United States · VA disability · 38 CFR 4.124a
VA diagnostic code 8911: epilepsy.
Rating criteria for diagnostic code 8911, quoted from the regulation.
DC 8911 (petit mal epilepsy) is rated under the General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures: from 10 percent for a confirmed diagnosis with a history of seizures up to 100 percent for an average of at least one major seizure per month over the last year.
The short version
DC 8911 (petit mal epilepsy) is rated under the General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures: from 10 percent for a confirmed diagnosis with a history of seizures up to 100 percent for an average of at least one major seizure per month over the last year. The levels in the code are 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 percent.
DC 8911 rating criteria
DC 8911 reads: "Epilepsy, petit mal. Rate under the general rating formula for minor seizures." (DC 8910, grand mal, says to rate under the general rating formula for major seizures.)
General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures
| Criteria (quoted from the regulation) | Rating |
|---|---|
| Averaging at least 1 major seizure per month over the last year | 100% |
| Averaging at least 1 major seizure in 3 months over the last year; or more than 10 minor seizures weekly | 80% |
| Averaging at least 1 major seizure in 4 months over the last year; or 9-10 minor seizures per week | 60% |
| 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 | 40% |
| At least 1 major seizure in the last 2 years; or at least 2 minor seizures in the last 6 months | 20% |
| A confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy with a history of seizures | 10% |
Notes in the regulation
- Note (1) to the codes: A major seizure is characterized by the generalized tonic-clonic convulsion with unconsciousness.
- Note (2) to the codes: 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 (“pure” petit mal), or sudden jerking movements of the arms, trunk, or head (myoclonic type) or sudden loss of postural control (akinetic type).
- Note (1) to the formula: 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) to the formula: In the presence of major and minor seizures, rate the predominating type.
- Note (3) to the formula: There will be no distinction between diurnal and nocturnal major seizures.
How to read DC 8911
DC 8911 is the petit mal (minor seizure) entry in the epilepsy group of 38 CFR 4.124a. It has no percentage table of its own: it sends the rater to the General Rating Formula for Major and Minor Epileptic Seizures, which is the same formula used for grand mal under DC 8910. What changes between the two codes is which seizure type is predominant, and each level of the formula is written with a major-seizure measure and, after a semicolon, a minor-seizure measure.
The 100 percent level is written for major seizures only (an average of at least one per month over the last year). For minor seizures the formula tops out at 80 percent (more than 10 per week). The formula measures frequency over a stated look-back period: the last year, the last six months, or the last two years depending on the level.
Two notes shape how the formula is applied: a necessary continuous medication sets a floor of 10 percent that is not combined with any other epilepsy rating, and when both major and minor seizures are present the predominating type is rated.
What this page does not do
It does not diagnose, pick a diagnostic code, estimate your rating or advise on a claim. Every rating decision depends on the medical evidence and on VA’s application of the full schedule, including provisions this page does not reproduce.
Frequently asked questions
What is DC 8911?
Epilepsy, petit mal. It is rated under the general rating formula for minor seizures in 38 CFR 4.124a.
What is the highest rating for minor seizures?
The formula’s minor-seizure measures reach 80 percent (more than 10 minor seizures weekly). The 100 percent level is written for an average of at least one major seizure per month over the last year.
What counts as a minor seizure?
Note (2) describes a brief interruption in consciousness or conscious control with staring, rhythmic blinking or nodding, sudden jerking movements (myoclonic), or sudden loss of postural control (akinetic).
Is there a minimum rating for epilepsy controlled by medication?
Yes. When continuous medication is shown necessary for control, the minimum evaluation is 10 percent, and it is not combined with any other rating for epilepsy.
What if someone has both major and minor seizures?
The formula’s Note (2) says to rate the predominating type.
Does this page say what rating I should get?
No. It reproduces the published criteria. VA decides the diagnosis and the rating, and this page is not medical or claim advice.
Sources
Read directly from the primary sources below on November 2, 2026 (eCFR text current through October 29, 2026). Quotations are the regulation text; anything labelled as a reading or calculation is TNAADO's. The schedule is amended from time to time, so check the linked section for the latest text.
Reference, not a VA determination, medical advice or claim advice
Rating criteria summarized from 38 CFR 4.124a as of October 29, 2026 (eCFR). This page reproduces published criteria so you can read them; it does not tell you whether you qualify, what your rating should be, or how to file. VA decides the diagnosis, the code and the rating. It is not legal, financial or medical advice; an accredited representative (VSO, attorney or claims agent) can review your case.