Citation Nr: 20006139
Decision Date: 01/24/20	Archive Date: 01/24/20

DOCKET NO. 19-20 778
DATE: January 24, 2020

REMANDED

Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for migraine headaches is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran had active service from February 2016 to October 2018.  

A March 2019 Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) reveals the Veteran’s history that her headaches had worsened in frequency and severity in the previous two to three months.  The Board finds the DBQ does not provide sufficient information to determine the impairment associated with the migraine headaches, including occupational impairment.  Thus, the Board finds another examination is warranted.  Additionally, the DBQ suggests the Veteran may have received private treatment for the migraine headaches.  These records should be requested.  

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

1. Undertake appropriate development to obtain any other outstanding, pertinent evidence, including any private treatment for migraine headaches.  

2. Afford the Veteran a VA examination by an examiner with sufficient expertise to fully assess the Veteran’s service-connected migraine headaches.  All pertinent evidence of record should be made available to and reviewed by the examiner.  The examiner must provide all information required for rating purposes.  The examiner must provide a complete rationale for all proffered opinions.  If the examiner cannot provide the required opinions without resorting to speculation, he or she must state whether this is based on a personal limitation or on a lack of knowledge among the medical community at large.

 

 

T. REYNOLDS

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans’ Appeals

Attorney for the Board	N. Snyder, counsel

The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential, and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.