Veterans often experience debilitating headaches linked to their service, and it's right to ask what compensation might be available to you for VA migraines. Talk today with a Chicago, IL-based attorney who can review your claim and help you prove a link between your pain and your service. How Chicago, IL Veteran Can Pursue Compensation for VA Migraines The VA requires three elements for service connection: A current diagnosis of migraines or a related headache disorder An in-service event, injury, or illness A medical nexus linking the two A direct service connection usually applies when the migraines began either during active duty or within a short time after discharge. Secondary service connections can also sometimes be made if you're able to show that a condition already connected to your service either causes or aggravates the migraines. Primary Conditions That Can Support Secondary Connections There's some quite common primary conditions that often supp ort secondary migraine claims: traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, in particular. But you'll still need medical evidence to establish the causal or aggravating relationship and a doctor's opinion stating specifically that the migraines are at least as likely as not related to the primary condition. Migraine Ratings The VA rates migraines under Diagnostic Code 8100, and the schedule assigns ratings based on the frequency and severity of prostrating attacks. 0% for attacks less often than the thresholds listed below 10% for characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months 30% when characteristic prostrating attacks occur on average once a month 50% for very frequent, completely prostrating and prolonged attacks that severely interrupt your ability to earn a living Prostrating means the attack causes extreme exhaustion, powerlessness, debilitation, or incapacitation with substantial inability to engage in ordinary activities. Completely prostrating indicates that you basically are totally unable to do anything during the episode. How to Strengthen a Claim Keep a detailed headache log that records the date, duration, intensity, symptoms, and impact of each attack, including any time you missed from work or daily activities. Submit all VA medical records, private treatment notes, and a Disability Benefits Questionnaire completed by your physician. Gather supporting statements from your family, friends, or fellow service members who have observed the attacks or their effects For secondary claims, get a nexus letter from your doctor explaining the medical connection between your primary service-connected condition and the migraines Filing a Claim You can file a claim online through VA.gov, by mail using VA Form 21-526EZ, in person at a regional office, or with the help of an accredited representative. For many veterans, having an experienced VA attorney is the best option. An attorney can make sure your claim has everything it needs to be accepted, gather all the evidence and arrange it, and represent you effectively. Contact us today at the Comerford Law Office for a free consultation to discuss your claim. Our firm has helped veterans secure benefits since 2008 and offers help in Chicago, Highland, IN, and in Jonesborough, TN.
