DC 8100 — Migraine
Also known as: Migraine, migraine headaches, migraines, headache, headaches, severe headache, prostrating headache, aura, cluster headaches, severe headaches
These are commonly claimed secondary connections linked to this primary disability. Use them as a screening tool for conversations with your doctor, VSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Migraine → Major depressive disorder
How the connection is commonly explained
Chronic migraines are strongly associated with depression.
Filing tip
Ask your doctor to clearly state that the secondary condition is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the primary service-connected condition. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how migraine led to or worsened major depressive disorder.
Migraine → Generalized anxiety disorder
How the connection is commonly explained
Fear of migraine episodes and their unpredictability commonly causes anxiety.
Filing tip
A nexus letter and treatment records explaining the progression from the primary condition to the secondary condition can make a big difference. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how migraine led to or worsened generalized anxiety disorder.
Migraine → Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia
How the connection is commonly explained
Migraine medications such as NSAIDs can cause or worsen GERD.
Filing tip
A nexus letter and treatment records explaining the progression from the primary condition to the secondary condition can make a big difference. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how migraine led to or worsened hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia.
Migraine → Insomnia
How the connection is commonly explained
Pain and migraine cycles disrupt normal sleep patterns.
Filing tip
A nexus letter and treatment records explaining the progression from the primary condition to the secondary condition can make a big difference. For this pairing, ask the provider to explain how migraine led to or worsened insomnia.
This condition may also be secondary to
Central sensitization links fibromyalgia and migraines
Cervical spine conditions are a well-documented cause of cervicogenic headaches and migraines
Depression and migraines share serotonin pathways — strongly linked
Post-traumatic neurocognitive disorder from TBI commonly causes chronic headaches and migraines.
Research shows significantly higher rates of migraines among veterans with PTSD. Chronic stress and hyperarousal are migraine triggers.
Post-traumatic headaches are one of the most common TBI sequelae.
Anxiety is a well-documented migraine trigger
Seizure disorders and migraines share neural mechanisms
Vestibular migraines and Meniere's frequently overlap
Vestibular disorders frequently co-occur with and trigger migraine headaches (vestibular migraine).
Nasal obstruction and sinus pressure trigger headaches
Sinus pressure and inflammation trigger headaches and migraines
Disrupted sleep and oxygen desaturation trigger migraines.
Tinnitus can trigger or worsen migraines through sensory overload.
How to File a Secondary Claim
Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.