SKIP TO
CONTENT
Migraines are more than just bad headaches. This condition involves debilitating neurological events that can interfere with every aspect of a veteran’s life. For those who developed migraines as a result of military service, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers disability compensation. However, successfully filing a claim requires a clear understanding of how the VA evaluates these conditions.
Our goal is to break down how the VA rates migraines, what the term “prostrating” actually means, and how to present evidence that supports your case for a higher rating. Many of our clients experience occasional episodes. Some live with incapacitating attacks. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, understanding the migraine VA rating system is the first step toward securing the benefits you deserve.
What Is a Migraine?
Migraines are a type of headache disorder that causes intense, throbbing pain. Typically this pain impacts only one side of the head, although in some cases it can affect both. In addition to pain, migraines often come with a variety of other symptoms that can be just as debilitating, such as nausea, vomiting, and cognitive impairment. For some veterans, migraines also aggravate existing conditions like anxiety, depression, or insomnia.
Some of the top causes of these episodes are stress-related, brought on by loud noises, dehydration, hormonal/health changes or other environmental factors.
The service connection here could be to blast injuries, high-stress combat zones, or or because of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Our veteran’s disability law firm can help you establish the service connection clearly.
How the VA Evaluates Migraines
Unlike many other conditions, the VA uses a relatively simple but somewhat vague scale for rating migraines. The key to understanding your potential rating lies in how the VA interprets the terms “prostrating” and “severe economic inadaptability.” Each of these concepts has a direct impact on the final rating of your condition.
Like with all disability ratings, the VA uses a percentage scale to describe the severity of a migraine. Unlike other conditions, the scale is between 0 and 50 percent instead of going up to 100. A rating of zero is the lowest, and 50 is the highest. Here is the breakdown of the four rating levels:
- 0%: Migraines with less frequent attacks
- 10%: Characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months
- 30%: Characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on average once a month over the last several months
- 50%: Very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability
At first glance, this might seem straightforward, but the real difficulty lies in how the VA defines and interprets these key terms.
What Does “Prostrating” Mean?
The VA does not define “prostrating.” However, in practical terms, a prostrating attack is a headache that forces the veteran to lie down, rest in a dark and quiet room, and cease all normal activities due to the severity of symptoms.
This is a critical distinction. A veteran who experiences headaches that are painful but manageable may not qualify for compensation. But a veteran whose migraines force them to leave work, cancel obligations, or lie in bed for several hours at a time may be eligible for a much higher rating.
When applying for a migraine VA rating, it’s essential to clearly describe how each episode impacts your functionality. Do your symptoms force you to stop working or take medication that causes drowsiness? Are you sensitive to light and noise to the point of total isolation? These details can make or break your disability claim.
Understanding “Severe Economic Inadaptability”
To qualify for the 50% rating, the highest available for migraines, the VA requires that the veteran experiences frequent, prolonged, and prostrating migraines that lead to severe economic inadaptability. This phrase doesn’t mean that the veteran must be completely unemployed, but it does mean that their migraines substantially interfere with their ability to maintain regular employment.
If your migraines cause frequent absences, reduced productivity, or make it impossible to sustain a typical work schedule, you may meet this threshold. Documentation from an employer, leave records, or vocational expert statements can help strengthen your case.
In some cases, veterans who are awarded a 50% migraine VA rating also qualify for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if they are unable to hold a substantially gainful occupation due to their condition.
Types of Evidence That Support a Migraine Claim
Because migraines are subjective and often invisible, strong supporting evidence is essential. The VA gives more weight to claims that include the following:
- Medical Records: These should document your migraine diagnosis, frequency of attacks, and prescribed treatment. Neurologist notes and MRI/CT results (if applicable) can help, but so can records showing ongoing care and medication management.
- Headache or Migraine Logs: Keeping a journal that tracks the date, duration, and impact of each migraine is highly recommended. Include whether you had to lie down, missed work, or took medication.
- Lay Statements: Statements from friends, family members, coworkers, or supervisors can provide first-hand accounts of how migraines affect your daily life. These are especially helpful when there’s little medical documentation.
- C&P Exam Results: The Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is a key part of the VA decision process. Be honest and detailed about how your migraines affect you. Don’t downplay your symptoms.
- Vocational Impact Evidence: If your migraines interfere with work, include documentation like FMLA leave requests, performance evaluations, or termination notices. If you’re self-employed, tax returns and client communications may show lost income.
Common Causes of Service-Connected Migraines
Migraines can be directly caused by military service or be secondary to other service-connected conditions. Common service-related causes include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Whiplash or neck injuries
- Blast or explosion exposure
- Toxic exposures
- Sleep disruptions
Even if you were not diagnosed during service, it is possible to receive a migraine VA rating if you can demonstrate that the condition either began during service or was aggravated by a service-connected disability. Our firm can help you with a VA disability appeal even if your migraine claim is initially denied.
Tips to Strengthen Your Migraine VA Rating Claim
Getting the VA to accurately assess your condition often comes down to documentation and persistence. The first step is to be consistent in describing your symptoms to both your healthcare providers and the VA examiner. Any conflicting statements will only work against you. Other helpful tips include avoiding minimizing your symptoms and maintaining a detailed log accounting for each time you experience migraines
If your claim is denied or you receive a rating lower than you believe is appropriate, consider filing an appeal or requesting a higher-level review. Veterans are also permitted to submit new and relevant evidence through a supplemental claim.
Can You Work with a Migraine VA Rating?
Many veterans with a lower rating—10% or 30%—can and do continue to work. However, for those with a 50% rating, especially when migraines occur several times per week, maintaining full-time employment may become extremely difficult.
While you are not required to be unemployed to receive a migraine VA rating, severe limitations caused by the condition may justify an additional claim for TDIU. This can result in compensation at the 100% level even if your total rating is below that threshold.
Be honest about your work limitations, and keep documentation of missed days, performance reviews, or accommodations made for your condition. This information can be useful if you pursue additional benefits.
When to Seek Help with a Migraine Claim
Filing a VA disability claim for migraines can be overwhelming, especially when your symptoms are difficult to document or the terminology used by the VA. If your claim has been denied, or if you’ve received a lower rating than expected, it may be time to seek professional support from someone who understands the VA’s evaluation system in depth.
A VA-accredited attorney can help you navigate the appeals process, gather persuasive medical and vocational evidence, and ensure that your case is properly developed. They can assist with preparing detailed statements, securing relevant medical opinions, and presenting your case effectively before the VA or the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
Let Our Migraine Disability Attorneys Help
Migraines can be life-disrupting, painful, and isolating. Thankfully, they are also recognized by the VA as legitimate, compensable disabilities. Whether your condition is mild or severe, understanding the migraine VA rating system is key to getting the benefits you deserve.
If you believe your current rating doesn’t reflect the true impact of your condition, the team at Gang & Associates is here to help. Our firm is focused on helping veterans get the rating they deserve. If your claim has been denied or you are unhappy with your rating, we can help you navigate the appeals process. Contact us today for a private consultation.