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders"
cfr_section: "§ 4.124a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/neurological/8913-epilepsy-diencephalic"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:46:59.602080Z"
---

# DC 8913 - Epilepsy, diencephalic.

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

Rate as minor seizures, except in the presence of major and minor seizures, rate the predominating type.

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 |

# Diencephalic Epilepsy (VA Diagnostic Code 8913)

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

## Understanding Diencephalic Epilepsy

Diencephalic epilepsy is a type of seizure disorder rated by the VA under Diagnostic Code 8913. It falls within the VA's category of **Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders**.

The VA rates this condition using the **General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures**. Under this framework, diencephalic epilepsy is rated as **minor seizures** — except when both major and minor seizures are present, in which case the VA rates the **predominating type** of seizure.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating based on how often — and what type of — seizures occur over time. The ratings for this condition are:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **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 diencephalic epilepsy, the VA focuses on the **frequency and type of seizures** documented over specific time periods:

- **Major seizures** — how often they occur, measured over the last year and, at lower rating levels, over the last two years.
- **Minor seizures** — how many occur per week, or how many have occurred in the last six months.
- **A confirmed diagnosis** of epilepsy along with a documented history of seizures, which forms the basis for the 10% level.

Because the condition is rated as minor seizures unless major seizures are also present, the VA determines the **predominating type** of seizure when both occur, and applies the rating criteria accordingly.

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*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.124a for Diagnostic Code 8913.*

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