The exam form
The examiner fills out VA's "Headaches (Including Migraine Headaches)" form (a Disability Benefits Questionnaire, or DBQ). See the form on VA.gov
Form version checked: Updated on 2024-07-09 (v24_1).
What the exam is for
The exam records your headache diagnosis and, most of all, how often your headaches are so bad that you have to stop what you're doing.
What the examiner will ask and measure
- The type of headache: migraine, tension, cluster or another type.
- How your headaches started and changed, and whether you take medicine every day for them.
- What the pain is like: constant, throbbing or pulsing, on one side or both sides, or worse with activity.
- Other symptoms: nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, vision changes, or tingling, including warning signs (aura) before the pain.
- How long a typical headache lasts, and where it hurts.
- "Prostrating" attacks: how often, on average over the last several months, a headache is so bad that you can't do your usual activities. The form defines prostrating as "causing extreme exhaustion, powerlessness, debilitation or incapacitation with substantial inability to engage in ordinary activities."
- How often attacks are "completely prostrating and prolonged."
- How your headaches affect work, with examples.
No tests are required for this exam.
Be ready to describe
- How many bad headaches you've had in a typical month over the last several months. A headache log or calendar helps you answer accurately.
- What you do during a bad headache: lie down in a dark room, leave work, miss family events.
- How long a bad headache lasts, and how long it takes you to recover.
- Medicines you take every day, and medicines you take when a headache starts, with any side effects.
- Days of work you've missed or cut short.
Common mistakes
- Guessing at how often headaches happen. Keep track for a few months before the exam if you can.
- Counting every headache the same. The examiner asks separately how often they stop you from doing your usual activities.
- Not mentioning that medicine makes you drowsy or unable to work.
- Leaving out what you do during an attack. That's what shows how severe it is.
How VA rates it
VA rates migraines mostly on how often you have prostrating attacks (attacks so bad you can't do your usual activities). Other headaches are rated by comparison with migraines. VA proposed changes to its rules for neurological conditions, including headaches, in November 2024 (89 FR 88917). As of October 2026 they aren't final, so the current rules still apply.
In plain English
- 0%: Attacks less often than the 10% level.
- 10%: Prostrating attacks averaging one every 2 months over the last several months.
- 30%: Prostrating attacks averaging once a month over the last several months.
- 50%: Very frequent, completely prostrating and long-lasting attacks. They must cause severe economic inadaptability, which means they seriously affect your ability to earn a living.
The regulation, word for word
Quoted from 38 CFR Part 4 (current as of October 16, 2026). This is what VA applies. The plain-English version above is our summary of it.
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|
| 8100 Migraine: | |
| With very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability | 50 |
| With characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over last several months | 30 |
| With characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over last several months | 10 |
| With less frequent attacks | 0 |
Related
About every C&P exam
What is it?
After you file a claim, VA may ask you to have a claim exam, also called a compensation and pension (C&P) exam. It helps VA decide whether your condition is connected to your service, and how severe it is. It isn't treatment: the examiner won't treat you, prescribe medicine or refer you to anyone.
Who does it?
A VA provider or a provider from one of VA's exam contractors (Loyal Source, OptumServe, QTC or VES). VA picks; you can't choose. Hearing, mental health, eye and dental exams are done by specialists. For a reproductive, breast, rectal or mental health exam, or a claim related to military sexual trauma, you can ask for a male or female examiner.
How long does it take?
VA says anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more, depending on what you claimed. Some exams are by phone or video. If you claimed more than one condition, VA tries to schedule them on the same day.
Does the examiner decide my claim?
No. The examiner writes a report on a standard form (a Disability Benefits Questionnaire, or DBQ) and sends it to VA. VA decides your claim using all the evidence: the report, your medical and service records, and statements from you and others. The examiner can't tell you the results or answer questions about your claim.
Does everyone get one?
No. If your records already have what VA needs, VA can decide from the records alone (VA calls this Acceptable Clinical Evidence, or ACE).
What if I can't make it?
Call the number on your appointment letter at least 48 hours ahead to reschedule. Missing an exam delays your claim. VA may decide your claim on the evidence it already has, and some claims, such as a claim for an increase, are denied (38 CFR 3.655). If you had a good reason, such as being in the hospital or a death in your family, tell VA and ask for a new exam.
What should I bring?
VA says you don't need to bring anything. Send any new medical records to VA before the exam, because the examiner can't send them in for you. Arrive 15 minutes early and wear clothes you can move in. Many veterans find it helps to bring a short list of their symptoms, medicines and side effects, and key dates, so nothing is forgotten.
Can someone come with me?
You can ask the examiner. They may ask family members or caregivers to wait outside. For a sensitive physical exam, you can ask for a chaperone in the room.
Can I get a copy of the report?
Yes. Ask VA with a Freedom of Information Act or Privacy Act request (VA Form 20-10206). VetEZ Claim can help you fill it out and send it.
Can my own doctor fill out the form instead?
For many conditions, yes. VA publishes the exam forms (DBQs) your own doctor can fill out and you can send in. VA doesn't pay for this. A few exam forms are for VA's own examiners.
Checked against VA's forms and rules on October 16, 2026. General information only, not medical or legal advice about your claim. VA decides every claim.
