Migraines & headaches decisions — 2026

The Veteran withdrew all his appeals seeking service connection for various disabilities, and the Board dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for migraine headaches was denied by the RO, and his appeal is now before the Board. The Veteran contends he should be rated at a higher level due to the frequency, duration, and severity of his migraines.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have caused him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back pain, migraines, PTSD, right shoulder condition, melanoma of the skin, and asthma have all been denied. The Board found that there is no current evidence of a diagnosed disability in any of these cases.,There was insufficient medical evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for SMC at the intermediate rate based on need for aid and attendance with additional service-connected disabilities combining to 50 percent or more is granted. The claims for higher rates of SMC, total schedular ratings for loss of use of both hands and feet are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the AOJ made a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not obtaining a medical opinion regarding service connection for migraine headaches on a direct and presumptive basis. The claim is being remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for OSA and a headache disability, including as secondary to his PTSD, require additional development due to duty-to-assist errors. The case is being remanded to obtain medical opinions addressing these theories of service connection.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as they were withdrawn by the Veteran's representative. The claims of service connection for a bilateral eye disability, prostate cancer, skin cancer, left knee disability, right knee disability, cardiovascular disability, and headaches are being remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's GERD and migraine headaches as secondary to PTSD are granted. The initial rating for PTSD is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for erectile dysfunction and migraines (headaches) as there is no probative evidence of a current disability at any time during the pendency of the claim.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a maximum of 50 percent, which is the highest schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 8100. The Board found that her symptoms meet the criteria for very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for TDIU and all service connection claims, stating he is satisfied with the decisions made regarding his VA disability rating.

The Veteran's sinus headaches have been rated as noncompensable since February 19, 2020. The Board has determined that the symptoms are now severe enough to warrant a 50% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a potential error in toxic exposure assessments. The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines, including migraine variants as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus, is being reviewed with additional evidence and expert opinion.

The Board has denied service connection for a neck disorder and a chronic headache disorder as these conditions are not shown to be causally or etiologically related to the appellant's military service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of headaches was denied as there is no evidence that the Veteran submitted a valid claim before March 31, 2011. The earliest communication expressing a desire to reopen the claim occurred on March 20, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, bilateral hip disabilities, migraine headaches, tinnitus, left knee disability and bilateral ankle disabilities are being remanded.,VA is required to grant an earlier effective date of December 15, 2021, for the award of service connection for right ankle strain, left ankle strain, and left knee strain. The Veteran's anxiety disorder rating is also being granted an earlier effective date of December 15, 2021.,VA must grant a 30 percent rating for allergic rhinitis as of December 15, 2021, but the reduction to zero percent from 30 percent on December 30, 2023, is not proper. The Veteran's respiratory condition (now claimed as chronic bronchitis) remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of headaches due to a finding of clear and unmistakable error in the February 2018 rating decision. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for left wrist and elbow scars is granted, effective January 29, 2018. Service connection for a left thumb disability is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines (headaches) and foot pain post trauma left due to a duty to assist error. The AOJ will need to obtain new medical opinions regarding these issues.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for migraines, a right wrist disability, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are remanded.