Common symptoms
- ▸Pulsating headache, often one-sided
- ▸Photophobia / phonophobia
- ▸Nausea or vomiting
- ▸Aura (visual disturbances, numbness)
Common evidence
- ▸Neurology notes / diagnosis
- ▸Headache log showing frequency and duration
- ▸Lay statements describing impact on work
- ▸Medication list (triptans, preventives)
Primary service connection examples
- ▸TBI / blast exposure in service
- ▸In-service treatment for headaches
Secondary service connection examples
- ▸Secondary to tinnitus
- ▸Secondary to neck condition
- ▸Secondary to PTSD
- ▸Secondary to TBI
Rating basics
10% = characteristic prostrating attacks averaging once every 2 months over the last several months. 30% = once a month. 50% = very frequent completely prostrating attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.
Common denial reasons
- ✕No documented 'prostrating' nature
- ✕No headache log or frequency evidence
- ✕VA examiner downplays severity