Migraine

This guide covers what DVA looks for when assessing this condition, including the relevant Statement of Principles factors, the evidence you should gather, and common preparation tips. Expand each section for more detail.

You are reviewing the condition-specific guidance to understand what evidence and preparation DVA expects.

DiseaseVETS Act 2026

Migraine is a neurological condition causing recurrent episodes of moderate-to-severe headache, often with nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and sometimes visual disturbances (aura). It is common among veterans, particularly those who have experienced concussion, traumatic brain injury, or blast exposure during service. SoP 7 and 8 of 2018 (RH amended by SoP 98 of 2018). Note: migraine is a specific diagnosis — it is not the same as tension-type headache or other headache conditions, which have their own separate SoPs. This guide covers migraine only.

DVA uses Statements of Principles () from the Repatriation Medical Authority to determine whether a condition can be linked to service. For Migraine, DVA generally considers the following factors:

RH only: Having concussion or moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury before migraine started, where migraine developed within 7 days of the injury, regaining consciousness, or stopping medication that impairs ability to sense or report headache — this is the most relevant factor for veterans with head injuries or blast exposure during operational service
RH only: Having severe and persistent asthma within the 5 years before migraine started
Undergoing treatment with a nitric oxide donor medication (such as glyceryl trinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, or amyl nitrate) at the time migraine started
Worsening: having concussion or moderate-to-severe TBI before the condition worsened (RH only, same 7-day window)
Worsening: being obese (BMI of 30 or greater) for at least 5 years before the condition worsened
Worsening: not being able to get appropriate treatment for migraine before the condition worsened

Reference: SoP No. 7 of 2018 (Reasonable Hypothesis), amended by SoP No. 98 of 2018 / SoP No. 8 of 2018 (Balance of Probabilities). RH applies to operational/warlike service; BoP applies to peacetime service. Verify at rma.gov.au.Source: rma.gov.au — verify this directly with DVA for your circumstances.

DVA uses two different standards of proof depending on your type of service. Understanding which applies to you can help you prepare your evidence.

Reasonable Hypothesis (RH)Applies to: operational, warlike, or non-warlike serviceUnder the Reasonable Hypothesis standard (operational/warlike/non-warlike service), DVA generally considers that a concussion or traumatic brain injury during service — with migraine developing within 7 days — is sufficient to raise a reasonable hypothesis. Severe persistent asthma and nitric oxide donor treatment are also recognised onset factors under RH.

Balance of Probabilities (BoP)Applies to: peacetime serviceUnder the Balance of Probabilities standard (peacetime service), the onset factors are more limited. DVA generally considers that the veteran must show it is more likely than not that migraine was caused by treatment with a nitric oxide donor medication during service. The concussion/TBI and asthma factors are not available under BoP.

In plain EnglishIf you had operational or warlike service, the Reasonable Hypothesis (RH) standard applies — this gives access to the concussion/TBI factor, which is the most relevant pathway for most veterans. If your service was peacetime only, the stricter Balance of Probabilities (BoP) standard applies with more limited onset factors. SoP instruments are updated periodically by the RMA. Always verify the current instrument at rma.gov.au/sops.

Benefit of the doubt: DVA is legally required to give you the benefit of the doubt if evidence is evenly balanced (s119 , s335 ). Learn more

DVA generally considers the standard of proof based on your service type. Verify this directly with DVA or a qualified advocate.

Required

Clinical diagnosis of migraineA diagnosis from your GP, neurologist, or specialist confirming migraine. The diagnosis is based on your symptom pattern — imaging is not always required but may be used to rule out other causes.How to get it: See your GP and describe your headache pattern, including severity, duration, associated symptoms (nausea, light sensitivity, aura), and how often episodes occur.Estimated time: 1-3 weeks

Service records showing head injury, blast exposure, or relevant service eventsDocumentation of the event that may have caused or triggered your migraine — head injury, concussion, blast exposure, or other relevant service activity. If your migraine is linked to medication use during service, records showing that treatment.How to get it: Request from Defence Archives: 1800 333 362. Allow 6-8 weeks. Check MyService first.Estimated time: 4-8 weeks

Medical nexus report linking migraine to serviceA written opinion from your doctor stating that your migraine was caused or contributed to by a head injury, concussion, blast exposure, or other service-related factor.How to get it: Ask your treating doctor: "Can you provide a written statement linking my migraine to the head injury (or other relevant event) I experienced during my military service?"Estimated time: 2-4 weeks

Record of concussion or traumatic brain injury during serviceMedical records, incident reports, or unit records documenting a head injury, concussion, or blast exposure during service. This is critical evidence if your migraine is linked to a TBI event.How to get it: Request Defence medical records. Also check for any concussion screening or TBI assessment records.

