Introduction
Migraines are one of the most commonly claimed disabilities among veterans—and for good reason. Exposure to loud noises, high-stress environments, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and toxic exposures during service can all trigger chronic headaches and migraines long after military duty ends.
But here’s the issue: migraines are invisible. You can’t “prove” them with an X-ray. There’s no blood test that definitively shows you have migraines. That’s why tracking your symptoms is one of the most important steps to building a strong claim.
So how long should you track your migraines before filing a VA disability claim? In this blog, we’ll break it down: how long to document, what to include, and how to turn your log into solid evidence the VA can’t ignore.
Why Tracking Migraines Matters
Before we get into the timeline, let’s talk about why tracking matters.
Migraines don’t always show up in medical records unless you actively talk about them with your doctor. Even then, unless the frequency, duration, and severity are clearly documented, the VA may underrate or even deny your claim.
A migraine log helps:
Establish a pattern of how often and how severely migraines occur
Show continuity of symptoms over time
Correlate episodes with work limitations or daily impact
Support your personal statement and lay evidence
For veterans who are already service-connected for something like TBI, PTSD, or neck injuries, migraine tracking can also help prove a secondary service connection.
What the VA Looks For in Migraine Claims
To approve a migraine claim and assign an appropriate rating, the VA looks at several key factors:
Frequency: How many times per month do you experience migraines?
Duration: How long does each episode last?
Severity: Do your migraines force you to lie down in a dark room, miss work, or avoid social interaction?
Prostrating Attacks: This is VA terminology for migraines that are so severe they incapacitate you. A “prostrating” migraine generally requires rest or sleep in a quiet, dark room and prevents normal function.
These factors determine your rating:
0%: Diagnosed migraines with no prostrating attacks
10%: Migraines with prostrating attacks averaging once every two months
30%: Prostrating attacks once a month on average
50%: Very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability
Translation: If you’re missing work, canceling obligations, or being forced to rest multiple times per month, you may qualify for the higher ratings.
How Long Should You Track Your Migraines?
There’s no official VA rule that says, “track migraines for X number of months.” But based on experience and success stories from veterans and advocates, here’s the recommended timeline:
✅ 30 to 90 Days Minimum
A solid baseline for most claims is at least 1 to 3 months of consistent logging. This timeframe:
Demonstrates a recurring issue
Covers enough cycles to prove a pattern
Gives you solid numbers on frequency and severity
In some cases, even 30 days of documentation has led to approvals—especially if supported by lay statements and a diagnosis. However, 90 days is typically stronger for ratings above 10%.
If you’re preparing for a C&P exam or planning to file within the next few months, aim for at least three months of detailed logs.
What to Include in a Migraine Log
The more specific your entries, the stronger your evidence. A good migraine log should include the following:
Date and time of onset
Duration of the migraine
Severity (1–10 scale works well)
Symptoms experienced (e.g., nausea, aura, light sensitivity)
What you did (laid down, took meds, went to ER)
Impact on work, chores, social activity, or sleep
Medications taken and their effectiveness
You can use a simple spreadsheet, a paper journal, or even apps like Migraine Buddy or Headache Log.
Tip: Print and sign your migraine log when you submit your claim, or include it as part of a supplemental statement with a VSO’s help.
Sample Migraine Log Entry
Date: March 12, 2025
Time: Started at 1:00 PM
Duration: 6 hours
Severity: 8/10
Symptoms: Blurred vision, pounding headache, nausea, sound sensitivity
Treatment: Took Sumatriptan, lay in a dark room, missed work
Impact: Missed entire afternoon shift, unable to drive home
This kind of documentation proves how migraines affect your ability to work and function—two things the VA weighs heavily when assigning ratings.
How to Strengthen Your Claim Alongside the Log
In addition to your migraine tracking, consider the following to build a strong case:
🔹 Get an Official Diagnosis
Even if you’ve had migraines for years, the VA wants to see a current diagnosis from a qualified provider. Talk to your VA or private doctor and request it be documented clearly in your records.
🔹 Submit a Personal Statement
Use VA Form 21-4138 to describe how migraines impact your life. Mention job performance, family dynamics, sleep quality, and mental health.
🔹 Include Lay Statements
Have a spouse, friend, or coworker write about what they’ve seen. Do they notice you lying in dark rooms for hours? Have they seen you leave work early due to headaches? These details matter.
🔹 Consider a Nexus Letter (If Not Already Service-Connected)
If you’re trying to link migraines to another condition (like PTSD or a head injury), a nexus letter from a medical provider can connect the dots for the VA. It should state that your migraines are “at least as likely as not” caused by service or a service-connected condition.
What If You Already Filed Without a Log?
If your claim was denied or underrated because of a lack of evidence, you’re not out of luck.
Here’s what to do:
Start tracking immediately.
Collect 60–90 days of entries.
File a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) with your migraine log as new and relevant evidence.
This new information can reopen your claim and lead to a more accurate rating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting too long to track: Start logging as soon as migraines become frequent or severe.
Being vague: Avoid generic entries like “headache today.” Be detailed.
Not linking symptoms to function: The VA needs to know how migraines limit your life, not just that they occur.
Skipping treatment: If you’re not seeing a doctor or trying treatment, the VA may see your condition as non-disabling.
Final Thoughts
Migraines may be invisible, but their impact is very real. If you’re a veteran who suffers from frequent, severe headaches, tracking your episodes can be the key to getting the compensation you’ve earned.
You don’t need to track migraines for years to file a strong VA claim. But you do need consistent, detailed documentation—ideally for 30 to 90 days—that proves your condition is both real and disabling.
Combine your log with a diagnosis, personal statement, and supporting documents, and you’ll be ready to file a claim that the VA can’t ignore.
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