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The VA offers a migraine rating of up to 50% for those who qualify. However, VA benefits for migraines can be difficult to obtain. Veterans seeking a VA migraine rating should always include one or more buddy letters (also called buddy statements or lay statements) with their VA claim. These important documents indicate the disabling effects of migraines and can mean the difference between a 0% rating and a 50% migraine rating.
Migraine headaches are common among veterans. The intense stress, irregular sleep patterns, and physical strain of military life could be partially responsible for the high rate of migraine headaches compared to civilian populations. Chemical toxin exposure and frequent encounters with gunfire, explosions, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and concussion are additional contributors to the development or exacerbation of migraines.
How Does the VA Rate Migraines?
Disability ratings for migraines fall under the category of “headaches” in the VA’s rating system. The VA assigns migraine ratings based on the frequency, duration, and impact of the migraines.
- 0% Rating: Migraines are present but do not interfere with the veteran’s daily activities or employment.
- 10% Rating: Migraines are infrequent and cause mild interference with daily activities or work.
- 30% Rating: Migraines are more frequent and cause significant interference with daily activities or work. They may include prostrating[[1]] attacks that require rest.
- 50% Rating: Migraines are very frequent, and the veteran experiences severe, prostrating attacks that are almost constant.
A veteran’s VA migraine rating (and monthly payments) increases with migraine severity and impacts the veteran’s ability to function. But no matter how severe the migraine condition is, the VA will not just take the veteran’s word for it. And while a doctor may say the migraines are severe, the doctor is only able to make this claim on the word of the veteran.
Therefore, the most valuable proof of migraine severity is a statement from a witness who has seen the veteran’s condition firsthand.
What Is a Buddy Letter for VA Migraine Claims?
A buddy letter is a written document provided by someone who can attest to the veteran’s condition and its impact on their daily life. This individual could be a family member, friend, or fellow service member with firsthand knowledge of the veteran’s experiences and symptoms.
The purpose of a buddy letter is to provide additional evidence to support a VA claim, particularly for subjective conditions like migraines.
For example, buddy letters provide evidence that can validate the veteran’s claims regarding the severity and frequency of their migraines. They help support the veteran’s account of their symptoms and their impact on daily life.
Buddy statements also offer personal insight into the veteran’s condition from someone who has observed their struggles and symptoms. This perspective can be particularly useful in detailing how migraines impact the veteran’s ability to work, perform daily activities, and interact socially.
While medical records provide clinical evidence, buddy letters offer a perspective that can be crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the veteran’s condition. They can support statements made in the veteran’s own claim, reinforcing the accuracy and credibility of the information provided.
3 Sample Buddy Letters for VA Migraine Claims
To help you prepare your VA migraine claim, here are three sample buddy letters you can use as templates: one from a spouse, one from a fellow service member, and one from a close friend.
#1: Sample Buddy Letter from a Spouse
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
Department of Veterans Affairs
[VA Office Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Re: Buddy Letter for [Veteran’s Name] – VA Migraine Claim
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to provide a personal account of my spouse, [Veteran’s Name], who struggles with migraines. I am [Your Name], and I have been married to [Veteran’s Name] for [number] years. I have witnessed firsthand the debilitating effects of their migraines.
[Veteran’s Name] has experienced frequent and severe migraines that often leave them incapacitated. These migraines occur multiple times a week and can last several hours, sometimes days. During these episodes, [Veteran’s Name] is unable to engage in daily activities, including work, household chores, and even spending time with family. They frequently have to retreat to a dark, quiet room to manage their symptoms, which severely limits their ability to maintain a normal routine.
I have seen how these migraines affect [Veteran’s Name] ‘s overall quality of life. They struggle with light sensitivity, nausea, and extreme pain, which disrupts not only their work but also our family life. They struggle with light sensitivity, nausea, and extreme pain, which disrupt not only their work but also their family life. Their condition has led to missed workdays and difficulty participating in social and family events.
I hope this letter helps provide a fuller picture of [Veteran’s Name] ‘s challenges with migraines and how they impact their daily lives.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
#2: Sample Buddy Letter from a Fellow Service Member
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
Department of Veterans Affairs
[VA Office Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Re: Buddy Letter for [Veteran’s Name] – VA Migraine Claim
To Whom It May Concern,
I am [Your Name], a fellow service member who served alongside [Veteran’s Name] during our deployment to [Location] from [Date] to [Date]. I am writing to provide my account of [Veteran’s Name] ‘s experiences with migraines.
During our deployment, I noticed that [Veteran’s Name] frequently suffered from severe headaches, which they described as migraines. These episodes often occurred during high-stress situations and were exacerbated by the demanding conditions we faced. [Veteran’s Name] would often be forced to take breaks to manage their symptoms, which included severe pain, sensitivity to light, and nausea.
The impact of these migraines on [Veteran’s Name] ‘s ability to perform their duties was noticeable. They had to reduce their workload and sometimes required assistance with tasks they would have otherwise managed independently. Their condition was a source of significant concern for the rest of our unit, as it affected their overall performance and morale.
I hope this letter provides useful information about [Veteran’s Name] ‘s migraines and how they affected their service and daily functioning.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
#3: Sample Buddy Letter from a Close Friend
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
Department of Veterans Affairs
[VA Office Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Re: Buddy Letter for [Veteran’s Name] – VA Migraine Claim
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is [Your Name], and I have been a close friend of [Veteran’s Name] for [number] years. I am writing to offer my perspective on [Veteran’s Name] ‘s struggles with migraines, which I have witnessed over the years.
[Veteran’s Name] experiences severe migraines that have significantly impacted their ability to lead a normal life. These migraines are characterized by intense pain, sensitivity to light, and nausea. On numerous occasions, I have seen [Veteran’s Name] be unable to participate in social activities, work, or even manage basic daily tasks due to these debilitating episodes.
The frequency of [Veteran’s Name] ‘s migraines has increased over time, and they often occur several times a week. These episodes often require them to stay in a dark, quiet room for relief, which disrupts their daily routine and social engagements. Their condition has caused noticeable distress and has affected their overall quality of life.
I hope this letter helps provide a fuller picture of [Veteran’s Name] ‘s challenges with migraines and how it impacts their daily life.
Thank you for considering this information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Buddy letters are a crucial component in supporting VA claims for migraines. If you have further questions about preparing or submitting buddy letters for a migraine rating, an experienced VA disability lawyer is a helpful resource. To learn more about migraine VA claims—including the migraine ratings scale, nexus letters for migraine claims, and secondary conditions for migraines—read our free eBook, VA Disability Ratings for Migraines: An Essential Guide for U.S. Veterans.
[1] Per Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, one of the definitions for the verb “prostrate” is “to reduce to submission, helplessness, or exhaustion.” See https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prostrate (last viewed 10/21/2024). Similarly, the National Cancer Institute defines “prostration” as “[a] condition in which a person is so tired or weak that he or she is unable to do anything.” See https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/prostration (last viewed 10/21/2024).