Headache diary or symptom historyA record of your migraine episodes — frequency, severity, duration, triggers, and impact on daily life. This helps establish the pattern and severity of your condition.How to get it: Start keeping a headache diary now if you do not have one. Note each episode: date, duration, severity (1-10), symptoms, and any triggers.

Personal statement describing the head injury and onset of migraineYour own written account of the event that caused your head injury, when migraine episodes started afterwards, and how they affect your daily life.How to get it: Write this yourself in plain language. Describe the injury event, when headaches started, and current impact.

Buddy or witness statementA statement from someone who witnessed the head injury or can describe how your migraine condition has affected you.How to get it: Ask a former colleague. Form D2141 (Statement in Support of Claim) can be used.

Tips for this condition

The concussion/TBI factor is RH only — it applies if you had operational, warlike, or non-warlike service. If your service was peacetime only, the BoP standard applies and this factor is not available
The TBI factor requires migraine to have developed within 7 days of the head injury or regaining consciousness — document the timing clearly
If you had a head injury or blast exposure during service, this is likely the strongest pathway for your claim — describe the event and the timeline of migraine onset in detail
Migraine is a clinical diagnosis based on symptom pattern — you do not necessarily need a brain scan, but your doctor must confirm the diagnosis
If your migraine has become chronic (15+ headache days per month for 3+ months), mention this to your doctor as it may affect the assessment
This guide covers migraine only — tension-type headache and other headache conditions have separate SoPs

Medical nexus statement (from your doctor)

A medical opinion linking your migraine to a head injury, concussion, blast exposure, or other service-related factor.

What to ask your doctor

I am making a DVA claim for migraine. I sustained a head injury (or was exposed to a blast) during my service, and my migraine episodes started shortly after. Could you write a report linking my migraine to this event?

Personal statement (your own words)

Describe the head injury event, when migraine started afterwards, how severe and frequent your episodes are, and how migraine affects your daily life.

Suggested structure

The specific event that caused your head injury, concussion, or blast exposure
When the event happened — date or approximate period
Symptoms immediately after the event — loss of consciousness, confusion, dizziness
When migraine episodes started — the SoP factor requires onset within 7 days
Frequency and severity of migraine episodes
Associated symptoms — aura, nausea, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity
Impact on daily life — days lost to migraine, inability to work, effect on relationships
Any treatment received for the head injury and for migraine since

Common mistakes to avoid

✗Not specifying the timing between head injury and migraine onset
✗Not describing the severity and frequency of episodes
✗Calling it just "headache" instead of migraine

Mistakes veterans commonly make when claiming for Migraine, and how to avoid them.

Not documenting the head injury or concussion event clearlyDescribe the head injury or blast exposure in detail — what happened, when, where, and what symptoms you had immediately after. Include any medical treatment or concussion assessment records.

Not understanding the difference between RH and BoP pathways for migraineCheck which standard of proof applies to your service type. If you had operational or warlike service, the RH standard gives you access to the concussion/TBI factor. If peacetime only, discuss your options with DVA or a qualified advocate.

Confusing migraine with other headache typesAsk your doctor to confirm your diagnosis is specifically migraine. If your headaches are tension-type or another pattern, a different SoP may apply.

Treatments DVA may cover

Neurologist appointments and specialist migraine management
Preventive medications (beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, CGRP inhibitors)
Acute treatment medications (triptans, anti-nausea medication)
Lifestyle modifications and trigger management
Psychology and pain management programs
Botox injections for chronic migraine if indicated

Next steps to consider

If your migraine is chronic and stable, consider a Permanent Impairment claim
If migraine has affected your ability to work, check eligibility for Incapacity Payments
Consider claiming related conditions — for example, depression or anxiety that developed as a consequence of chronic migraine
If you also have a separate headache condition (such as tension-type headache), you may be able to claim it under its own SoP

Actual entitlements depend on individual DVA assessment. This is indicative only.

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Official + GuidanceVerified March 2026

This page combines official DVA information with platform-authored guidance. Official sources are cited where applicable.

SoP factors sourced from RMA. Guidance text explains official processes in plain language.

RMA — Statements of Principles

This is a guide onlyThis information is a free guide. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or financial advice. Always verify with DVA directly or with a qualified advocate before lodging a claim.

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Migraine

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