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Secondary Service Connection

Migraines as Secondary to Tinnitus

December 2, 2025
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Early-2000s Air Force veteran • Long-term headaches • No in-service documentation

The Challenge

VA denied migraines as “not related” to service or any service‑connected disabilities, despite long‑term headache complaints.

What Existed Before

  • Longstanding headache complaints
  • Recent formal diagnosis of migraine disorder
  • Existing service connection for chronic tinnitus

The record lacked a clear medical explanation tying migraines to existing service‑connected issues.

Our Contribution

  • Physiologic explanation of how Tinnitus can trigger migraine patterns
  • Chronological analysis of Tinnitus, and migraine onset
  • Structured opinion supporting migraines as secondary to service‑connected conditions.

Key Takeaway

After the secondary nexus opinion was added to the file, the veteran later received a favorable VA decision granting migraines as secondary to service‑connected disabilities.

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