Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 8100
Migraine Secondary to Glaucoma
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Migraine when it develops after Glaucoma.
Primary condition · VASRD 6013
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve, narrowing the field of vision over time. The VA schedule codes it in two forms — open-angle glaucoma (DC 6013) and angle-closure glaucoma (DC 6012) — and gives them word-for-word identical rating instructions.
Secondary condition · VASRD 8100
Migraine
Severe recurring headaches that may include nausea, light sensitivity, and inability to function.
Migraine VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Migraine the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Glaucoma — severity of Migraine itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
10% Glaucoma + 30% Migraine = 37%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 10% and 30% combine to 37%, not 40%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
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Evidence for a Migraine Secondary Claim
- •Neurology consult with detailed migraine history
- •Headache diary showing frequency and impact
- •Employer or family statements about missed work or functional episodes
Common questions about Migraine secondary to Glaucoma
- Can Migraine be service-connected as secondary to Glaucoma?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. You'll need a current Migraine diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Glaucoma — the same standard the VA uses for any secondar…
- What VA rating can I get for Migraine as a secondary condition?
- Migraine is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 8100 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 50%, 30%, 10%, 0%. The rating depends on the severity of Migraine itself, not on the severity of Glaucoma.
- How does a secondary Migraine claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 10% rating for Glaucoma combined with a 30% rating for Migraine (example figures) produces a combined rating of 37%, not 40%. Approving Migraine as secondary still typically raises your overall combined rating and monthly…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Migraine as secondary to Glaucoma?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Migraine diagnosis includes: Neurology consult with detailed migraine history; Headache diary showing frequency and impact; Employer or family statements about missed work or functional episodes. For the secondary link itself, a nexus letter from a treating provider explaining how Gl…
Primary condition
Full Glaucoma guide
Secondary condition
Full Migraine guide
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