Migraines & headaches decisions — 2026

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, finding that there was no probative evidence of in-service onset or continuity of symptoms. The appeal was also denied under presumptive service connection theories based on exposure to burn pits and other environmental toxins, as well as asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar sprain with ankylosing spondylitis, cervical spine strain, and tension headaches have rendered her unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful occupation consistent with her education and work history prior to August 30, 2022.

The Board granted SMC based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and headaches. The decision also addressed whether her TDIU could be based on a single disability or multiple ones.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 11, 2024, for the grant of service connection for a migraine headache disability is denied. The Board found that no earlier intent to file a claim was received by VA.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tension headaches was dismissed because her February 24, 2025 VA Form 10182 constituted an improper concurrent election regarding the January 2025 denial of a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate due to his ability to perform most activities of daily living independently despite some limitations.

Service connection is granted for hepatic steatosis due to in-service exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.,Service connection is denied for a disability manifested by groin and abdominal pain. The Veteran's symptoms are attributed to service-connected conditions, including nephrolithiasis and recurrent urinary tract infections.,Service connection is granted for migraine headaches as secondary to service-connected chronic fatigue syndrome and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at 50 percent since November 20, 2019, effective from that date.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The appeals for hypertension, dizziness/vertigo, and headaches have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for migraine headaches is denied due to less frequent attacks that are not characterized by prostrating attacks.,The Veteran's initial rating in excess of 10 percent for cervical spine syringomyelia symptoms is denied as the evidence does not support a finding of characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, dental disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression have been dismissed. The claim for secondary service connection for headaches to include as secondary to service-connected tinnitus has been remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and headaches, finding that there is no evidence to support a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea (OSA) and migraine headaches are remanded due to the need for a medical opinion considering his in-service exposure to burn pits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right and left knee strains, chronic sinusitis, hypertension, and other conditions, rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since December 16, 2010. An effective date of December 16, 2010 is granted for the award of TDIU.

The Veteran's migraine headache disability is granted as service connected, and the right shoulder disability remains at a 20% rating but does not meet criteria for an increased rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for migraine headaches, right knee disability, left knee disability, and sleep apnea are all granted. Additionally, the Veteran is now eligible for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) from August 29, 2006, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DEA) benefits are also granted effective that date.

The Veteran's asthma is found to be related to his active service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The Board also grants a TDIU prior to April 15, 2015 due to the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to issue a Statement of the Case (SOC). The Veteran will be provided an opportunity to respond to the SOC before the claims are returned to the Board.

The Veteran's Brucellosis is rated at a maximum of 40 percent, granting an initial compensable rating. The service-connected post-cholecystectomy residuals with GERD are denied throughout the appeal period. A TDIU has been granted.