Veterans and Migraine | American Migraine Foundation (2024)

FAQs

How to get 50% VA disability for migraines? ›

Headaches are assigned disability ratings based on the frequency of prostrating attacks. 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8100. A maximum 50 percent rating is assigned for migraine headaches with very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

Migraines are a severe neurological condition that can significantly impact a veteran's daily life. As such, service-connected migraines are often rated at 30% or higher, and veterans benefits attorneys consider migraines to be a high-value claim.

To qualify for benefits with migraine as the reason, ”you need to prove that you're unable to maintain a full-time job and earn a gainful living due to [chronic migraine].” Unfortunately, this isn't a situation in which you can simply describe your symptoms and—voilá! —approval is granted.

Migraine secondary conditions can range from mental health struggles like PTSD, anxiety, and depression to physical ailments that result from or are made worse by migraines. Recognizing these conditions and linking them to your primary migraine diagnosis can be the key to unlocking higher VA benefits.

In addition to service records showing injury or combat events, medical evidence is crucial in establishing a connection between the two conditions. Evidence may include medical records documenting the presence of tinnitus and migraines, as well as any treatment received for these conditions.

The examiner will investigate whether the veteran experiences non-headache symptoms along with their headaches, such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, changes in vision, or sensory changes like pins and needles.

The medical definition of chronic migraines involves suffering from a migraine at least 15 days out of the month and for at least three consecutive months. The SSA does not specifically define migraines or a chronic migraine condition, but does consider neurological disorders when granting disability benefits.

It was noted that the Veteran also suffers from PTSD and that PTSD can trigger migraine headaches. The physician opined that it is more likely than not that the Veteran's migraines are related to his PTSD.

Under code 6510, a 30% disability rating for sinusitis is warranted when there are "[t]hree or more incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or; more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, ...

How do you get diagnosed with migraines in VA? ›

Diagnosis requires: ☑ At least five attacks lasting 4 – 72 hours with ☑ At least two defining headache characteristics ○ Unilateral ○ Throbbing/pulsating ○ Moderate or severe intensity ○ Aggravated, or caused by routine physical activity and ☑ At least one associated feature ○ Nausea and/or vomiting ○ Both photophobia ...

What not to say at a C&P exam. The most vital thing not to do at your claim exam is to pretend your symptoms aren't as bad as they are. It's not the time to play tough. You don't want to exaggerate your symptoms, but you should be honest about how bad they are and exactly how they impact your life.

C&P Exam for Migraines

Therefore, it is crucial to describe how your symptoms impact your ability to complete activities of daily living. You should also tell the examiner the average number of times in a specific time period you experience migraines that limit your ability to do your activities of daily living.

A nexus letter is a document from a medical professional that connects the veteran's migraines to their PTSD. The letter should explain how the two conditions intersect and provide supporting evidence, such as medical records, research data, and diagnostic tests.

Chronic migraine also involves headaches. To receive this diagnosis, you must have: At least 15 days in a month where you experience a headache or migraine. This must happen for at least three months.

Chronic migraine is defined as having headache on at least 15 days per month, with eight of these having migraine symptoms, for at least three months. People who have fewer headache days with migraine symptoms have episodic migraine. If you have chronic migraine your symptoms may include: frequent headache.

Yes, if an individual with migraine meets the ADA's definition of a disability, they are protected and may be entitled to reasonable accommodations in the workplace. To qualify as a disability under the ADA, a migraine must substantially limit one or more major life activities.

The maximum rating for a migraine VA disability claim is 50%. First, in order to qualify for a disability rating, your migraine attacks must be severe enough to be “prostrating.” In other words, the headaches are so severe that you have to stop what you're doing and lie down for an extended period of time.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated as 30 percent disabling under 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8100, effective from February 21, 2017, 0 percent disabling from October 3, 2018, to February 23, 2019, and 30 percent disabling thereafter.

What are VA secondary conditions to migraines? ›

Common Medical Conditions Where Migraines Are Secondary

Ongoing medical research shows a clear association between migraines and other conditions—most notably PTSD, tinnitus, and hypertension—commonly known as high blood pressure.

A VA doctor cannot write a Nexus letter to support your disability claim. Because they are VA employees, they cannot provide an unbiased medical opinion. Consult your private medical provider or any non-VA doctor when you need this letter.

Tinnitus can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and social inactivity.

The statement should include as many details as possible about the incident and how it impacted you, including when you began experiencing migraines. Did the headaches occur immediately following the blast or explosion? Did you seek treatment for these headaches? If so, what action did you take to resolve them?

The Criteria for a 0% to 50% Rating

Regular migraines about once a month warrant a 30% rating, while frequent, fully prostrating, and prolonged migraine attacks causing significant disruption, including severe economic inadaptability, merit a 50% rating.

To qualify as a disability under the ADA, a migraine must substantially limit one or more major life activities.

If you have migraines or a family history of migraines, a specialist trained in treating headaches, known as a neurologist, will likely diagnose migraines based on your medical history, symptoms, and a physical and neurological examination.