If you’re a Veteran dealing with migraines, the VA rating for migraines can be the key to receiving the disability benefits you’ve earned. Migraines aren’t just bad headaches — they can be disabling, especially when they interfere with your ability to work or manage everyday life as a disabled veterans benefits attorney can explain.
What Are Migraines?
Migraines cause severe, throbbing head pain — often on one side — and may include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. Some Veterans also experience visual disturbances (auras) before the pain begins.
Can Veterans Get VA Disability For Migraines?
Yes. Veterans may qualify for VA disability for migraines if they can show:
- A current diagnosis
- An in-service event or illness linked to the condition
- A medical nexus connecting migraines to military service
Migraines can also be secondary service-connected, often stemming from PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or another service-related condition.
VA Migraine Ratings
The VA bases migraine ratings on how often and how severely your headaches occur, particularly if they are prostrating, meaning they leave you unable to function.
- 50% – Very frequent, prostrating, and prolonged attacks causing economic hardship
- 30% – Prostrating attacks at least once per month
- 10% – Attacks every two months
- 0% – Less frequent or non-prostrating attacks
Most Veterans with service-connected migraines receive a 30% or 50% VA disability rating as our friends at Chad Barr Law can explain through their own experience with cases like this.
How To Get A 50% VA Disability For Migraines
To qualify for a 50% rating, you must have the following conditions:
- Your migraines must be frequent and prostrating
- They must interfere with work or daily life
- You’ll need medical documentation and statements that describe how the migraines affect you
A Veterans Disability Attorney can help gather this evidence and present it effectively to the VA.
How To Prove Migraines To The VA
Proving your claim starts with strong documentation from the following providers:
- Medical records and diagnosis from a healthcare provider
- Service records showing exposure or injuries related to migraines
- Personal and buddy statements about the impact on your life
- A migraine journal or app showing attack frequency and duration
What Happens At The C&P Exam?
The Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is used to essentially test how bad your migraines are. Specifically, the exam evaluates:
- Severity and frequency of migraines
- Whether attacks are prostrating
- How migraines affect your job and daily activities
Tip: Be honest and detailed. Don’t minimize how your migraines disrupt your life.
Secondary Conditions Linked To Migraines
Migraines often trigger or worsen other service-connected issues such as:
- Tinnitus
- Hypertension
- PTSD
- Depression or anxiety
These secondary conditions may also qualify for a VA disability rating if properly documented and connected.
How Attorneys Can Help
Whether you’re appealing for a higher rating or appealing a denial, having a disability attorney on your side can make a big difference.
Don’t fight the VA alone. If migraines are impacting your life, reach out to an attorney near you for a case evaluation. Let an experienced team help you secure the VA benefits you deserve.