Diagnostic Code 8911 · 38 CFR §4.124a
Petit mal epilepsy (now more commonly called absence seizures) involves brief episodes where a person suddenly becomes unresponsive and stares blankly for a few seconds, sometimes with subtle movements like eye blinking or lip smacking. Unlike grand mal seizures, there is no falling or convulsing, making them easy to miss. These seizures can occur dozens to hundreds of times per day in severe cases. Veterans may develop this type of epilepsy from traumatic brain injuries, exposure to neurotoxic chemicals, or brain infections during service. Although individual seizures are brief, their frequency can significantly impair concentration, work performance, and safety.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 80% | |
| 60% | |
| 40% | |
| 20% | |
| 10% |
EEG showing characteristic absence seizure patterns (3 Hz spike-and-wave), Neurologist's diagnosis and treatment plan, Brain MRI to evaluate for structural causes, Detailed seizure log documenting frequency, duration, and triggers, Service records documenting TBI, chemical exposure, or other cause, Treatment records showing medications and their effectiveness