Migraines & headaches decisions — 2026

The Board granted a disability rating of 50 percent for service-connected migraines since March 18, 2024, finding the appellant's attacks were very frequent and completely prostrating and prolonged, resulting in severe economic inadaptability.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of February 28, 2014 for the award of a 50 percent rating for migraines and migraine variants. The Veteran's condition met the criteria for this rating since service connection was granted on that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status as he does not have a single disability rated at 100% and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60%, nor is he permanently housebound by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for recurrent headache disability (migraine and migraine variant headaches) is being remanded due to the need for additional verification of his military service records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches and obstructive sleep apnea due to potential errors in obtaining necessary medical opinions. The Veteran asserts that his current conditions are related to his military service, particularly his service-connected tinnitus and PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) eligibility, finding that there was no factually ascertainable increase in disability prior to February 17, 2022.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered them unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted their TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic migraines were denied. The claim for increased rating of left knee tendonitis was dismissed due to the Veteran not filing a VA Form 10182 within one year from the denial.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine, thoracolumbar spine, and heart conditions have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted his claim for TDIU.

The appellant is granted SMC(o) and SMC(r)(1) based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, glaucoma, foot drop conditions, sleep apnea, migraines, overactive bladder, and various musculoskeletal issues. He does not qualify for higher rates due to the anatomical loss or use of extremities.

The Veteran's migraine headaches were not incurred or aggravated by service, and the Board denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for higher ratings in all listed service-connected disabilities before a decision on the merits was made.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD from January 13, 2021 to January 31, 2021 did not preclude him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment. From January 31, 2021 onwards, the overall combined disability rating was 100%, but his service-connected orthopedic conditions could not be considered a single disability for TDIU purposes.

The Veteran's TBI, manifested by migraines and a psychiatric disability, had its onset in service. Service connection for the TBI and residuals is granted. The issue of service connection for a cardiac disability is remanded.

The Board has determined that the VA Regional Office (RO) failed to obtain all relevant service records, including those from Germany where the Veteran contends he served. The RO's decision on tinnitus and headaches is being remanded due to this failure.

The Board has denied service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae due to lack of a current disability diagnosis. The Veteran's claim for migraines is remanded as secondary opinions are needed regarding the relationship between his migraine headaches and service-connected obstructive sleep apnea with asthma, and allergic rhinitis.,The Board found that there was insufficient evidence to establish a current disability of pseudofolliculitis barbae. The Veteran's claim for migraines is also remanded as secondary opinions are needed regarding the relationship between his migraine headaches and service-connected obstructive sleep apnea with asthma, and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for TBI and other stressor-related disorder were dismissed due to concurrent elections.,Claims for increased ratings for laceration of the forehead, left ear hearing loss, headache syndrome, right ear hearing loss, hypothyroidism (Grave's Disease), bilateral knee conditions, and vision disorder were dismissed as untimely.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines and hypertension due to inadequate medical opinions, which did not address causation or aggravation.

The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable ratings for headaches, service connection for degenerative arthritis with disc herniation (claimed as lumbar condition), and service connection for cervical condition are all remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's rating for service-connected migraine headaches was restored to 30 percent effective March 28, 2025. The issue of entitlement to a higher rating prior to February 22, 2024 and in excess of 30 percent thereafter is remanded.