U.S. Veteran Disability Attorney for Migraines

Veteran Disability Attorney for Migraine Suffering Veterans Throughout The U.S.

Migraine headaches can be debilitating, and they can significantly impact a person's quality of life. For veterans who experience migraines as a result of their military service, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides disability benefits to help compensate for the resulting impairments, as well as other types of benefits that may help veterans address their ongoing needs. Understanding the types of benefits that may be available and the information that must be provided when making claims can ensure that veterans will be able to receive the financial resources and medical care they need.

The Vet Law Office provides legal help to veterans who suffer from physical or mental disabilities, ensuring that they will be able to receive benefits through the VA. Attorney Farmer has extensive experience representing veterans in claims and appeals, as well as firsthand experience addressing these concerns as a disabled veteran. He is dedicated to helping those who have served our country receive the benefits they deserve.

Service-Connected Causes of Migraines

In order to qualify for VA disability benefits for migraines, veterans must establish a connection between their military service and the condition. There are several service-connected injuries or illnesses that can lead to migraine headaches, including:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Veterans who have experienced concussions or other brain injuries during their military service may develop post-traumatic headaches, which can manifest as severe migraines.
• Cervical spine conditions: Neck injuries or conditions such as cervical disc disease or cervical radiculopathy may cause pain leading to migraines.
• Sinusitis: Chronic inflammation in the sinuses has been linked with recurring headaches, including migraines.
• Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal changes caused by certain medications or medical conditions like hypothyroidism can trigger frequent migraine episodes.

It is important for veterans to provide medical evidence linking their migraines to a service-connected injury, event or illness. This can be accomplished through medical records, statements from healthcare providers, and any other relevant documentation.

Determining Disability Ratings for Migraines

The VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) is used to assign disability ratings for various conditions, including migraines. The rating schedule provides guidelines that help evaluate the severity of a veteran's condition and determine the appropriate level of compensation. For migraines, the VA considers factors such as frequency, duration, and intensity of pain. To qualify for disability benefits, migraines must typically lead to "prostrating attacks" that cause extreme levels of exhaustion, incapacitation, or inability to engage in regular daily activities.

Disability ratings for migraines range from 0% to 50%, with higher ratings indicating more severe impairment. The specific criteria used by the VA to assign disability ratings are as follows:

• 0% Rating: Migraine headaches occur infrequently.
• 10% Rating: Migraine headaches involving prostrating attacks occur at least one out of every two months.
• 30% Rating: Migraine headaches involving prostrating attacks occur once per month, on average.
• 50% Rating: Very frequent migraines involving prolonged prostrating attacks occur, affecting a person's ability to maintain employment.

To receive a higher disability rating, veterans must demonstrate more frequent and severe migraine episodes along with increased functional impairment during these episodes. Medical documentation and statements from the veteran can help establish a rating for migraines.

Types of Benefits for Veterans with Migraines

Veterans who are granted service-connected disability ratings for migraines may be eligible for various types of benefits, including:

• Disability compensation payments: These payments are provided on a monthly basis, and the amount is determined by the assigned disability rating. Higher ratings will result in increased compensation.
• Healthcare services: Veterans with service-connected disabilities, including migraines, are eligible for medical treatment through VA healthcare facilities.
• Special monthly compensation (SMC): In cases where veterans experience severe functional impairment due to migraines along with other disabilities, they may be entitled to additional SMC payments.

Contact Our United States VA Disability Lawyer for Migraines

If you are a veteran who is suffering from migraines related to your military service, it is important to explore your options for obtaining VA disability benefits. Contact The Vet Law Office today at 1-800-700-4174 to schedule a consultation. Our dedicated attorney will guide you through the process of filing a disability claim. If necessary, we can help you appeal the denial of benefits or ensure that a disability rating is assessed correctly, and we will fight to make sure you receive the benefits you need and deserve.