Neurological · 38 CFR 4.120-4.124a
Neurological Conditions and VA Disability
The nervous system runs everything. It is the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves that reach the rest of the body. Service can harm it in a few ways. A head injury. A blast. A toxic exposure. Or damage from another service-connected condition. The VA rates these conditions under 38 CFR 4.120 through 4.124a.
Patriot Path writes the medical piece of these claims. Our physicians write the nexus letters and medical opinions that tie your condition to your service. One flat fee of $1,500. The first consultation is free.
Medically reviewed by the Patriot Path Medical Team
Licensed MD reviewers • Last updated: June 2026
Conditions in this system
These are the neurological conditions veterans claim most. Each guide covers how the VA rates it, how to connect it to your service, and what evidence to gather. All five are live now.
- Migraines
Headaches so bad they stop you cold. The most common claim we see here, rated from 0% to a 50% cap by how often they hit.
DC 8100
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
The lasting effects of a head injury or blast on thinking, mood, and the body.
DC 8045
- Peripheral neuropathy
Numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands and feet. A common secondary claim to diabetes.
DC 8520 and related
- Radiculopathy and sciatica
Nerve pain that shoots down the leg (sciatica) or into the arm, often from a back or neck condition.
DC 8520
- Seizure disorders
Epilepsy and other seizure conditions, rated by how often the seizures happen.
DC 8910-8911
How the VA rates neurological conditions
Most nerve conditions are rated by how well the nerve works. The VA splits nerve damage into two kinds: complete and incomplete. Incomplete damage is graded mild, moderate, or severe. The more strength, feeling, or function you lose, the higher the rating.
Migraines are the exception. They are rated by how often you get prostrating attacks, the kind that force you to stop and lie down. That runs from 0% up to a 50% cap (DC 8100). Seizures are rated by how often they happen. Brain injury (TBI) has its own system. It scores the lasting effects on thinking, mood, and the body.
Many nerve conditions are secondary, too. A service-connected disease or injury damages a nerve later on. The new condition is then rated on top of the first, and added to your combined rating.
Connecting a neurological condition to service
- Direct. A head injury, blast exposure, or toxic exposure in service damaged the brain or nerves. Documented headaches or a concussion in your records help a lot.
- Secondary. Another service-connected condition caused it (38 CFR 3.310). Diabetes causes peripheral neuropathy; tinnitus or a neck condition triggers migraines; a back condition causes radiculopathy down the leg.
- Aggravation. You had a nerve condition before service, and service made it permanently worse.
For most claims the VA needs three things: a current diagnosis, an in-service event or a service-connected cause, and a medical opinion linking them (38 CFR 3.303). That opinion has to clear the “at least as likely as not” standard, a 50% or better chance. It comes from the benefit-of-the-doubt rule (38 U.S.C. 5107(b) and 38 CFR 3.102). A nexus letter is that opinion.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA rate neurological conditions?
Most nerve conditions are rated by how well the nerve works. The VA splits the damage into complete and incomplete, and grades incomplete as mild, moderate, or severe. The more you lose, the higher the rating. Migraines are the exception. They are rated by how often you get prostrating attacks. Seizures are rated by how often they happen, and TBI by its lasting effects.
Are migraines really a neurological condition?
Yes. The VA rates migraines under the neurological schedule, 38 CFR 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8100. They are the most common nerve-system claim we see. They are often tied to tinnitus, PTSD, or a neck condition.
Can diabetes cause a nerve claim?
Yes. Diabetes often damages the nerves in the hands and feet. That is called peripheral neuropathy, and it brings numbness, tingling, and burning. It is one of the most common secondary nerve claims. The diabetes is rated on its own, and the nerve damage is rated separately.
Do I need a nexus letter for a neurological claim?
Often, yes, above all for a secondary claim. Think neuropathy from diabetes, or migraines from tinnitus, PTSD, or a neck condition. A nexus letter gives the VA the medical opinion it needs, tying the condition to your service or to a service-connected cause. That is usually what decides the claim.
Headaches, nerve pain, or worse?
Tell us what you are dealing with. The first consultation is free, and we will tell you straight whether a nexus letter can strengthen your claim.
Sources & regulatory references
- VA disability compensation (VA.gov) https://www.va.gov/disability/
- 38 CFR 4.120, Evaluation of disabilities of the neurological system (eCFR) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.120
- 38 CFR 4.124a, Schedule of ratings, neurological conditions, including DC 8100 migraine (eCFR) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a
- 38 CFR 3.310, Secondary service connection (eCFR) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-3.310
- 38 U.S.C. 5107, Benefit of the doubt (Cornell LII) https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/38/5107