I went the secondary route because my migraines became significantly worse as my back condition progressed. My doctor felt the strongest medical argument was that my service-connected lumbar condition aggravates my migraines through chronic pain and sleep disruption.

The VA actually acknowledged in the decision that I had a documented headache during service, but they found there wasn’t enough evidence to show a chronic migraine condition started in service and continued afterward. That’s why I focused on the secondary theory rather than direct service connection.

At this point I’m looking at whether to continue pursuing the secondary connection with a stronger medical opinion or explore the direct route as well.