Citation Nr: 21007373
Decision Date: 02/09/21	Archive Date: 02/09/21

DOCKET NO. 17-10 774A
DATE: February 9, 2021

REMANDED

Service connection for migraines.

REASONS FOR REMAND

In January 2019, the Veteran testified before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge.  A copy of the transcript has been associated with the claims file. In May 2019, the Board denied the appeal. The Veteran appealed to the Veterans Claims Court. In September 2020, the Court Clerk granted a joint motion for remand (JMR). The case has now been returned to the Board for further appellate action.

In accordance with the September 2020 JMR, remand is required to obtain another medical opinion with regard to the etiology of the Veteran’s migraine disorder. Private treatment records also need to be obtained.

The matter is REMANDED for the following actions:

1. Identify and obtain any outstanding, pertinent VA and private treatment records and associate them with the claims file. 

This is to specifically include any private headache or migraine treatment noted by the Veteran at the January 2019 Board hearing. 

A negative response should be provided if records do not exist or are not available. 

2. Direct the claims file to a clinician to assess the etiology of any headache disorder. An additional examination need not be scheduled unless deemed necessary by the clinician. 

After a review of the record, the clinician is asked to provide an opinion as to the following:

•	Whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that the Veteran’s headache or migraine disorder is etiologically related to service.

In forming the opinion, the clinician is asked to specifically consider and address the Veteran’s incidents of headaches noted in his service treatment records (STRs). If the examiner finds that they were due to viral infections, an explanation is needed as to whether this was an indication of a chronic headache disorder.

A thorough rationale is required for any opinion rendered.  

 

L. HOWELL

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans’ Appeals

Attorney for the Board	M. Yacoub, Associate 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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.