VA Rating for Migraines: Get the Benefits You Need

Migraine headaches affect countless veterans, often severely impacting their quality of life, employment opportunities, and ability to perform daily activities. If you’re a veteran suffering from service-connected migraines, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation. Understanding the VA rating system for migraines is key to receiving the right benefits.

The Department of Veterans Affairs rates migraine headaches under Diagnostic Code 8100 in the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR § 4.124a). Unlike other conditions that may have many different rating percentages, the VA assigns just four possible ratings for migraines: 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50%.

The Four VA Rating Levels for Migraines

0% Rating (Non-compensable)

• Less frequent attacks that don’t qualify as prostrating
• No monthly compensation, but establishes service connection for future claims
• May qualify for free VA healthcare for the condition

10% Rating

• Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the past several months
• Demonstrates a pattern of migraine attacks but with relatively lower frequency
• Current monthly compensation: $175.51

30% Rating

• Characteristic prostrating migraine attack occurring on average once a month over the last several months
• Represents a significant increase in frequency compared to the 10% rating
• Current monthly compensation: $537.42

50% Rating

• Very frequent, completely prostrating, and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability
• This is the maximum schedular rating available for migraines
• Current monthly compensation: $1,102.04

Key Terms that Determine Your Rating

There are 2 key terms used in the rating system that will determine the amount of benefits available for migraines: prostrating and severe economic inadaptability.

What Does “Prostrating” Mean?

Though not explicitly defined in VA regulations, a “prostrating” migraine attack generally refers to a migraine headache so severe you are unable to do anything and must lie down. In practical terms, a prostrating migraine typically involves:

• Extreme exhaustion or powerlessness
• Substantial inability to engage in ordinary activities
• Incapacitation during the duration of the migraine attack

To establish that your migraines are prostrating, your medical records should document:

• Your need to lie down during attacks
• The severity of your symptoms
• How the attacks prevent you from functioning normally

Understanding “Severe Economic Inadaptability”

The term “severe economic inadaptability” is particularly important for the 50% rating. Contrary to what many veterans believe, this does not mean you must be completely unable to work. Instead, it means your migraines significantly impact your ability to maintain gainful employment.

Courts have clarified that migraines need only be “productive of” or “capable of producing” severe economic inadaptability to qualify for the 50% rating. Evidence supporting economic inadaptability includes:

• Documentation of frequent work absences due to migraines
• Reduced work hours or accommodations required because of your condition
• Difficulty maintaining steady employment
• Performance issues at work related to migraine symptoms

Establishing Service Connection for Migraines

Before the VA will assign a rating for any disability, you must first establish that your condition is connected to your military service. There are three ways to establish service connection:

1. Direct Service Connection

To establish direct service connection, you must show that your migraines:

• Began during your military service
• Were caused by a specific incident or injury during service
• Were aggravated by your service duties

Service treatment records showing complaints of headaches, diagnosis, or treatment during active duty provide the strongest evidence for direct service connection.

2. Secondary Service Connection

Many veterans experience migraines as a result of other service-connected conditions. Common primary conditions that can cause or aggravate migraines include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Tinnitus or hearing loss
• Depression or anxiety
• Cervical strain or neck injuries
• Sinusitis or rhinitis
• Sleep apnea
• Medication side effects from treating other service-connected conditions

To establish secondary service connection, you need:

• A current diagnosis of migraines
• An already service-connected condition
• Medical evidence linking your migraines to the service-connected condition

3. Presumptive Service Connection

In some cases, migraines may be considered presumptively service-connected, particularly for:

• Gulf War veterans with unexplained chronic symptoms
• Veterans exposed to burn pits or other toxic substances
• Veterans with certain qualifying chronic disabilities

Building a Strong Evidence Package for Your Migraine Claim

The strength of your migraine claim depends heavily on the quality and comprehensiveness of your evidence. Here are the essential components of a winning evidence package:

Medical Documentation

Comprehensive medical records are the foundation of any successful migraine claim. Your records should include:

• A formal diagnosis of migraines from a qualified healthcare provider
• Detailed notes about your symptoms, frequency, and severity
• Documentation of treatments attempted and their effectiveness
• Physician’s observations about how migraines impact your daily life

Migraine Diary or Headache Log

A detailed migraine tracking log is perhaps the most powerful evidence you can provide. Your diary should document:

• Date and time of each attack
• Duration of each migraine
• Severity on a scale of 1-10
• Associated symptoms (nausea, light sensitivity, etc.)
• Whether the attack was prostrating (required you to lie down)
• Work or activities missed due to the attack
• Medications taken and their effectiveness

Several mobile apps can help you track this information systematically. Maintaining this diary for several months before your C&P exam provides compelling evidence of your migraine frequency and severity.

