How to obtain 50% VA rating for Migraines/Headaches! 

😡Don't let the VA claim process stress you out! 😀Schedule your FREE 15-minute consultation on our 🖥 website: www.kmd89.com/ 📚"Don't be frustrated, get EDUCATED"

I would like to say thanks for your help. The information you provided took me from 0% to 50% for headaches which put me a 100% p@t. Thanks for what you do for all the veterans out there.

I had my brother apply for an increase back in 2011, because I knew he met the criteria for 50%, and his inability to keep employment because of his migraines. He was awarded 100% unemployability as well.

Good morning Dewayne. I writing to to tell you thank you, thank you, thank you for your videos and advice on all topics but especially Migraines. I was just awarded 50% for Migraines and tension headaches secondary to tinnitus. I still have sleep apnea and PTSD pending. You are an absolute awesome asset to the veteran community. I really can't put into words how appreciative I am. To all veterans out there fighting for the benefits you have earned in service of our country never never give up.

There are some good apps for documenting your migraines as they happen. I’ve been using one and it has the ability to run reports with all your data about each episode. Easier than trying to write it down.

Hi, I have 20% disability for lumbar strain, can I get migraine as secondary due to my chronic pain of my lower back causing my migraines

Video does offer some advice, but I can tell that all these video's basically do is drive poor folks like me to pay someone else $275 an hour for benefits that cant be guaranteed..WOW......Most of these video's state... we ARE HERE TO HELP YOU AS A VETERAN...????? Lost me on that one..

I’m 50% for migraines, at c&p I was having a migraine attack and threw up all over the doctor.

I got a 0% rating for migranes, which tells me the C&P examiner fibbed up my severity of symptoms. I'm submitting a supplemental claim with a personal statement and a migraine log. Do you think the migrane log will suffice for solid evidence of my severity and frequency? I've been logging them for 6 months now

I just started the process. Seems easier to get over Berlin wall. 11B east Germany.

Thanks. I have been suffering from Tininis, migrains, fatigue, hearing loss, vertigo, light & sound sensitivity, nausea for many years. It got completely out of control about 5+ years ago but with all the medication I was on could not focus on a cause. I got off all my pain medication and the migranes have become unmanageable. Your video really helped clarify some things.

Great stuff as always. I am service connected for tinnitus and hearing loss. Just went to migrain C&P. I put it on a supplemental due to claimed and denied in 2010 as per the VA Rater instruction.Hoping for great resolution. What date if service connected for migraine will be used? I did get a nexus for connection and in VA Problem as Migraines without Aura and taking Migraine meds from VA. Thank you in advance.

So if I’m understanding you correctly you can refuse an exam from the VA?

I have a rating of 50% migraine is it possible to get TDIU WITH 50%?.

Hello, I will be separating from the army in a month and I wanted to put in a claim for migraines. I never got treatment because I thought it was just a bad headache, until my mom had migraines and it was debilitating for her and I realized I had migraines. So I started logging when they happened. I’m pretty sure I fit the criteria for 50% except severe economic adaptability because I don’t know how to prove it. I will be going back to school and not working, but if I was working and had a migraine attack it would still render me useless. How would I go about proving this?

Great information!! Thank you for uploading these types of videos. Im getting close to my 20 and I have been thinking about retiring. I want to make sure I do my VA claims right the first time.

Thank you so much for this video. My husband just directed me to your videos because I am currently rated at 30% but I need to submit info for an increase. I have been seeing a neurologist at the VA hospital for migraines since 2006 (that’s when I separated.) How do I go about getting my doctor to fill out a dbq so that I can use that to submit a claim? Also do you suggest that I use a VSO to help with my claim or is this something that I can do on my own? I also keep a log on the My Migraine Buddy app.

I appreciate the information but telling people to miss the C&P is risky. Are you sure its not because of your status as a VA employee that they gave you preference for not having a C&P? I know you probably are aware its not required but many are complaining missing C&P is automatic denial and then you have to deal with appeals.

