Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and migraines are often closely linked, with migraines being one of the most common and debilitating side effects of TBIs. In 2025, veterans may be eligible for separate disability ratings for these conditions, but understanding how they’re rated is essential to maximizing your benefits. This guide explains how the VA rates TBIs and migraines, how these two conditions can be rated separately, and what steps you need to take to qualify for both.
Why Migraines Are Common After a TBI?
Migraines and headaches are common after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), affecting many service members who experience the injury. TBIs can alter how your brain processes pain, light, and sound, which in turn makes migraines more likely. These headaches often begin soon after the injury and can continue long-term.
According to the 2023 VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Headache, headaches are reported in 30% to 90% of active-duty service members diagnosed with a TBI. This shows how common and debilitating these headaches can be for veterans, many of whom develop chronic migraines after experiencing a TBI.
“The relationship between traumatic brain injury and chronic migraines is well-established, and it’s crucial that veterans understand their rights for separate ratings for these two conditions. Migraines can often be as disabling as the TBI itself, and this deserves recognition by the VA,” says Dr. Rachel Adams, a neuropsychologist specializing in TBI rehabilitation.
How the VA Rates Traumatic Brain Injuries and Migraines?
The VA typically rates TBIs and their associated symptoms under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8045. However, migraines are an exception. If you suffer from both TBI and migraines, you may be eligible for separate ratings, as long as the symptoms do not overlap.
TBI Rating Guidelines
When the VA rates a TBI, it takes into account residual symptoms like cognitive and physical issues, such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings. The VA assigns ratings based on these residuals using a scale that ranges from 0% to total disability.
Migraine Rating Guidelines
The VA rates migraines under DC 8100. The rating for migraines depends on their frequency, severity, and the level of prostration (whether the migraines leave you unable to perform basic tasks). Here’s a breakdown of the rating schedule for migraines:
| Migraine Rating | Description | VA Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 50% | Very frequent, completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability | 50% |
| 30% | Prostrating attacks on average once a month over several months | 30% |
| 10% | Prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over several months | 10% |
| 0% | Less frequent attacks | 0% |
“When a veteran suffers from both TBI and migraines, it’s essential for them to clearly document the frequency and severity of their migraine attacks,” explains David Moore, a VA claims specialist. “Proper documentation helps ensure that the VA assigns the correct disability rating.”
The severity of your migraines, combined with their impact on your ability to work, will help determine your VA rating.
How to Prove Service Connection for TBI and Migraines?
To receive a disability rating for both TBI and migraines, you must provide the following evidence:
- Current Medical Diagnosis: You must have a formal diagnosis for both TBI and migraines.
- In-Service Event: You need to show that the TBI or migraines are connected to an event, injury, or illness that occurred during your service.
- Medical Nexus: There must be a medical link between your TBI or migraines and the service-related event or injury.
TBI and Presumptive Conditions
While TBIs themselves are not on the VA’s formal presumptive list, the VA recognizes certain conditions that are linked to moderate or severe TBIs. These conditions may develop within a specified timeframe after the injury and are often considered service-connected under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310(d)(1).
Presumptive Conditions Related to TBI:
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Parkinson’s Disease | Can be presumed as service-connected if linked to TBI |
| Unprovoked Seizures | Often associated with moderate to severe TBIs |
| Certain Types of Dementia | Including Alzheimer’s Disease and others |
| Depression | A common result of traumatic brain injuries |
| Hormone Deficiency Disorders | Can be linked to TBIs under specific circumstances |
“Veterans with moderate or severe TBIs should be aware of the presumptive conditions that can be linked to their injury. It’s essential to work with a medical professional who understands the VA’s criteria for presumptive service connection,” says John Stevens, a veteran’s disability attorney specializing in TBI cases.
In these cases, the VA may treat these conditions as related to your TBI unless another cause is identified.
TDIU: Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability
If your TBI and migraines are so severe that you are unable to maintain substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). To be eligible for TDIU, one of the following must apply:
- Single Disability Rating: You must have at least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more.
- Combined Disability Rating: You must have two or more service-connected disabilities, with one rated at 40% or more, and a combined rating of 70% or more.
Since TBI and migraines are rated separately, having both conditions can increase your overall rating and improve your chances of qualifying for TDIU.
Why It Matters?
Maximizing your VA disability rating for both TBI and migraines can have a significant impact on your financial support and quality of life. Veterans who successfully navigate the VA rating process can receive benefits that cover medical treatments, prescriptions, and assistive services, while also increasing their compensation.
For Veterans:
Being able to have both TBI and migraine ratings means more financial support and better healthcare options, ensuring veterans have the resources they need to manage their conditions.
For the VA System:
Providing separate ratings for TBI and migraines helps ensure that veterans receive the full compensation they deserve, recognizing the unique challenges these conditions present.
FAQs
Can you get migraines from a TBI?
Yes, migraines are a common side effect of TBIs. They occur due to changes in how the brain processes pain, light, and sound after the injury.
What is the VA rating for TBI with migraines?
The VA can assign separate ratings for TBI and migraines if the migraines have a distinct diagnosis. Migraines are rated under DC 8100, based on severity and frequency.
What does a TBI headache feel like?
TBI headaches are often described as throbbing, intense pain, sometimes accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and difficulty concentrating.
How does the VA test for a TBI?
The VA evaluates TBIs through medical records, compensation exams, and imaging studies like CT or MRI scans. They also assess the severity of symptoms like memory loss and loss of consciousness.
Will the VA rate TBI and migraines separately?
Yes, if you have a diagnosed migraine condition distinct from your TBI symptoms, the VA can assign a separate rating for migraines under DC 8100.
