Migraines & headaches decisions — 2026

The Board has identified issues for remand related to the Veteran's claims of service connection for headaches, PFB, and a lumbar spine condition. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further development as the VA examinations were not fully adequate.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for migraine headaches and also denied the claim for TDIU based solely on migraine headaches. The appellant is currently receiving a 50 percent rating for her migraine headaches, which has been in effect since September 1, 2022.

Service connection for headaches has been granted and is effective as of the date of the December 2025 rating decision.

The Veteran's migraines are not rated higher than noncompensable, as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 8100.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is also not rated higher than noncompensable, as it does not result in penile deformity or loss of erectile power.,SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ remains at the 'k' rate and cannot be increased.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tension headaches prior to December 19, 2014, and for effective dates related to TDIU and DEA eligibility. The VA is required to obtain a medical opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected tension headaches without medication.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of November 2005 pituitary adenoma resection surgery because the evidence did not establish additional disability resulting from the VA care, and there was no fault on the part of VA.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, headaches, and TBI due to incomplete VA treatment records from 1971 forward. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records.

The Veteran's service-connected tension and migraine headaches were denied a compensable evaluation as the evidence did not show characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the past several months.

The Board has granted service connection for tension headaches, GERD, and left shoulder disability, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting an effective date of September 25, 2023 for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for cluster headaches and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus due to incomplete medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's post traumatic cervical headaches are granted a 30 percent rating, but no higher. The Board found that the Veteran experienced characteristic prostrating attacks of migraines on average once a month over the last several months.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability of the left ear for VA compensation purposes and denied service connection for left ear hearing loss. The rating decision also remanded issues regarding migraine including migraine variants and tinnitus due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's claims for hemorrhoids, chronic sinusitis, CFS, chronic headaches, seborrheic keratosis (claimed as arm dermatosis), functional abdominal pain syndrome (to include bloating), and right calf disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,No new rating or service connection is granted at this time.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral foot warts and calluses has been dismissed. The claims of service connection for chronic sinusitis, diabetes mellitus type II, and migraine headaches have been remanded.

The Veteran's reduction from a 50 percent rating to a 30 percent rating for posttraumatic headaches was found improper, and the 50 percent rating is restored effective March 1, 2025. The Veteran does not meet criteria for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for his posttraumatic headaches.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, sleep apnea, and migraine headaches need further review due to outstanding records.

The Board has remanded the claims for traumatic brain injury, migraines, and narcolepsy due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the Veteran's service connection claims.

The Veteran's current migraine headaches are service-connected as a chronic disease of the nervous system, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for eligibility under the PCAFC program due to a lack of proper notice and an inadequate medical opinion. The AOJ must provide complete notice as required by law, including identification of findings favorable to the claimant and elements not satisfied leading to the denial.