Do you suffer from migraines due to a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
This post is all about understanding how the VA rates migraines that are caused by TBIs.
Knowing these ratings is crucial for getting the benefits you deserve.
VA Ratings for Migraines Associated with TBI
The VA has a specific way of rating migraines linked to TBIs.
Let’s take a look:
Criteria for Different Ratings
- 50% Rating: If you have very frequent migraines that totally knock you out and affect your work.
- 30% Rating: If you get these really bad headaches about once a month.
- 10% Rating: If you’re dealing with these headaches every two months or so.
- 0% Rating: For less frequent migraine attacks.
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Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A TBI is a brain injury often caused by a blow to the head.
It can mess with how your brain works and affects different people in different ways.
Common Causes in the Military
TBIs can happen from:
- Being in combat.
- Vehicle accidents.
- Personal assaults.
- Falling down.
- Blasts from things like IEDs.
Read our detailed guide on TBIs and VA Ratings by clicking here!
Understanding Migraines
Migraines aren’t just headaches.
They’re intense and can come with nausea, light sensitivity, and even vision problems.
Sometimes, a TBI can lead to migraines.
These are often known as “secondary conditions.“
Learn more about migraines by clicking here to read our guide!
TBI and Migraines: VA Claims and Rating Process
Claiming for Both Conditions
When it comes to your VA claim, you have the right to claim for both a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and migraines, if they’re linked.
This is crucial because each condition affects you differently and deserves its own attention in your VA claim.
Here’s what you should know:
- Separate Ratings: TBI and migraines are rated separately by the VA. This means you could have one rating for the TBI and a different one for the migraines. It’s not about one condition overshadowing the other; it’s about recognizing each condition’s unique impact on your life.
- Combined Impact: By claiming for both, you ensure the VA fully understands how each condition contributes to your overall health. This can make a big difference in your overall disability rating and, therefore, your benefits.
Documentation and Medical Evidence
The key to a successful VA claim is solid documentation and medical evidence.
Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Medical Records: Gather all medical records related to your TBI and migraines. This includes doctor’s notes, hospital records, and any treatment plans.
- Detailed Symptoms: Document the specifics of your symptoms, how often they occur, and how they affect your daily life. This can include things like how often you get migraines, how severe they are, and how they impact your ability to work or perform daily tasks.
- Service Connection: Show a clear link between your military service and these conditions. This might include incident reports, medical evaluations from your time in service, or statements from fellow service members.
Eligibility for TDIU with TBI and Migraines
Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is a VA benefit for veterans who can’t work due to their service-connected disabilities.
Here’s how TBI and migraines factor in:
- Combined Ratings: If your combined disability rating (which could include both TBI and migraines) hampers your ability to secure gainful employment, TDIU could be an option.
- 60% Rule: Typically, to qualify for TDIU, you need at least one condition rated at 60% or more. However, if you have multiple conditions like TBI and migraines, they can be combined to meet this threshold.
- Employment Impact: Show how your TBI and migraines prevent you from working. This could be through medical opinions or employment records showing a decline in work performance due to your symptoms.
Don’t understand TDIU but want to learn more?
Don’t worry! We have you covered.
Check out our guide for more information.
Learn Everything You Need to Know About IU By Clicking Here!
