According to the American Migraine Foundation, migraine headaches affect approximately 40 million people in the U.S., and one in four homes has a household member who suffers from them. Because this type of headache can be so debilitating, it accounts for over $13 billion in lost work productivity and absenteeism each year. It’s estimated that over 100 million work days are missed annually due to migraines. Additionally, nearly 70% of those living with migraine headaches are women.
Researchers have found that compared to civilians, veterans are more likely to develop migraines. A recent study found that “…36% of veterans who completed a 12-month deployment to Iraq were either diagnosed with or exhibited symptoms of migraine headaches.” Those veterans who experienced traumatic brain injuries, neck injuries from falls or explosions, or other military accidents were found to suffer this type of intense headache. Additionally, researchers found that female veterans were over two and a half times more likely to be diagnosed with migraines than male veterans. According to the Department of Defense, there was a 27% increase in migraine diagnoses across all branches of the military from 2001 to 2007.
Understanding Migraines
A migraine is a recurring headache that causes throbbing, pulsing pain, usually on one side of the head. These headaches can last for hours and sometimes days. Because the pain associated with migraines is so intense, these headaches can disrupt your ability to work, socialize, and manage your daily routine. Symptoms of a migraine can include:
- Dull, aching pain in one side of your head (sometimes both sides)
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and certain smells
- Sweating and/or cold chills
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Blurred vision
What Triggers a Migraine
Migraine triggers are unique to each patient, and there is no one identifiable trigger for all patients. However, there are a number of common triggers that many patients experience, including:
- Stress
- Dehydration
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Intense physical activity
- Perfume or smoke
- Medications
- Certain foods such as aged cheese and processed foods
- Changes in the weather
- Sleep problems such as sleep apnea, too much sleep, and/or too little sleep
- Hormonal changes in women
Women Veterans and Migraines
Veterans returning stateside after serving in the Afghan and Iraq Wars have an increased rate of migraines and other headache disorders. A study of more than 3,500 soldiers who were evaluated within 90 days of returning home from a year-long tour of duty in Iraq found that these veterans had two to four times the rate of migraines of civilians. Research has established that soldiers, especially women, are experiencing migraines when they come back to the U.S. Currently, there are approximately 24,000 women veterans receiving benefits for migraines. Often, these headaches are a secondary condition to neck pain, stress, and psychiatric illnesses.
If a male or female veteran suffers a mild or severe TBI, the psychological, emotional, and neurological consequences can sometimes continue for more than five years following the injury. Another recent study found that “female veterans who were involved in conflicts since the Vietnam War reported higher rates of poor sleep, fatigue, insomnia, and chronic pain, including headaches.”
For 20% of soldiers who had a history of a service-related concussion, they can develop chronic daily headaches with symptoms that are similar to chronic migraines. And veterans tend to experience higher pain and greater disability from their migraines than non-veterans.
Getting Migraines Service-Connected
It’s not easy to service-connect migraines and receive disability benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For example, when a veteran sees a doctor for their compensation and pension (C&P) exam, they may not have a headache that day. It also may be difficult for the veteran to adequately describe the symptoms of their headaches. When you seek benefits for this type of headache, there are a number of things you can do to strengthen your claim:
- Document the frequency, duration, and symptoms of each migraine headache. Keep a log or journal that describes how the headaches interfere with your job, ability to drive, and daily routine. This log is critical in supporting your claim that your migraine headaches are debilitating.
- Seek treatment for your migraines and document your physician appointments. If you are prescribed medication, this can be used as evidence for your claim. Gather as much evidence as you can from your medical provider.
- Include lay statements and evidence. People who witness your migraines or who witnessed them when you were in the military can explain how they interrupt your life and work. They can provide important evidence in support of your need for disability benefits.
It’s important to note that being specific is very important—whether it be in your journal or to your doctor. Be sure to describe the severity of your symptoms and all that you’re unable to do while you’re having a migraine attack. Do you have to lie down in the dark? Do you have to stay in bed for hours or days? Are you unable to drive to work, talk to your family and friends, or manage day-to-day tasks? When you include this type of information, you strengthen your claim with solid evidence that helps the VA understand your need for benefits.
Contact Cuddigan Law
If you’re a female veteran seeking VA disability for migraines, or you need help making the service connection for this condition, contact the legal team at Cuddigan Law. Our attorneys have been supporting veterans for years, and we will help document your symptoms with your treating medical providers to describe the full extent of your limitations. We know exactly how much these disability benefits mean to you. If we accept your case, we will take all steps within the law to help you get them. If your migraine headaches are making it impossible for you to live a normal life or keep a job, contact Cuddigan Law at (402) 933-5405 to speak with an intake specialist for free.
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