Migraine VA Ratings and Service Connection Explained

Migraines can be debilitating, but if you can link them to your military service, you may qualify for a migraine VA rating. 

If your migraines began or worsened due to your service, understanding how the VA rates this condition can help you get the compensation you rightfully deserve. 

In this post, we’ll explain how the VA rates migraines, what evidence is required to establish a service connection, and how to maximize your migraine VA disability rating.

Key Takeaways

• The VA rates migraines based on the severity and frequency of your symptoms under diagnostic code 8100, with ratings ranging from 0% to 50%. 

• A strong nexus letter may significantly improve your chances of receiving a higher migraine VA disability rating. 

• Migraines can also be rated as a secondary condition if they’re caused or worsened by another service-connected condition like PTSD or TBI. 

Understanding Migraine Headaches

Migraines are intense headaches that cause throbbing or pulsing pain, usually on one side of the head.  

They can last from a few hours to several days and may come with symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and sound. 

Migraines typically occur in four stages: 

1. Prodrome: This stage happens before the migraine starts. You might feel tired, have a stiff neck, crave certain foods, or notice mood changes. Some people also experience increased thirst or frequent urination. 

2. Aura: Not everyone has this stage, but if you do, you might see flashes of light, blind spots, or wavy lines. You could also feel tingling or numbness and have trouble speaking or moving. 

3. Migraine Attack: This is when the headache hits. The pain is often severe and focused on one side of the head. You might also feel nauseous, dizzy, or extremely sensitive to light and sound. If untreated, these headaches can last from four hours to three days. 

4. Post-drome: After the migraine subsides, you might feel drained, confused, or moody. Some people still experience sensitivity to light and sound during this recovery phase. 

What Causes Migraines in Veterans?

A variety of military service-related factors can trigger migraines in veterans. 

Common causes include: 

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) 

• Exposure to Explosives or Loud Noises: 

• Environmental Toxins 

• Stress and PTSD 

• Sleep Disturbances 

• Neck and Spine Injuries 

Identifying the cause of your migraines may strengthen your VA claim by establishing a clear connection between your condition and your military service. 

Prostrating vs Completely Prostrating Migraine Headaches

Understanding the difference between a prostrating and completely prostrating migraine may be key to getting the proper migraine VA rating. 

• Prostrating Migraine Headaches: These cause severe exhaustion, debilitation, or incapacitation, significantly limiting your ability to perform regular activities. 

• Completely Prostrating Migraine Headaches: These involve extreme exhaustion or powerlessness, making it nearly impossible to carry out daily activities. 

How the VA Rates Migraines

The VA rates migraines under diagnostic code 8100, assigning ratings from 0% to 50% based on how often you experience headaches, how severe they are, and how debilitating (or prostrating) your symptoms are. 

How to Prove Service Connection

To secure service connection for migraines, you need to provide the VA with three key pieces of evidence: 

1. A Current Medical Diagnosis

To prove your migraine claim, you’ll need a clear diagnosis from a qualified medical provider who can document your symptoms and their impact. 

Telemedica connects you with independently contracted providers who can conduct thorough telehealth evaluations and provide the medical evidence you need to support your claim. 

Quick Tip: Track your headaches daily to show your provider how your symptoms affect you. You can start by using a notebook or your phone’s notes app. 

2. Proof That an In-Service Event, Injury, or Illness Caused Your Migraines

Injuries during active duty can sometimes be linked to migraines. One of the most common connections is traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can result from exposure to explosives, loud noises, or chemicals. 

To establish service connection for migraines, you’ll need evidence showing that an in-service event or condition triggered your headaches.  

This can include: 

• Treatment for migraines documented in your service records 

• Evidence of an injury or illness during service that led to migraines 

• Proof of exposure to hazardous environments like burn pits or explosives 

Note: If your migraines are secondary to another condition, such as a cervical spine injury, you’ll need to show how the primary condition caused or aggravated your migraines. 

3. A Medical Nexus Connecting Your In-Service Event to Your Migraines

Your healthcare provider can issue a medical nexus letter that links your migraines to your military service, providing crucial evidence for your VA disability claim. 

A strong nexus letter from a qualified healthcare provider is highly recommended for securing a migraine VA rating. 

Telemedica’s network of independent providers provide credible nexus letters for: 

1. Direct service connections 

2. Secondary service connections 

3. Presumptive service connections 

How to Strengthen Your VA Claim for Migraines

To build a strong VA claim for migraines, you need compelling evidence that connects your condition to your military service.  

Here’s how to strengthen your migraine claim: 

1. Get a Current and Thorough Medical Diagnosis 

2. Track Your Migraine Symptoms 

3. Complete a DBQ for Migraines

4. Gather Lay Statements 

5. Obtain a Strong Nexus Letter

6. Highlight Frequency and Severity 

How to File a VA Claim for Migraines

You must file a VA claim to be eligible for a migraine VA rating.  

The easiest way to file a VA claim is online through VA.gov; however, you can also download and complete VA Form 21-526EZ and send it one of the following ways: 

• By mail to: 

Department of Veterans Affairs 
Claims Intake Center 
PO Box 4444 
Janesville, WI 53547-4444 

• Via fax: 

844-531-7818 (Inside the U.S.) 

248-524-4260 (Outside the U.S.) 

• In person at a VA regional office 

Migraine Headaches as a Secondary Condition

Migraines can sometimes develop as a secondary condition to other service-connected disabilities. 

For example, migraines secondary to tinnitus may occur when the constant ringing in your ears triggers or worsens your headaches, creating a connection between the two conditions. 

Additional secondary conditions include: 

1. Vertigo 

2. Sleep Disorders 

3. Depression and Anxiety 

4. Cognitive Disorders 

5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 

6. Cervical Strain 

7. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders 

Related Posts:

Nexus Letter for Secondary Conditions 

6 VA Secondary Conditions to Migraines

Service Connecting Migraines Secondary to PTSD

Need a Nexus Letter for Your Migraines?

When filing a VA claim for migraines, strong medical evidence is crucial. The VA often denies claims due to a lack of a clear medical connection. 

That’s where a Nexus Letter from a licensed provider can make all the difference. 

At Telemedica, our experienced medical team knows how to properly link your migraines to your service, providing vital medical evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the VA rating for migraines?

The VA rates migraines under diagnostic code 8100 with ratings ranging from 0% to 50% based on the severity and frequency of your symptoms, as well as how debilitating they are. 

What is the average migraine VA rating?

The average VA rating for migraines is typically 30%, but it can vary based on how often you experience prostrating episodes and how much they interfere with your ability to work and carry out daily activities. 

Can I get a VA rating for prostrating migraine headaches?

Yes, you can receive a VA rating for prostrating migraine headaches. The VA assigns ratings based on the frequency and severity of prostrating episodes, with higher ratings given for more frequent and severe attacks that significantly impact your daily life. 

Can you get TDIU for migraines?

Yes, if your migraines are severe enough to prevent you from maintaining and securing substantially gainful employment, you may be eligible for a Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) rating, even if your combined rating is less than 100%. 

Do I need a nexus letter for a migraines VA rating?

Although not required by the VA, a nexus letter can be essential for proving service connection.  

A nexus letter links your migraines to your military service or another service-connected condition, using VA-approved medical language that may strengthen your claim. 

Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims

Did you know that a lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason VA disability claims are denied? 

Medical evidence is a crucial piece of the puzzle that VA raters consider when reviewing a disability claim. Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence that wins claims. 

Schedule your 20 Minute Consultation and learn how to get the supporting medical evidence you need to strengthen your claim.