Migraines & headaches decisions — 2026

The Veteran's migraines, right shoulder bursitis, right elbow condition, bilateral knee conditions, and PFB are all found to be related to service. The Veteran is granted increased ratings for his left pinky scar.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) from January 18, 2017, forward was denied as his service-connected disabilities alone are not of sufficient severity to produce unemployability.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted as secondary to her service-connected major depressive disorder.,An initial disability rating of 50 percent for migraine headaches is granted, effective January 18, 2011.

The Veteran's service connection claim for migraines is granted as they are presumed to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's migraines and irritable bowel syndrome are granted as secondary to their respective service-connected conditions (tinnitus and depressive disorder).

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD, TDIU based on PTSD, and SMC HBS was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's migraines, hypertension, and chronic fatigue syndrome have been granted ratings. However, service connection for other conditions remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the left knee was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence showing a current diagnosis or functional loss related to this condition.,For PTSD, the Veteran received an increased rating from 70% to 100%, effective January 17, 2025. This decision also granted initial ratings of 50% for migraine headaches and 100% for hypertension.

The Board denied the Veteran's eligibility for enrollment in VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) due to her not requiring personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months based on an inability to perform one or more activities of daily living, a need for supervision or protection, or a need for regular or extensive instruction without which the ability to function in daily life would be seriously impaired.

The Veteran's OSA is granted as secondary to obesity caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and migraines are remanded.

The Veteran's migraines are rated at a maximum of 50 percent from September 2, 2021. The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as incurred in service.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions including depression, OSA, IBS, foot disorders, joint pain, muscle pain, asthma, headaches, eye disorders, ear disorder, sinus disorder, heart disorder, angina, and GERD. The Board found no evidence of a causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for migraines, evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected tinnitus, and compensable evaluation for service-connected asthma due to a lack of adequate medical examination reports.

A maximum schedular disability rating of 50 percent for migraine headaches is granted, effective from April 23, 2021. The Veteran's entitlement to a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is raised and will be addressed in the remand section.

The Veteran's major neurocognitive disorder, including dementia and stroke, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and headaches are granted service connection as secondary to his already service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of December 1, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches and generalized anxiety disorder have rendered her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, as they significantly impair her ability to work due to their functional limitations.

The Veteran's need for aid and attendance is due to his service-connected PTSD, which restricts his ability to manage medications, handle finances, and prepare meals. The evidence also indicates that he requires assistance with activities of daily living due to his service-connected lumbar spine condition.,The Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC based on loss of use of any extremity as none of his service-connected conditions result in such impairment.

Your appeal for service connection on the issues of PTSD, diabetes mellitus, COPD, duodenal ulcer (gastrointestinal disability), and headaches has been dismissed as moot due to a previous remand. The AOJ will continue to process these claims in accordance with the September 2025 Board decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to credibility issues with his testimony and lack of supporting medical evidence. The case is being returned for additional development, including obtaining records from the Army National Guard period, left knee surgery records, clarification on TERA exposure details, and a new opinion regarding prostate cancer.