Migraines & headaches decisions — 2026

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date of June 3, 2022, for a 50% evaluation for service-connected migraines is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran continuously pursued his claim since June 3, 2022, and thus grants the earlier effective date.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at the highest schedular level (50%), and she is granted a TDIU effective October 22, 2020. SMC for housebound benefits is also granted as of that date.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are manifested by very frequent, completely prostrating and prolonged attacks capable of producing severe economic inadaptability since May 12, 2014. The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU from October 12, 2016 to November 12, 2018 and from January 1, 2019 to July 22, 2019 due to service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following any substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's tension headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has granted this rating. The case is remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating or TDIU is warranted.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of vasovagal syncope due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran's vasovagal syncope is presumed to have existed prior to service, and the Board must now determine if there is clear and unmistakable evidence that it was not aggravated by military service.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal, and the Board dismissed all issues related to service connection for PTSD, anxiety disorder with substance use disorders, and undiagnosed headache condition.

The Veteran's cardiac disability is caused by exposure to fuel in his military occupational specialty (MOS) in helicopter repair. The bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not caused by the Veteran's military noise exposure.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, migraines, and hypertension is remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for PTSD with major depressive disorder and traumatic brain injury was withdrawn. The Veteran's migraine headaches are now rated at 50% disability, the maximum rating allowed under VA guidelines. However, his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, migraines, ED, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, increased rating for IVDS, SMC for loss of use of a creative organ, and DEA benefits are all granted with an effective date of July 26, 2023.,The Veteran's service connection claims were timely filed within one year of the intent to file received on July 26, 2023.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for migraine headaches, as his symptoms did not qualify him for a 10% rating under Diagnostic Code 8100. For right hand flexion deformity of the fifth finger at the proximal interphalangeal, little finger, the Board found that there was no evidence of characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months required for a higher rating.

The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's PTSD and headaches, with a 100% rating for PTSD and a 50% rating for headaches. The AOJ awarded past due benefits based on this decision.

The Veteran's migraines are related to his service-connected other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder (OSTSRD) and have been granted as service connected.

The Veteran's depression and migraine headaches are granted service connection, but sleep apnea is denied.

The Board has determined that the VA examination reports are inadequate for rating purposes and have committed a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and headache disability are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the RO made errors in its adjudication of several service connection claims, including neck strain, mid back strain, shoulder strains, knee strains, migraines, vertigo, chronic sinusitis, and chronic rhinitis. The Board finds that VA examinations and medical opinions are needed to address these issues on remand.

The Veteran is found to be eligible for enrollment in the PCAFC program due to his severe and complex medical conditions, which require personal care services.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all listed conditions has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for migraine, including migraine variants, is remanded due to incomplete development of the record and need for an updated medical opinion.

The Veteran's headaches are rated at 50 percent, and the TBI claim is remanded for a new retrospective opinion. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the TBI claim.