For some veterans, even a 50% VA disability rating for migraine headaches, the maximum schedular rating, may not adequately reflect the true impact on their ability to work. If your service-connected migraine headaches, either alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities, prevent you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, you might be eligible for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). TDIU allows veterans to receive VA disability compensation at the 100% rate, even if their combined schedular disability ratings do not reach 100%. To qualify for TDIU, you generally must have at least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more, or multiple service-connected disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or more (with at least one rated at 40%). However, even if you don’t meet these percentage thresholds, you can still be considered for TDIU on an extra schedular basis if your conditions, like frequent completely prostrating migraine attacks, uniquely hinder your ability to work. This ties directly into the concept of severe economic inadaptability. Proving eligibility for TDIU due to migraine headaches often requires substantial evidence. This includes medical evidence detailing the severity and frequency of your prostrating attacks, records showing your inability to work due to the headaches, and possibly vocational expert opinions. If your migraines result in such debilitating symptoms that employment is impossible, exploring TDIU could provide crucial financial support. Discussing individual unemployability with a VSO or veterans law attorney can help you understand if this is a viable path for your disability claim.