I was rated at 0% I went for an Increase but not before I had a schedule MRI, and increased medication like sumatapin(my have misspelled it) and another med I cant remember how to spell n yet my increase was only up’d to 10% im now looking to file a Higher level review with VA is that the right path or no?

Why doe the VA not have a diagnostic code for the most common hereditary disorder in the United States? Hemochromatosis which is made worse by service. When service connected its put under the code for anaemia which is the absolute opposite of Hemochromatosis. Its like treating someone that is grossly over weight with a 6,000 calorie diet.

If a claim for "headaches" related to Pact Act , does the VA consider "headaches" different than "migraines"? In the 38 CFR 4.124 (a) DC8100, it states "headaches" can only be 10%, versus "migraines" at multiple percentages. Looking at M21-1 V.iii.12.A.1.d , it states "migraine headaches". Then in M21-1 V.iii.12.A.3.a uses both terms, but specifically "headaches" when referring to "headache symptoms". My claim, Nexus, DBQ, exacerbation docs only state "chronic headaches" but non mention "migraine", even though based on the VA's criteria, I actually have "migraines". Seems like semantics...... Wont use a VSO again, and I'm running out of time to file for Pact Act, back pay (Aug 10, 2023 is deadline for intent to file).

Great videos! I was awarded 50% for migraines any advice trying to get TDIU?

I'd be pk with just 10% bcuz I'm at 94% but the VA keeps shooting down all my claims. I have a Dx for migraines at my VA clinic. I have Rx for meds. I have service medical records with "headaches" documented. What so I do?!

1. If I am approved for TDIU, and let's say later I lose it due to Office of Managment recommendation and congress approval. Do I revert back to my VA rating after age 67? 2. Planning on applying for TDIU if I am called upon for a C&P exam, is that a medical exam or questions and answers? Can I refuse and have them use my current records?

Hey Dewayne. Your videos are so informative. Thanks for educating veterans. I applied for migraines under gulf war syndrome. Unfortunately l do not have any in service medical records. The first record l do have is 10 years after l left service. The decision was denied stating that migraines is a diagnosed condition and does not qualify for GWS plus the length of time from separation and diagnosis. I can get a buddy letter from my wife stating I had the migraines when l returned from Iraq but since l was diagnosed with migraines does that automatically rule out my claim?

Gee, I wonder if _curled up in fetal position writhing in agony_ at least every two weeks counts as "completely prostrating" ~

I qualified for 50% due to my symptoms but they only have me 30. 7 prostrating migraines a month should have got me 50. I'll still keep fighting though.

thank you for this awesome video. I didn't know you could deny a c&p exam! you are saying that a DBQ is sufficient to submit from a 3rd party doctor? I also have a nexus and diagnosis from 3rd party doctor. Thank you in advance!

Getting to 100% P&T is a good thing simply for my health care that's the best part it relieves me of a lot of extra financial concerns as I get the quality health care I very much need... as for Migraines? yes I get them they really Suck they put me down for 4 1/2 to 5 hours sometimes gotta Lay down in a dark quiet room.. another thing my Migraines are a secondary condition due to my Military Diagnosed PTSD

Hi sir! I am really need help with my documents I keep trying to get vso to help me out but I have no idea how and at this moment I live in Tokyo and thanks and I’m very grateful if you could tell me what or where to go

Thank you for the education and knowledge. Just submitted my increase with a DBQ that was actionable and sufficient for rating purposes. There was no C&P exam went straight to decision phase on April 6th just waiting now! God willing will get my increase due to the severity and frequency of my symptoms!

I have been seen 20-30 times throughout my career for migraines, to include hospitalization and ambulatory trips to medical where I was admitted and given medication to put me to sleep for an hour or more. However, the last few years I haven't missed much work via medical because I have had a very "we are all adults" work center. If you don't feel well, go home. Is not having documented work absences as of late going to negatively affect my claim?

how likely is it to get a favorable c&p exam and still get denied, does that ever happen?

