Migraines & headaches decisions — 2026

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected headaches, finding that she experiences very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for all issues related to service connection and increased rating claims. The Board dismissed the appeals due to the withdrawal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC based on the need for aid and attendance from March 24, 2017.

The Veteran's tension headaches, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and left lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) are all granted as secondary to service-connected cervical spine disability. The claims for these conditions have been resolved in the Veteran's favor.

The Veteran's migraine headache disability is granted service connection. The other conditions are denied as there is no current evidence of these disabilities.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to his withdrawal of appeals prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Board has granted service connection for migraines, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of migraines is related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for migraine headaches and PTSD were denied. The rating for migraine headaches was found to be at the maximum schedular rating (50%). For PTSD, the evidence did not support a finding of total occupational and social impairment required for a 100% rating.

The Veteran's cervical spine spondylosis and spinal straightening, as well as his cervicogenic headaches, are found to have originated during active service. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for headache disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to inadequate medical opinions addressing direct and secondary service connection. The AOJ must obtain adequate medical opinions regarding these issues.

The Veteran's migraines have been rated at a maximum of 50 percent, which is the highest schedular rating under DC 8100. The Board found that the Veteran's very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks were productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's cervicogenic headaches are related to his neck disability, and the Board has granted secondary service connection for these headaches. The issues of an increased rating for cervical strain and secondary service connection for a psychiatric disorder have been remanded due to procedural errors.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral elbow degenerative arthritis and an increased rating for migraine headaches as untimely filed, with no extension granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error and remands the case for further action.

The Veteran's supplemental claim for cluster headaches was improperly filed as it constituted an impermissible concurrent election of administrative review, leading to its dismissal.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and denied an initial compensable rating for migraine headaches.,Service connection is established as the evidence shows OSA began in service, with current diagnosis and treatment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraines and right knee strain with patellar chondromalacia (moderate disability) and limitation of flexion were dismissed as the Veteran did not properly opt into the VA Appeals Modernization Act.

The Veteran's appeal regarding his eligibility for the Program for Comprehensive Assistance for Caregivers (PCAFC) is being remanded due to inadequate notice and compliance with regulatory requirements. The Board will adjudicate whether he meets criteria for personal care services, best interests of participation, and other pertinent criteria.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy has been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for a back disability and a back scar have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for a back scar has been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraine headaches has been granted with a 50 percent rating effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has granted a disability rating of 50 percent for the Veteran's migraines, effective from December 27, 2023.