Migraines & headaches decisions — 2026

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on cervical strain with myofascial pain syndrome, lumbar strain with lumbar spondylosis and myofascial pain syndrome, and mixed type headaches have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) has been granted service connection, with the in-service stressor involving a hit on the head during Octoberfest. Headaches have also been granted an initial 30 percent rating based on characteristic prostrating attacks occurring once per month.,Service connection for traumatic brain injury and neck disability is pending as remanded issues.

The Veteran's residuals of papillary carcinoma, thyroid, status post total thyroidectomy is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's hypothyroidism is granted as service-connected due to the presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for migraine headaches, which he claims began during basic training and intensified after military activities. The VA has previously granted service connection for headaches but not specifically for migraine headaches. The Board is remanding the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the onset of the condition.

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for the Veteran's migraines, effective April 30, 2026. The decision found that the Veteran's migraine headaches caused characteristic very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection and rating of left lower extremity radiculopathy, headache disability, and bilateral hearing loss due to an error in notifying the Veteran of her right to a pre-decisional hearing.

The Board has found that additional VA opinions are needed to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's dizziness, including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and tension headaches, including migraines. The opinions should consider the Veteran's participation in a TERA and the combined effect of all his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for migraine headaches, including migraine variants, is remanded due to the need for a VA medical opinion to estimate the severity of his migraines in the absence of medication.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% effective October 2, 2018.,PTSD is rated at 70% effective October 2, 2018. The Veteran also received a TDIU based solely on PTSD and SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted. The initial rating of 10 percent, but not higher, has been assigned for pulmonary sarcoidosis. Service connection has also been established for migraine headaches, degenerative arthritis in the left knee, right knee disorder (osteoarthritis), right ankle sprain, right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, bilateral flat feet, and various foot conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating for service-connected tension headaches and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's service connection claims for traumatic brain injury and migraine headaches due to right eye removal are granted. The claim for a compensable evaluation of xeroderma of the right eye is remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for entitlement to TDIU as it was granted during the pendency of the appeal. The claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for obstructive sleep apnea and headaches, finding that the evidence does not support a finding of persistent daytime hypersomnolence or other manifestations consistent with a compensable disability rating under the criteria established by Diagnostic Codes. The matter is remanded to obtain additional information from the Veteran regarding his headaches and their impact on his daily life.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, left knee, right knee, right wrist, headaches, and sleep disturbances as there is no persuasive evidence of current disabilities during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of neck, back, rhinitis, sinusitis, or migraine headaches disorders. The evidence does not support service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's respiratory condition, headaches, and cardiovascular condition are granted as service-connected due to in-service exposure to contaminated water and other toxins.,The Veteran's left arm, knee, hip, wrist, and low back conditions are also granted as service-connected due to an in-service RTV accident.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that side effects from prescribed medications contributed substantially and materially to his accidental motorcycle collision resulting in fatal injuries.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a potential increase in severity of the Veteran's headaches since her March 2023 VA examination, requiring further evaluation.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of left knee disability, tension headaches, a left ankle disability, and a back disability due to the Veteran's death.