If you have the option of filing migraines as either a secondary claim to tinnitus or a presumptive claim (qualified under PACT presumptive) is there any advantage to doing one over the other? I am trying to get educated on this and am simply looking for the path of least resistance with the rater and C and P examiner.

Thanks man..good info on the subject

Hello I was awarded 50 just for my migraines 5 years ago and haven't heard from the VA since. I heard that if you hold a rating for 5 years or more they leave your rating alone but since that my other awarded claims have changed and a few secondary high ratings have come about. If I reopen my claim can't I lose what I currently have or adding these new things can just increase it? I need help if you don't mind. Thanks

I have that what the 50% is and still only get 10% it's frustrating because the military screwed me by pulling me back in

I just had a 3rd party c&p exam for migraines secondary to tinnitus. My claim has been approved according to my VSO who looked at it in his office. I had completed a DBQ I downloaded and brought it so I could follow along and make sure all questions were asked and boxes checked and so I wouldn’t forget to give all of my symptoms. I met all the criteria you mentioned in this video for 50% but the rater hasn’t assigned a a percentage yet. The exam was yesterday 1-6. Will I have to be reevaluated periodically since I have a very long history of Migraines with several different medications prescribed over the years? I’m 67 years old. Thanks for all you do

I’m at 30% for migraines. I’m getting them more frequently 2-3 a week and they are prostrating. I’ve been seeing a Neurologist for them and my VA doctor has noted them in my records. My question please - do I need a DBQ for my intent to file claim and/or what documents should I submit for an increase? Thank you

I have two 50% and I need 20% for a 100% I have a number of second to, for 20? Can you help

Does 14 day of paid sick leave for completely prostrating migraines count as severe economic inadaption for migraines rating?

Sir why are some people in avoidance of utilizing prostrating on their personal statement ? Those people make it sound like only a doctor can use it. Is this valid? Please comment .

Great video. I get migraines about 4-7 times a month and finally started going to navy medical about them. I’m going to be filling an early claim (180-90 days prior to separating) here soon and curious to see what happens.

Should you go to your C&P exam if migraine is secondary to another condition?

I got rated 30% but my migraine log shows 3-5 times a month of prostrating migraines. Had a DBQ that explains more than once a month completely prostrating migraines. Also wrote a statement on how often I call out due to my migraines. I believe I got under rated. Can I only have one claimed condition per HLR? or can I file HLR for all the issues I had with my last set of claims?

I have been rated 100% P&T for Bi-Polar Disorder,10% for tinnitus and 20% for Liver carcinoma and 0% for migraines. Would it hurt me too ask for an increase from 0% migraines to 30% for migraines?

Dewayne….are you saying that I can have a private DBQ completed and decline to be seen for the VA C&P exam? I am currently rated at 30% for migraines. I met all the criteria for the 50% rating, yet the VA has maintained that I do not. I’ve given them a log of migraines going back six months and described how at their worst I’m unable to do anything other than lie down and rest. I currently have a freedom of information act request to get a copy of the C&P results, but I did not know I could get a private DBQ and exam in lieu of a C&P.

Can I put in as secondary due to back/insomnia even though I have not reported it in the past?

I received a letter from QTC Medical Services. Stating, an in-person evaluation will not be performed. Instead, a provider will review my VA medical evidence. Is this common.

Please explain how a DBQ expires? Would it b e a matter of record for that exam?

Wait but if you haven’t been rated yet can you decline the C&P for DBQ if your submit your own from your doctor?

I have been retired going on 5 years now and still not PandT. Any ideas why?

Very informative. Appreciate the work and sharing of your experience.

If hás skin cancer wĥy you don't have a claim...

Hey Dewayne , I have 0% rating for hearing loss can I get secondary for sleep apnea CPAP ?

