Migraines & headaches decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain and/or maintain substantially gainful employment from January 1, 2017 to May 16, 2018.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for posttraumatic headaches, effective June 21, 2018. The Veteran's headaches are characterized by characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one episode in 2 months over the last several months.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disorder due to procedural errors and the need for further consideration of the evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including PFB, back disorder, migraines, respiratory disorder (asthma), GERD, and stomach disorder have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and sinus headaches due to his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder is being remanded.,Specifically, the VA examiners' opinions regarding these secondary service connection claims are inadequate.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of headaches was granted, with the earliest possible effective date being October 1, 2012.,An earlier effective date of May 30, 2013, was granted for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance criteria. The Veteran's need for regular assistance due to his disabilities became apparent at this time.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, hemorrhoids, and migraine headaches were granted with an effective date of January 25, 2012.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for migraines and OSA due to inadequate VA opinions prior to the rating decision, and additional evidence is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for headaches was denied as her migraines did not meet the criteria for a 10% rating under Diagnostic Code 8100, which requires characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and migraine headaches, but denied service connection for low back disorder, cervical spine disorder, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, left knee disorder, left ankle disorder, voiding dysfunction, GERD, hypertension, OSA, and PTSD.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and evaluations for sleep apnea, headache disability, right foot hammer toes, and left foot hammer toes have been dismissed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for headache disability and increased rating for chronic bronchitis (claimed as a respiratory condition) during the January 2026 Board hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine including migraine variants, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's service-connected temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased initial rating for migraine headaches.

The Veteran's appeal for SMC on account of being housebound was dismissed. The Board granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, finding that he requires assistance with various daily activities due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals for higher initial ratings for GERD, headaches, rhinitis, and sinusitis, and service connection for the BLEs. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's kidney stones are granted service connection and rated at 50%. The initial rating for his migraine headaches is also granted, with a 50% rating. Service connection for TBI remains remanded.

The Board has remanded several claims due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors, including for new VA medical opinions on right wrist and knee conditions, right foot condition, right ankle condition, erectile dysfunction, GERD, headaches, obstructive sleep apnea, dry eye syndrome, lumbar spine condition, and right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neurological disability, separate and distinct from his service-connected migraine headaches, is not related to his service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, resulting in the dismissal of all issues.