Citation Nr: 21041041 Decision Date: 07/07/21 Archive Date: 07/07/21 DOCKET NO. 16-19 893 DATE: July 7, 2021 REMANDED Service connection for ocular migraines as secondary to the service-connected skin disability or conjunctivitis is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from May 2010 to June 2011. The Veteran testified at a Board of Veterans Appeals (Board) hearing in November 2019. Service Connection for Ocular Migraines (as Secondary to the Skin Disability or Conjunctivitis) At the November 2019 Board hearing, the Veteran testified that the ocular migraines are related to the service-connected skin disability. The Veteran was informed that evidence of a nexus was required and testified that she would obtain a nexus opinion from her VA physician regarding the relationship between her ocular migraines and the service-connected skin disability. Service connection has also been granted for conjunctivitis. Headaches are one potential symptom of conjunctivitis. Given the fact that the Veteran has not yet obtained this opinion and the possibility that a VA medical opinion will show a nexus between the ocular migraines and the service-connected skin disability or the service-connected conjunctivitis, the matter is remanded to assist the Veteran by obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between the ocular migraines and the service-connected skin disability or the ocular migraines and the service-connected conjunctivitis. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Request that a VA medical professional review the electronic file and provide the VA medical opinion requested below regarding any secondary relationship between the service-connected skin disability or conjunctivitis and the current claimed ocular migraines. 2. The relevant documents in the electronic file should be made available to, and be reviewed by, the VA examiner. If the VA examiner determines that additional examination(s) of the Veteran is necessary to provide reliable opinions as to causation, such examination(s) should be scheduled; however, the Veteran should not be required to report for an examination as a matter of course, if it is not necessary. 3. The VA examiner should assume, for the purposes of these opinions that ocular migraines first began in October 2014. 4. The VA examiner should provide the following opinions: a. Is it at least as likely as not (i.e., a 50 percent probability or greater) that the Veteran's ocular migraines are caused by (i) the service-connected skin disability and/or (ii) the service-connected conjunctivitis? b. Is it at least as likely as not (i.e., a 50 percent probability or greater) that the Veteran's ocular migraines are worsened beyond their normal progression by (i) the service-connected skin disability and/or (ii) the service-connected conjunctivitis? The term "at least as likely as not" does not mean merely within the realm of medical possibility, but rather that the weight of medical evidence both for and against a conclusion is so evenly divided that it is as medically sound to find in favor of causation as it is to find against it. A rationale should be given for all opinions and conclusions rendered. The opinions should address the particulars of this Veteran's medical history and the relevant medical science as applicable to this claim. J. PARKER Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Department of Veterans Affairs A. Caruso, Attorney for the Board 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.