Does pertain to secondary as well? Im going to attempt to file migraines as a secondary to my sleep apnea.

have you heard of a musculoskeletal exam for migraines?

Wonderful video. May I ask for a clarification? You mentioned Meds. What if your Migraines are controlled with daily medication (Topamax)? Do you then not qualify because those 50% symptoms are controlled? Thank you

Since the new DBQ has dedicated block for "Prostrating" and "Very Prostrating" to check which one you fall under. Is the pharagraph entry goes for personal letter or the doctors opinion/rationale? Thank you

15:11 I can't say it now. Lol. Thanks for video

when you say you didn't go to the cnp exam how exactly did you go about that?

Im going in for a TBI C and P exam and I suffer migraines as a result. If the examiner finds that my migraines is due to my TBI, will another c and p exam for migraines be ordered or will they rate during that TBI exam, 10,30,50.

Can headaches without a dx of migraines be rated analogous to migraines?

thank you for the information and work you do. Also, thanks for the video timeline tabs - helped me skip over the off-topic ramble. ;)

Good evening Dewayne When you decided you’re not going to the VA appt did you call the 800 number & let them know you weren’t coming or you just didn’t show up?

i dont actually have migraines. how do i get a high rating for migraines from the VA. i got approved for ssdi for autism.

Thanks for helping other Veterans, God bless

Hey I had a MRI for my tendinitis and it shows that I have a history of migraines along with high blood pressure evidence as well. Would that be considered evidence for claiming migraines?

I had a favorable c&p exam for migraines sept 24,whats the average wait time for backpay?

Hello Sir. Could you point us in the direction of the articles connecting migraines to tinnitus? I only find articles talking of those w tinnitus having a high chance of migraines.

The VA hired their hired gun who totally dismissed all my STR that showed my headaches started in the service their c and p examiner even rated me for migraines and variants I am service connected direct service connection and I am listed as having migraines from the VA, but they said it was hereditary even thought my family has no history of migraine headaches i lost my job and have not worked for years because of it and havent been able to work how do i overcome this my mom wrote a letter saying she does not have migraines so i also have an outside doctor who treated me for this and I have new evidents how do i overcome the c and p examiners claim that its because of my mom that i have migranes and she wrote a letter to refute that

Thanks for always providing good information. I suffer from migraine at least 4-5 times a month and I know how bad they are.

Thank you for this information. My migraines are so bad that I have to take sick leave and this is great to understand and know. Also talking about migraines makes me feel like I am going to get a migraine.

If a person is already diagnosed with PTSD by va, then months later have c and p exam for migraines. Should the fact that ptsd is already diagnosed, should that be mentioned? Is migraines secondary to ptsd?

How do we counter when they say there's no econ inactivity even though we bring fmla paperwork?

Thank you and I love this channel. I need to look at how and where to research my rated conditions and reapply.

what does D.B.Q. stand for?

I have a history of migraines. That date back 2002 But I also have it documented as having migraines in a log from migraine buddy app I was being seen at the va for headaches dating back to 2020 How can I use this log along wit a copy of the sick call slip from when my headaches originated and would that fall under the 50%

10:07 thank you very much for sharing your personal experience. I’m in this exact circumstance. Currently rated 30% and gathering information to successfully submit claim for increase to 50%. Will you please elaborate a little about what you said regarding denying attending the C&P Exam they scheduled you for, due to your DBQ being sufficient medical evidence? Much of the reason I’ve not filed for the increases (others as well, just limiting to this particular example) has been distress over my previous C&P Exam experiences. Thank you again!!

Where did you find a doctor to follow out your DBQ? Any recommendations of doctors in FL?

