The National Headache Foundation (NHF) is dedicated to advocating for improved headache and migraine care for military service members and veterans. We recognize the significant burden that headache disorders place on this community and are committed to expanding access to specialized treatment and research.
Addressing the Need for Specialized Care
In June 2018, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) established the Headache Centers of Excellence (HCoE) program in accordance with VA Public Law 115-141. This legislation allocated $10,000,000 to create at least five specialized headache centers to improve the quality, delivery, and accessibility of care for veterans living with headache disorders.
Today, there are 27 Headache Centers of Excellence within the VHA, but not all function as full hub sites. The demand for specialized care far exceeds the capacity of these centers, leaving many veterans without the comprehensive treatment they need.
The Prevalence of Headache Disorders Among Veterans
The VHA recognized that over 350,000 Veterans sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI) during the Global War on Terror. It also recognized that chronic migraine/post-traumatic headache is the signature symptom of TBI. Posttraumatic headaches occur in up to 92% of military personnel who have sustained mild TBI and is associated with chronic daily headaches.
The prevalence of chronic daily headaches in returning soldiers after a deployment-related concussion is 20% higher than that seen in the general U.S. population.
The mission for the HCoE clinical care team is to provide quality headache care to Veterans. Treatments options take a holistic approach, and are dependent on the individual needs and preferences of the Veteran.
Federal Engagement
Allocate funding for VA Headache Centers Of Excellence (HCoE) in FY26
At the 2025 Headache on the Hill, NHF called for increased funding to expand the Headache Centers of Excellence. Our key advocacy request was to allocate at least $30,000,000 for the Headache Centers of Excellence in FY26 to enhance existing sites and establish additional centers to better serve veterans in need of specialized headache care.
The National Headache Foundation is committed to working alongside policymakers, healthcare providers, and the veteran community to ensure that those who have served our country receive the headache and migraine care they deserve. By pushing for policy changes and increased funding, we aim to improve treatment accessibility and advance research that will benefit veterans and active-duty military personnel alike.