For many veterans, migraines are not just painful—they can disrupt work, relationships, and overall quality of life. Unfortunately, proving the severity of migraine symptoms to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be one of the most challenging parts of the disability claims process. If you’re struggling with frequent headaches and want to know how the VA migraine rating works, this guide will walk you through the essentials and help you better understand what evidence you need to strengthen your claim.
Understanding VA Disability Ratings for Migraines
The VA uses a specific rating system to measure the severity of migraines under Diagnostic Code 8100 in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Ratings are assigned based on the frequency and impact of migraine attacks:
- 0% Rating: Migraines are present but not frequent enough to interfere with work or daily life.
- 10% Rating: Migraines occur once every two months on average and cause some level of impairment.
- 30% Rating: Migraines occur once per month on average and interfere with normal function.
- 50% Rating: The maximum VA migraine rating. Migraines are considered “very frequent, completely prostrating, and prolonged attacks” that severely impact your ability to work.
It’s important to note that the VA does not provide ratings above 50% specifically for migraines, but veterans can often pursue Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if their migraines prevent them from maintaining steady employment.
What the VA Looks for in a Migraine Claim
To receive compensation, veterans must do more than simply report that they have headaches. The VA requires evidence that demonstrates both diagnosis and impact. Key factors include:
- Medical Diagnosis: A confirmed diagnosis of migraines from a healthcare provider.
- Frequency of Attacks: How often the migraines occur each month.
- Prostrating Nature: Whether the attacks force you to stop what you are doing and rest in a dark, quiet space.
- Occupational Impairment: How migraines affect your ability to work or attend school.
The VA relies heavily on medical records, but they also consider lay evidence such as personal statements or buddy letters that describe how migraines affect your daily life.
Building Strong Evidence for Your Claim
One of the biggest mistakes veterans make when filing for VA migraine benefits is underreporting the severity of their symptoms. To maximize your chances of a fair VA migraine rating, consider these strategies:
1. Keep a Migraine Journal
Document every migraine episode, including date, time, duration, symptoms, and what you were forced to do (lie down, miss work, leave school). This creates a detailed record that demonstrates frequency and severity.
2. Get Consistent Medical Treatment
Seek medical care for migraines regularly, even if treatments don’t fully resolve the problem. Consistent medical records show that migraines are a persistent condition that requires ongoing management.
3. Submit Statements of Impact
Personal statements from you, family members, or coworkers can highlight how migraines disrupt daily routines, work attendance, and family life.
4. Highlight Work Limitations
If migraines cause you to miss work frequently or reduce your productivity, provide documentation such as leave records or supervisor statements. This type of evidence can strengthen claims for higher ratings or even TDIU.
Common Challenges Veterans Face
Even with strong evidence, many veterans find the VA migraine rating process frustrating. Some common issues include:
- Misclassification of Headaches: Migraines may be confused with tension or sinus headaches, leading to denial of claims.
- Inconsistent Medical Records: Gaps in treatment can weaken the claim.
- Underestimation of Frequency: Veterans often minimize how often migraines occur, which lowers their rating.
- Difficulty Explaining Prostrating Attacks: Veterans sometimes fail to describe how debilitating their migraines really are, which is crucial for higher ratings.
How Warrior Allegiance Can Help
At Warrior Allegiance, we understand how difficult it is to prove a migraine claim. Built by veterans and run by veterans, our mission is to help you navigate the VA disability process with confidence.
- No upfront costs: You only pay based on the impact Warrior Allegiance makes on your claim.
- Nationwide support: Whether you’re in El Paso, San Antonio, Puerto Rico, or anywhere in the U.S., our team is here to help.
- Veteran-led guidance: We’ve been through the process ourselves and know how to help you present the strongest case possible.
If you’re dealing with migraines and struggling to get the VA benefits you deserve, don’t go it alone. Get started with Warrior Allegiance today.
Final Thoughts
Migraines are more than just headaches—they can be life-altering conditions that deserve recognition from the VA. Understanding how the VA migraine rating works, collecting the right evidence, and presenting your claim clearly can make the difference between a low rating and the benefits you truly deserve. With the right strategy and support, veterans can improve their chances of success and secure the care and compensation they need.