Migraines & headaches decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines was granted with an effective date of June 6, 2023. An initial rating of 50 percent for migraine headaches is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, PTSD, and other service-connected conditions have been granted. Claims for tension headaches, costochondritis, acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, bilateral shoulder disorders, ED, keloids, left hip disorder, ulcers, vision disorder, bilateral wrist disorders, cervical spine disorder, lumbosacral spine disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and gastrointestinal (GI) disorder other than ulcer have been denied. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection of a headache disability, finding that it did not manifest to a compensable degree in service or within a presumptive period and continuity of symptomatology was not established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service treatment records are incomplete and have not been retrieved, which could affect his claim for service connection for migraine headaches. The Board also notes that there are outstanding VA treatment records from West Palm Beach VAMC and Overton Brooks VAMC that need to be obtained.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury, migraine headaches as secondary to residuals of traumatic brain injury, cyclic vomiting syndrome as secondary to residuals of traumatic brain injury, and anxiety disorder as secondary to residuals of traumatic brain injury. The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of residuals of traumatic brain injury and the Veteran's symptoms were more likely related to her psychological conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for tension headaches and GERD due to errors in duty to assist. The appellant's service-connected hypertension with renal insufficiency is not considered as a factor in evaluating his tension headache disability, and there is insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between GERD and toxic exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of headaches is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between his current diagnosis and military service, including participation in toxic exposure risk activities (TERA).

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a neck disability, sarcoidosis, and diabetes due to insufficient rationale in the VA examination. The claim for TDIU prior to March 10, 2016 remains pending.

The Veteran's chronic headaches have been rated at 30 percent since June 24, 2019. The Board has now granted a 50 percent rating effective January 6, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating and/or earlier effective date for migraines, including migraine variants, has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal before the Board made a decision.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his right knee disability. The case is being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, right knee strain, and left knee strain. The Veteran's migraines were also found to have begun during active duty.,Service connection was denied for sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's tension headaches, finding that they are etiologically related to service and aggravated by her service-connected PTSD.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and migraine disability. The Veteran's right knee strain is granted.,Service connection was not established for the claimed conditions.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a diagnosis of headaches during or close to the pendency of the claim, thus denying service connection for headaches as secondary to PTSD with alcohol use disorder.

The Veteran's migraines were granted service connection, starting from the date of receipt of his claim in July 2023.,Service connection for arthritis was denied as there is no current diagnosis and it does not meet the criteria to establish a condition that is not already service-connected.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of July 13, 2018 for the grant of service connection for migraine headaches. The Veteran's claim for a skin disability and increased rating for migraine headaches is being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, specifically related to the PACT Act sub-regulatory guidance. The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches is being remanded to complete all required reviews and obtain a medical opinion regarding participation in toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs).

The Board has granted an initial rating of 50 percent for the Veteran's migraine headaches, effective from February 17, 2024.

The Veteran's service connection for migraine headaches is granted due to exposure to burn pits during his military service. The temporary total rating based on convalescence following sinus surgery in July 2024 is denied.