Migraines & headaches decisions — 2026

The appeal concerning the issues of entitlement to service connection for various conditions has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's migraines were rated at 50 percent effective August 2, 2021. Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits were granted based on permanent and total disability status as of the same date.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected migraines, which is the maximum available under the applicable rating criteria. The Veteran's symptoms have shown to be productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran has continuously pursued his appeal for a higher initial disability rating for migraines, which was increased to 50% effective April 7, 2023. The appeal is remanded due to the continuous pursuit of this claim.

The Board has determined that there were errors in the initial decision regarding eligibility for enrollment in the PCAFC program, and thus the case is being remanded to obtain a new medical opinion from the CEAT.

The Board has granted service connection for migraines, finding that the Veteran's current migraine headaches are related to her in-service headache treatment and have continued since service. The decision is based on continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's left knee meniscal tear was granted a separate 20 percent rating.,An initial disability rating greater than 30 percent for depressive disorder was denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating greater than 50 percent for a headache disability was dismissed due to the Appellant withdrawing her appeal. The appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded.

The Veteran's lung condition, diagnosed as minimal obstructive lung defect, is denied service connection. The Board finds that the current diagnosis of plantar fasciitis for bilateral foot condition is secondary to a service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found no new evidence to reopen the previously denied GERD and low back disability claims, but granted a higher rating of 10% for right knee PFPS from July 26, 2017.

The Board has found that an earlier effective date for the 50% rating for tension headaches is denied, and the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and examination regarding his back condition, right shoulder condition, right ankle condition, migraine headaches, and urinary frequency. The Veteran is not entitled to an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Board has granted service connection for migraines, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, bilateral knee pain, bilateral shoulder pain, lower back pain, vision issues, and right big toe issue. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for migraines and a lumbar disability due to insufficient medical evidence on file, and the need for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran is unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities, and the Board has granted entitlement to a TDIU due to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have been rated at 50% since July 23, 2025. The Board found that the Veteran experienced very frequent and prolonged attacks of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a head injury and cervical spine condition have been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence.,New evidence has established continuity of symptoms since service, supporting the Veteran's claim.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his tension headaches was granted, and the effective date is set at January 17, 2020.

The Veteran's cervical strain with degenerative disc disease is rated at 30 percent, and he is granted service connection for vertigo and cervicogenic headaches secondary to this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at zero percent, as the evidence does not show a compensable level of impairment.,Tinnitus is already evaluated at its maximum schedular rating of ten percent and no higher rating is available under the applicable criteria.,The acquired psychiatric disability (depressive disorder with mixed features of anxiety and depressed mood) is rated at fifty percent, which is the highest schedular rating available. The Veteran's symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are considered to be equivalent to the level required for a 50% rating.,Service connection for neck pain was denied due to lack of evidence showing that cervical arthritis began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's entitlement to service connection for headaches remains pending as the Board has remanded this issue.