I’ve done a great job avoiding doctors since I separated in 2006. Rather, I’ve seen naturopathic doctors, learned meditation and yoga, experimented with cannabis, even gone to the extreme of ayahuasca ceremonies. These have helped tremendously with things I’m dealing with. However, I understand this might not help with my VA claim given I have avoided going to doctors and not ‘adding evidence’ to support my claim with the VA. I’m sure the examiner will ask why the large gap. I can get buddy letters. I’ve considered getting a medical marijuana card that might help too. Switzerland has made most of these things legal and has successfully treated PTSD. I’m sure I can get medical evidence to support my claim. Is telling the VA examiner I’ve done weed and psychedelics something that can hinder me?

What if I’m still active duty? Will a buddy letter from my platoon sergeant (along with a log) detailing my work absences and work deficiencies be solid medical evidence for rating purposes for the 50% criteria ?

Good video. What do you do about the DBQ's being expired?

Can I receive secondary 50% for migraine to my service connect tinnitus, if I’m retired? When I did work I lost a lot of work time $$$

Hi Dewayne, I literally check off all the boxes for 50% and the C&P did not check the inadaptability box on the DBQ, the one thing i needed for 50%, everything else was fine. I still haven't got my rating but manage to get the C&P

Dewayne, is it true the VHA cannot help with a DBQ/Nexus because it would go against the VBA? I have been told that and my VHA doc is hesitant about doing certain items for me. Also, do you have a video covering TBI’s and does the raters (if you are rated higher than 0% on a TBI increase) throw the TBI in with PTSD? I was told that to but wanted to ask a rater vs what I was told by a call center agent.

What about turning in documentation of the migraines? I turned in a 9 month report, tracking my migraines that tracked intensity, my anxiety, not being able to do appointments for my daughter, sleeping in dark spaces and taking me away from my kid/family. I don’t work ( I’m on SSDI for PTSD and anxiety that VA has denied me for). Those reports have notes for me to type in.

I have a C&P exam coming up because my DBQ was expired and found out only after I had submitted it, any advise?

Mr. Kimble in your video you didn't explain if migraines can be a direct service connection or secondary to another service connected diagnosis. I"ve experienced migraines for years but nothing in STR.

Is one prostrating migraine every 10 days enough to get 50? When the criteria states “very frequent.” How many is that? Exactly 2 a month, three a month 4,5,6?

Ron thanks for keeping it real

How do you get a 100% P&T? What qualifies someone to get Pand T ? Time? Jw ty!! 💪

Do you help Veterans to file claim? I need help to file more claims. I'm at 70% right now.

Hi Dwayne I have headaches a lot of the times they are several times a day every day I was in the marine corps and we used to fire 106 recoiled rifle it was like a canon I didn’t report any headaches at the time but I have them now they can be frequent I never thought to claim service connected disability. Do I have any grounds for disability claim?

I submitted for migraines initially and it was denied without a c&p but I did get % for tinnitus and ptsd. Using the terminology stated, can I elaborate in my own words on how it affects me as proof when I submit the appeal?

Hey! I hope you reply, but at around 9 minutes I heard you mention something similar to my current situation. I had my VA provider fill out a DBQ form(which she printed out) for me and based on everything noted and the boxes that were checked, everything listed was almost verbatim to the 30% rating. I checked my email today and now have a C&P exam to be scheduled. Would it be wise to go to that exam? I feel like these examiners always neglect what I say during these exams and they will probably just wipe out what I had listed on this previous DBQ....

I had a zoom meeting for my C&P exam for TBI and Migraines. TBI was rated as service connected, and 0%. I was sent to another C&P for headaches (Migraines) as a secondary to TBI at an outsourced contracted facility. I have not been able to hold a job since 2018, and I have migraines weekly, at all times of the day. This was all stated to the examiner. I was rated at 30%, which I do not understand due to the frequency of the impairments.

I definitely have very frequent ones. Do they ask for a specific number of Migraines a month?

question HOW DO YOU DO WHEN you need..... v.a.adjuded ?

All these videos do nothing for those of us that are too poor to afford Dr's to get the diagnosis. VA aint aint doing anything to help so some of have to suffer. I am done watching a these videos and trying.