Migraines & headaches decisions — 2026

The reduction of the disability rating for headaches from 50% to 30% is not proper and is void ab initio. Effective dates are denied for various service connection claims.,Multiple issues related to initial disability ratings, effective dates, and earlier effective dates for higher ratings are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for an effective date prior to January 8, 2021, for the award of a 50 percent rating for tension headaches and for entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's private treatment records are requested.

The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for various conditions was improper, and restored these claims based on new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of headaches was denied as the claim did not meet the requirements to be considered prior to January 29, 2025.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining complete STRs and military personnel records.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for headaches, sleep apnea, and traumatic brain injury as well as individual unemployability due to a withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran's authorized representative.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to service-connected disabilities such as migraine headaches and left shoulder disability, is granted. The Veteran also receives a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition and tinnitus, but dismissed the claim of stomach condition (to include acid reflux, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)) due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The claims of migraine headaches and sleep apnea are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on four conditions (headaches, GERD, lumbosacral strain, and bilateral pes planus) have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not raise issues related to service connection until his April 2019 claim, which was based on continuous pursuit of an original claim since receipt of the intent to file on that date.

The Veteran was granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD, effective from July 13, 2019.,The Veteran was also granted an initial disability rating of 50 percent for migraine headaches, effective from July 13, 2019.

The Veteran's migraines are now rated at 50 percent effective February 24, 2020. The Board found that the Veteran has very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The appellant withdrew her appeals for service connection of diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, a headache disability, and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches as secondary to his service-connected bilateral tinnitus.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective as of the date of this decision.,Service connection for sleep apnea and migraine headaches are granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, bilateral pes planus, and post-concussion headaches were denied as there was no new and relevant evidence submitted to support these claims.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was also denied.

The Veteran's conditions do not meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation due to their service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis, diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), headaches, and hypothyroidism. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of any of these conditions at the time his claims were filed.

The appeal concerning an increased rating for lumbar spine disability is dismissed. The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted a 50 percent disability rating.