Headaches and Migraines graphical illustration

Headaches and Migraines

02/25/2025 | VA Disability Manager LLC |

Headaches & Migraines: Getting Service Connected

Understanding VA Disability Ratings for Headaches & Migraines

Many veterans suffer from chronic headaches and migraines (H&Ms) due to service-related injuries or conditions. The VA rates migraines under Diagnostic Code 8100, based on severity and frequency of “prostrating attacks.” To maximize your rating, it’s crucial to understand potential causes, proper documentation, and how to effectively communicate with your doctor.

Top 11 Conditions That Can Lead to Headaches & Migraines

  1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – One of the most common service-related causes.
  2. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Stress and anxiety can trigger migraines.
  3. Cervical Spine Conditions – Neck injuries and degenerative disc disease often lead to chronic headaches.
  4. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) – Poor circulation can contribute to frequent headaches.
  5. Sinusitis & Rhinitis – Chronic sinus issues can trigger severe headaches.
  6. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) – Jaw misalignment and muscle strain are migraine triggers.
  7. Medication Overuse or Withdrawal – VA-prescribed painkillers, antidepressants, or caffeine withdrawal.
  8. Sleep Apnea – Oxygen deprivation during sleep can cause headaches upon waking.
  9. Vision Problems – Eye strain or untreated vision loss contributes to frequent headaches.
  10. Toxic Exposure (Burn Pits, Agent Orange, Gulf War Illness) – Chemical exposure has been linked to neurological issues, including migraines.
  11. Hearing Loss & Tinnitus -Straining to hear tones or people and that constant ringing in your ears can be a trigger.

Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) with a Higher Likelihood of Headaches & Migraines

    1. Combat Arms (Infantry, Artillery, Cavalry Scouts, Special Forces) – Frequent blast exposure from explosives, mortars, and heavy gunfire can lead to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), a major migraine trigger. High-stress, sleep deprivation, and physical strain also contribute.
    2. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) & Combat Engineers – Close proximity to detonations and exposure to concussive force increase the risk of TBI and subsequent migraines. Exposure to chemicals in explosives can also be a contributing factor.
    3. Aviation Personnel (Pilots, Aircrew, UAV Operators) – Barometric pressure changes and excessive g-force exposure can cause chronic headaches. Prolonged headset and eye strain from screens in UAV operations or cockpit instruments can lead to visual migraines.
    4. Tank Crew & Armored Vehicle Operators – Constant jarring movements and shockwaves from firing tank rounds can contribute to head trauma and migraines. Fumes from exhaust and chemicals in confined spaces can act as triggers.
    5. Military Police & Security Forces – Frequent physical confrontations, stress, and exposure to bright flashing lights (e.g., during nighttime patrols, stun grenades, or sirens) can increase migraine susceptibility.
    6. Medics & Corpsmen – Chronic stress, irregular sleep patterns, and exposure to secondary trauma (combat injuries) can contribute to PTSD-related migraines. Heavy lifting and prolonged physical strain may also lead to tension headaches.
    7. Heavy Equipment Operators & Mechanics – Prolonged exposure to loud engine noise and vibration can contribute to headaches. Toxic chemical exposure from fuels, lubricants, and solvents may also be a factor.
    8. Intelligence Analysts & Cyber Operators – Prolonged screen exposure, stress, and poor posture can lead to chronic migraines. Sleep deprivation from long shifts disrupts the nervous system and increases headache frequency.
    9. Nuclear, Chemical, & Biological Warfare Specialists – Exposure to toxic agents, radiation, or decontamination chemicals may increase the risk of neurological symptoms, including migraines.
    10. Logistics & Supply Specialists – Heavy lifting, long hours, and exposure to warehouse exhaust fumes can contribute to tension headaches and migraines.

    VA Disability Ratings for Migraines

    The VA rates migraines under 38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8100 based on frequency and severity:

    • 0% – Less frequent attacks; no prostrating episodes.
    • 10% – Prostrating attacks averaging once every 2 months over the last several months.
    • 30% – Prostrating attacks averaging once a month over the last several months.
    • 50% – Very frequent, completely prostrating, and prolonged attacks causing severe economic inadaptability.

    Prostrating attacks refer to migraines so severe they force you to lay down in a dark, quiet place, preventing normal activities.

    Tracking Your Migraines for a VA Claim

    A migraine journal is crucial for proving the severity and frequency of attacks. Keep a daily log including:

    • Date & time of each migraine
    • Duration of the episode
    • Severity (1-10 pain scale)
    • Prostrating? (Did you have to lay down?)
    • Symptoms (Nausea, sensitivity to light/sound, vision disturbances, etc.)
    • Triggers (Stress, weather, foods, lack of sleep, etc.)
    • Medication taken & effectiveness
    • Impact on daily activities or work

    This record will strengthen your claim and show a pattern of disability that affects your life.

    How to Talk to Your Doctor About VA Claims

    To increase your chances of a service connection or rating increase, discuss your headaches clearly and honestly with your doctor:

    1. Describe the frequency and severity – “I experience migraines at least once a week, and they force me to lie down for several hours.”
    2. Explain how they impact daily life – “I miss work due to migraines, struggle with focus, and avoid social situations because of them.”
    3. Mention any triggers – “They are worsened by stress, bright lights, and lack of sleep.”
    4. Highlight treatments you’ve tried – “I’ve taken prescribed medications, tried lifestyle changes, but I still experience severe migraines.”
    5. Request documentation – Ask your doctor to note the prostrating nature of your migraines in your medical records.

    A well-documented history from a VA or private doctor greatly strengthens your claim.

    Final Thoughts

    Veterans suffering from headaches and migraines can and should pursue a VA disability rating if their condition impacts daily life. Understanding the causes, rating criteria, tracking methods, and effective communication with doctors can lead to a successful service connection or rating increase. Keep a migraine journal, gather medical evidence, and present a clear case to the VA to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

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