Migraines: VA claim review preparation
The migraine criteria consider the character, frequency and duration of attacks and their effects. Make the record specific to your actual experience.

Start with the notice
- Keep the complete decision notice, the reasons for each denied issue, favorable findings, evidence list, and instructions for review. Separate a denied service connection from a dispute about the percentage or effective date.
- Mark which disputed fact each record addresses. For an HLR, point to evidence already in the record; a Supplemental Claim requires new and relevant evidence. Verify the available lane before sending anything.
- Keep a copy of the form, attachments and filing receipt. These preparation notes do not file a claim or establish that VA received it.

Condition-specific records to gather
- Gather the diagnosis, medication/treatment history and examination discussed in the decision.
- Keep a dated record of attacks, duration, symptoms, and whether an attack required you to stop activity or lie down. Distinguish an ordinary headache from the disabling episodes you are describing.
- Record missed work or reduced functioning and any supporting employer or lay observations. Ask a clinician to address discrepancies in the examination.

A symptom diary is supporting evidence, not an automatic rating. Not every headache is a prostrating attack, and the episode count alone does not determine a percentage.

Notes for you and your representative:
Disputed issue:
Record / date / what it addresses:
Missing information:
Next step and filing receipt:

U.S. federal VA benefits. Educational preparation, not medical or legal advice; not a VA form or a filing. Keep your completed copy private. A historical Board outcome does not predict your result.
Official sources reviewed 2026-10-07:
VA: evidence needed for a disability claim: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed/
38 CFR 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8100: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.124a
VA: Headaches DBQ: https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/docs/Headaches_Including_Migraines.pdf
https://www.veterans-rights.com/appeal-options
https://www.veterans-rights.com/deadlines
https://www.veterans-rights.com/find-a-rep