C & P Exam For Increase On Migraines

[oldtimer88]

Hello Eveyone, here is a copy of my C & P exam for increase on migraines. I also filed a FDC for the hemifacial spasms that can be caused by migraines and aggravate migraines as well. tell me what you guys think. The examiner add HTN and anxiety in his remarks. Why??

Was the Veteran's VA claims file reviewed? [X] Yes [ ] No

If yes, list any records that were reviewed but were not included in the Veteran's VA claims file: vbms If no, check all records reviewed: [ ] Military service treatment records [ ] Military service personnel records [ ] Military enlistment examination [ ] Military separation examination [ ] Military post-deployment questionnaire [ ] Department of Defense Form 214 Separation Documents [ ] Veterans Health Administration medical records (VA treatment records) [ ] Civilian medical records [ ] Interviews with collateral witnesses (family and others who have known the Veteran before and after military service) [ ] No records were reviewed [ ] Other:

1. Diagnosis ------------ Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with a headache condition? [X] Yes [ ] No

[X] Migraine including migraine variants ICD code: 784.0 Date of diagnosis: 2009

2. Medical History ------------------ a. Describe the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran's headache conditions (brief summary): CO- "patient not aware when headache and migrains strated but got got worst in basic training, also in Germany after she delivered her daughter with migrains". \

Frequency of headache and migrains-18 per month.

Prostrating attack frequency-5 per month.

Work:- Computer private sector-full time for past three years.

b. Does the Veteran's treatment plan include taking medication for the diagnosed condition? [X] Yes [ ] No

If yes, describe treatment (list only those medications used for the diagnosed condition): Meloxicam.Sumatriptan.

3. Symptoms ----------- a. Does the Veteran experience headache pain? [X] Yes [ ] No

[X] Pain on both sides of the head [X] Other, describe: sharp b.

Does the Veteran experience non-headache symptoms associated with headaches? (including symptoms associated with an aura prior to headache pain) [X] Yes [ ] No

[X] Nausea [X] Vomiting [X] Sensitivity to sound [X]

Other, describe: dizzy,eye twitches,concentration problems

. c. Indicate duration of typical head pain [X] 1-2 days d. Indicate location of typical head pain

[X] Both sides of head

4. Prostrating attacks of headache pain ---------------------------------------

a. Migraine / Non-Migraine- Does the Veteran have characteristic prostrating attacks of migraine / non-migraine headache pain? [X] Yes [ No

b. Does the Veteran have very prostrating and prolonged attacks of migraines/non-migraine pain productive of severe economic inadaptability? [X] Yes [ ]

No 5. Other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs and/or symptoms -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

a. Does the Veteran have any scars (surgical or otherwise) related to any conditions or to the treatment of any conditions listed in the Diagnosis section above? [ ] Yes [X] No

b. Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs and/or symptoms related to any conditions listed in the Diagnosis section above? [X] Yes [ ]

If yes, describe (brief summary): HTN,Anxiety

6. Diagnostic testing --------------------- Are there any other significant diagnostic test findings and/or results? [ ] Yes [X]

No 7. Functional impact -------------------- Does the Veteran's headache condition impact his or her ability to work? [X] Yes [ ] No

If yes, describe the impact of the Veteran's headache condition, providing one or more examples: Slows her prodoctivity.

8. Remarks, if any: ------------------- PE: BP-136/75 -HEENT-normocephlaic,EOME,PERLA,no facial drops or tongue deviations,cranial nerves II/XII gorssly normal. -Neck-Supple, no JVD or carotid bruits. Current level of headache and migrain severity:- moderate to sever based on subjective reporting by patient.

[Vync]

In my opinion, it looks like your doc may have been identifying other health conditions which may be related to your migraines. Sometimes those conditions are contributing factors to migraines. If your BP or anxiety level goes up, people can have a tendency to develop really horrible headaches.

Unfortunately, I don't know much about hemifacial spasms.

If you win, you might be in for a 50% rating with the frequency of prostrating occurrences at 5/month and having the severe economic hardship box checked.

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?rgn=div5;node=38:1.0.1.1.5

8100 Migraine
With very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability 50%
With characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over last several months 30%
With characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over last several months 10%
With less frequent attacks 0%

Good luck!

[oldtimer88]

Thank you Vync, hemifacial spasms are twitching of the eyes and face. I was told yesterday that my claim and exam were sent to the VA hospital for a medical opinion. Which is confusing because I thought that was the reason for the exam. I am currently at 30% for headaches/migraines. Seems like they trying to find a way to deny something. I have plenty of research material and my private doctor's statement saying the spasms are caused by headaches and can contribute to the severity of a headache. I was also told it takes 30-60 days to get those medical opinions back and this was common for secondary issues. Go figure!!!

[HM1retiredUSN]

Why such negativity in stating that they trying to find a way to deny something? Perhaps there is another condition that you are not currently connected for that needs clarification by the Examiner.

[Buck52]

It sure seems like they try to find ways to deny our claims  with all the BS we have to put up with....and it helps to tell someone about it.

Just always remember good favorable solid  medical evidence from board certified specialist Dr's is your best friend when it comes to deciding claims with the VA!

[seminoles]

Also, anxiety is also a common secondary condition to someone who suffers from chronic pain, as is depression.   There is an immense amount of research showing migraine sufferers having secondary anxiety disorders and depression.  I wouldn't see this as a denial, but if you aren't rated for anxiety, and your migraines are the cause I would apply for anxiety secondary to the chronic migraine pain. 

[seminoles]

What is HTN?