Citation Nr: 18159986
Decision Date: 12/21/18	Archive Date: 12/20/18

DOCKET NO. 16-62 126
DATE:	December 21, 2018

REMANDED
Entitlement to an initial compensable evaluation for headaches is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty from June 2006 to May 2012.
In October 2018 correspondence, the Veteran requested a copy of all VA examinations performed in September 2018 and October 2018. The request has been acknowledged and is currently in process. The Board notes that the records requested are specifically related to claims that are not currently before the Board; the Veteran’s claim on appeal, entitlement to an increased rating for headaches, is being remanded below, and this action thus does not prejudice the Veteran. 
1. Entitlement to an initial compensable evaluation for headaches.
A review of the record discloses further development is needed with respect to the Veteran’s claim. The Veteran was last afforded a VA examination in February 2017 to evaluate the severity of his headache related symptoms. When VA undertakes to obtain an examination, it must ensure that the examination is adequate. The examiner indicated in her examination report that no records were reviewed. Moreover, in the Veteran’s December 2016 substantive appeal, he contended that he experienced prostrating headaches, on average, more than once a month, and referenced specific medical records to support his claim. Therefore, the Board finds that a review of the record by the examiner is imperative to determining the current severity of the Veteran’s headaches. A remand is thus necessary to provide the Veteran with a VA examination to assess the current nature, extent and severity of his headaches.
The matters are REMANDED for the following action:
1. Update VA treatment records.
2. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to evaluate the current severity of his service-connected headaches. The examiner must review the Veteran’s claims file, to include records referenced by the Veteran in his December 2016 substantive appeal. The examiner must identify and describe all current symptomatology. The examiner must provide a detailed review of the Veteran’s current complaints, as well as findings as to the nature, extent, and severity of symptoms caused by headaches. The examiner must discuss all functional effects caused by the Veteran’s headaches.
 
CAROLINE B. FLEMING
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	D. Cheng, Associate Counsel