Lay Statements

Personal statements from you and those who have witnessed your migraines can significantly strengthen your claim. These statements, often called “buddy letters,” should:

• Describe specific instances of migraine attacks
• Detail how migraines affect your daily functioning
• Explain the impact on your work and personal relationships
• Corroborate the frequency and severity of your attacks

Family members, friends, coworkers, and former service members can all provide valuable perspective on how migraines impact your life.

Employment Records

Documentation from your workplace provides crucial evidence of economic inadaptability. Gather:

• Records of sick leave used for migraines
• Documentation of accommodations requested
• Performance reviews mentioning health-related absences
• Any formal warnings or disciplinary actions related to absences
• Letters from employers or HR departments about your condition

Medical Nexus Letter

A medical nexus letter from a qualified healthcare provider is vital, especially for secondary or post-service claims. This letter should:

• Confirm your migraine diagnosis
• Clearly state the connection between your migraines and military service
• Use language like “at least as likely as not” to describe the connection
• Reference specific medical literature supporting the relationship
• Explain the medical rationale behind the opinion

Beyond the 50% Rating: TDIU for Migraine Sufferers

If your migraines prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may be eligible for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), even if your migraine rating is less than 100%.

To qualify for TDIU under standard criteria, you typically need:

• One service-connected disability rated at 60% or higher, OR
• Multiple service-connected disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or higher (with at least one condition rated at 40% or higher)

Even if you don’t meet these criteria, you may qualify for extraschedular TDIU if your migraines prevent you from working despite a lower rating.

Tips to Maximize Your VA Migraine Rating

1. Be Detailed and Consistent in Your Communication

During medical appointments and your C&P exam:

• Be specific about your symptoms’ frequency, severity, and duration
• Clearly describe how migraines impact your daily life and work
• Explain how your condition has progressed over time
• Be open and honest about your symptoms

2. Thoroughly Document Every Attack

The difference between a 10% and 50% rating often comes down to documented frequency:

• Use a headache diary or tracking app consistently
• Record even “minor” headaches that may be part of your migraine pattern
• Document all symptoms, not just pain (nausea, light sensitivity, etc.)
• Note the impact on your daily activities for each attack

3. Get Proper Medical Care

Regular medical treatment is essential for establishing the severity of your condition:

• See a neurologist or headache specialist if possible
• Follow treatment recommendations and document their effectiveness
• Discuss the occupational impact of your migraines with your provider
• Request that your provider document the prostrating nature of your attacks

4. Explore Secondary Connections

If you have other service-connected conditions:

• Discuss possible connections with your healthcare provider
• Request medical opinions on whether these conditions cause or worsen your migraines
• Submit evidence linking the conditions for a potential increase in overall rating

5. Consider Professional Assistance

The VA claims process can be complex and challenging:

• Consider consulting with a VA-accredited claims agent or attorney
• Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) provide free assistance with claims
• Professional help is particularly valuable if your claim is denied or rated too low

Common Reasons for VA Migraine Claim Denials

Be prepared and organized to avoid these common pitfalls:

• Lack of medical diagnosis: Ensure you have a formal migraine diagnosis from a qualified provider
• Insufficient evidence of frequency: Your medical records must establish a pattern of attacks
• No documentation of prostration: Medical records should clearly indicate the severity of your attacks
• Missing service connection: You must establish how your migraines relate to your military service
• Inconsistent reporting: Significant discrepancies between your statements and medical records can hurt your claim

How Benefits.com Can Help

The VA rating system for migraines can lead to significant compensation for veterans suffering from debilitating migraines. By understanding the rating criteria, thoroughly documenting your symptoms, establishing service connection, and presenting comprehensive evidence, you can maximize your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve.

For veterans whose migraines significantly impact their quality of life and ability to work, these benefits can provide crucial financial support and access to ongoing medical care.

At Benefits.com, we aim to point you in the right direction towards all the benefits available to you. Take our free eligibility quiz today to get started!