HLR or New Claims
TL;DR: Got out of the Army in 2014, finally filed for PTSD in 2020 and was awarded 70%. Eventually got sleep apnea approved for 50%, putting me at 90%. Just received ratings for tinnitus (10%), TBI (10%), and migraines (30%). Now I’m trying to figure out whether I should pursue an increase for migraines or focus on getting a few additional 10% ratings to reach 100%.
So here’s the full story.
I got out of the Army in 2014. I didn’t start pursuing VA disability until 2020, even though I had been receiving medical treatment through the VA since getting out.
Over the years, I had been diagnosed with PTSD, migraines, TBI, sleep apnea (requiring a CPAP), and a few other conditions.
In 2020, I finally decided to file for PTSD. I used a VSO to help me with the claim and was awarded 70% on my first attempt.
In 2021, I decided to file for sleep apnea. I’m not exactly sure what happened, but the claim was denied about two weeks after I submitted it. At the time, I basically left it alone.
Fast forward to January 2026. A buddy of mine convinced me that there was no way I should be sitting at 70% and that I should pursue the rest of my conditions. I decided to hire a lawyer because I honestly didn’t want to deal with the VA process myself and figured that was the best route.
We reopened the sleep apnea claim with a supplemental claim, and I was eventually awarded 50% for sleep apnea, bringing me to 90% combined.
Yesterday, I received the decision on three new claims that I filed about two months ago:
- 10% Tinnitus
- 10% TBI
- 30% Migraines, secondary to TBI
Obviously, I'm happy with the results, but I was hoping to get 50% for migraines. Based on my symptoms and how frequently they affect me, I feel like I may qualify for the 50% rating.
So now I’m trying to figure out what my next move should be.
I still have several other conditions that I could potentially file for, including my knees, lower back, shoulders, neck, and surgical scars, among others.
My question is: Would you guys pursue an HLR on the migraine rating and try to get it increased to 50%, or would you just focus on filing the other conditions and try to pick up enough additional ratings to get to 100%?
I'm interested in hearing what others would do in this situation, especially anyone who has gone through a similar situation with migraines and an HLR.
Any advice is appreciated!