🧠 Service-Connecting Headaches for VA Disability: What Veterans Need to Know

Headaches might seem minor to some—but for many veterans, they’re a serious, chronic issue that affects daily life. Whether you're dealing with migraines, tension headaches, or post-traumatic headaches after a TBI, you may be entitled to VA disability compensation if those headaches are related to your military service.

In this post, we’ll walk through how to service-connect headaches, what kind of evidence the VA looks for, and how Valor Health can help support your claim.

💡 What Does “Service-Connected” Mean?

For the VA to approve your claim, your condition must be linked to your time in service. This link can be:

• Direct – Your headaches started during active duty and have continued since.

• Secondary – Your headaches are caused by another service-connected condition (e.g., TBI, PTSD, neck or spine injury).

• Aggravated – A pre-existing condition worsened due to your military service.

⚠️ Common Causes of Service-Connected Headaches

Veterans can experience chronic headaches due to:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

• Blast exposure or combat-related injuries

• Whiplash or spinal trauma

• PTSD, anxiety, or chronic stress

• Sleep disorders (like sleep apnea)

• Side effects of service-related medications

📊 How the VA Rates Headaches

Headaches are rated under Diagnostic Code 8100 (Migraines) in the VA’s rating schedule:

RatingDescription

0% - Less frequent attacks

10% - Prostrating attacks every 2 months

30% - Prostrating attacks about once a month

50% - Very frequent, completely prostrating attacks with severe work impairment

Prostrating means the headache is so severe you must stop all activity and lie down.

🧾 What Evidence Do You Need?

To file a strong claim for service-connected headaches, you’ll need:

1. A current diagnosis from a licensed provider

2. Evidence of an in-service event or condition that caused or aggravated the headaches

3. A medical nexus letter that connects your headaches to your service or another service-connected condition

🩺 How Valor Health Can Help

At Valor Health, we specialize in helping veterans build strong claims with credible, independent medical evidence. Our services include:

• ✔️ Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs)

• ✔️ Nexus Letters linking your condition to service

• ✔️ Telehealth appointments with licensed professionals

• ✔️ Experience with complex cases involving PTSD, TBI, and more

We understand what the VA needs—and how to deliver it clearly, efficiently, and with compassion.

🗣️ Final Thoughts

Headaches that interfere with your life aren’t something you have to just “deal with.” If you believe your headaches are related to your time in the military, you may qualify for VA disability compensation—and we’re here to help.

Medical evidence can make all the difference when it comes to your VA disability claim.

At Valor Health, we’re here to help you back up your claim with strong, high-quality medical documentation that can truly move the needle.

Ready to take the next step? Book your FREE 30-minute consultation today and find out how we can help you get the medical support you need to build a stronger, more successful claim.

The Valor Way – Supporting veterans through expert medical insight, one claim at a time.