Cluster Headaches — VA Disability Rating & Claim Guide
This is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with a VSO or accredited claims agent.
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The DBQ for Cluster Headaches
Your C&P examiner fills out DBQ 21-0960C-8 (Headaches (Including Migraine Headaches)) — the form that decides your rating. You can have your own doctor complete the same DBQ and submit it as evidence.
Have a C&P exam coming up? See exactly what the examiner will ask about Cluster Headaches — and how to describe it.
Prep →2026 Compensation Rates
Monthly compensation for Cluster Headaches, based on your overall combined VA disability rating.
| Rating | Monthly (Alone) | Monthly (w/ Spouse) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | — | $2,165.04 |
| 20% | $356.66 | — | $4,279.92 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | $6,629.64 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 | $9,550.08 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 | $13,594.80 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 | $17,220.24 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.45 | $21,701.40 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,277.15 | $25,225.80 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.30 | $28,347.60 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | $47,262.96 |
Common Symptoms
Document these symptoms in your claim. The more thoroughly you describe how they affect your daily life, the stronger your claim.
Functional Limitations
VA rates disabilities based on how they limit your ability to function. Describe these limitations in your personal statement.
Rating Criteria for Cluster Headaches
Rating schedule under 38 CFR 4.124a. Cluster headaches have no dedicated diagnostic code and are rated by analogy to Diagnostic Code 8100 (Migraine), based on the frequency of prostrating attacks and resulting economic impact.. Criteria are simplified summaries; your specific rating depends on severity documented in your C&P exam.
With very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.
With characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average of once a month over the last several months.
With characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months.
With less frequent attacks.
Verified against 38 CFR Part 4, the official VA rating schedule. Reviewed July 2026.
Will adding Cluster Headaches raise your rating?
Enter your current combined rating and the level this condition would rate at. We'll do the VA math.
New combined
10%
New monthly
$180
Change
+$180
Rates shown are the 2026 veteran-alone amounts (no dependents). VA combines ratings with "whole-person" math and rounds to the nearest 10, so adding a condition does not simply add its percentage. Full combined-rating calculator with dependents →
Evidence Checklist
Gather these types of evidence before filing your claim. The strongest claims include multiple evidence types.
Common Treatments
Documenting ongoing treatment strengthens your claim and supports higher ratings.
Secondary Conditions Linked to Cluster Headaches
These conditions are commonly claimed as secondary to Cluster Headaches. A secondary condition can increase your overall combined rating and monthly compensation.
Filing a Cluster Headachesclaim? Don't skip these.
Most veterans filing for Cluster Headaches should also be looking at:
Quick calculator
Estimate your combined rating →
The VA doesn't add ratings — they use a specific formula. See your combined rating in 30 seconds.
Health care
Estimate your VA Priority Group →
Priority Group 1-8 determines what care you get and what it costs. Service-connected = lower copays, full access.
Where you live
Compare 50 state veteran benefits →
State property tax exemptions for SC vets vary 10x. Some states fully exempt 100%-rated vets, others give nothing.
Home buying
VA home loan + funding fee waiver →
ANY service-connected rating waives the funding fee. On a $400K loan that's ~$8,600 saved.
Other ways to work on your claim
›More Cluster Headaches resources
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Secondary Condition Claim Guides
Detailed guides on claiming each secondary condition linked to Cluster Headaches.
Cluster Headaches Claim Guide by State
Find state-specific VA facilities, veteran benefits, and filing resources.
More free tools
Educational content, not professional advice
This article is published by Military Transition Toolkit for educational and planning purposes. It is not legal, medical, or financial advice. VA rating criteria, benefits, and regulations change — verify anything benefits-affecting against VA.gov, 38 CFR Part 4, or a VA-accredited representative (VSO, agent, or attorney) before filing.
MTT is an independent planning tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, or any military branch.