PTSD Does Not Cause Migraines

[Rakkasan]

So I received the notes today from my migraine C&P. Under the remarks at the end he says that my migraines are less likely as not due to or the result of PTSD. His rational is: PTSD does not cause tension headache or migraine headache. Also states that "He is not on any medication for headache." I am prescribed Sumatriptan by the VA!

 

I know several people who have migraines secondary to PTSD but the real kicker is that I am not claiming migraines to PTSD. I am claiming secondary to anxiety. I even had a nexus written by my neurologist stating that my migraines are connected to my anxiety. I am not for sure the C&P examiner had access to my nexus that I submitted. Am I screwed?

Edited May 10, 2018 by Rakkasan

[broncovet]

You are not "screwed" as long as you take action:

1.  Get a copy of the C and P exam, and read it.  Dont rely upon what he told you, read it.  The VA will.  

2.  If you dispute the examiner's opinion, you have some choices:

     a)  Try to get your records amended if you think they are in error.  https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/1.579

     b)  Challenge the competency of the examiner.  This works especially well if the doctor has little or no training or experience in what you went to the C and P doc for (such as PTSD or migraines)

     c)  Consider an IMO/IME to refute the c and p exam.  

     d)  Do nothing.  (not recommended).  

      e)  Some combination of the above.  

[Buck52]

I agree with broncovet, FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUR C&P EXAMINER. however  IF WHEN you can get an IMO/IME  ask the specialist to go into detail about his professional opinion as to it is likely as not that your migraine is related to  your PTSD/Anxiety and the medications from the PTSD (Name the Meds)

If you had medical documentation about your migraines and the cause or what they are caused by or related ''connected to'' from a qualified Dr at the time of your C&P and the examiner failed to read it (obviously he/she did not) then  the exam as inadequate. 

 

[Buck52]

If a veteran has bad vibes or thinks the Dr never mention any medical documentation that is substantial  to your claim&you get that feeling of denial...Speak up and ask the examiner '' Excuse me  Sir did you see the medical documents I have in my Records about Dr Smith  mention about my migraines and the cause and the connection?  ''he went into fairly great detail about it '' I'd appreciate if you would look at that Sir.''

or something close to these lines, I did that in one of my C&P's and the examiner went on looking in the computer scrolling down  and found it '' Oh yes here it is'' 

that was a major turning point with my C&P

Some times these Examiners or thinking Golf Course and not paying attention. (jmo)

[Berta]

You have the proof ( due to the meds) that you have  migraines.

But you might need an opinion from a real doctor  ( non VA doctor)to get the  Migraines SC-however this vet appealed relentlessly over her denials and it seems that  via the TMJ during the last 2013 exam, the examiner

Definitely made a strong nexus statement:

 

https://www.va.gov/vetapp15/files2/1516372.txt

"ORDER Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD is granted. Service connection for migraine headaches is granted. Service connection for TMJ is granted."

Do you have TMJ? Even if not, the migraines can succeed with a strong medical opinion.....Unless the VA can find any other etiology or cause for them....which they probably could not find.

TMJ comes from grinding of the teeth due to stress.

That too would need a diagnosis if you have it and you could claim it as due to the PTSD.

Edited May 11, 2018 by Berta

[Rakkasan]

Thank you all for your suggestions but the the thing is I submitted an IMO from my neurologist saying that my anxiety is connected to my migraines. The VA has even prescribed me Sumatriptan. It just seems like the C&P examiner did not read anything in my records. He also said my migraines did not impact my job but HR at my job submitted my leave statements of me leaving work because of migraines. The C&P examiner wrote in my notes that I missed work several days and still said it did not impact my job!

[Berta]

Here is another BVA award- Migraines, secondary to PTSD.

https://www.va.gov/vetapp14/files4/1426734.txt

In this case the veteran had been a registered nutse and was qualified to opine on some of  their conditions.

 

GEEZ, I read this too fast-I am always pressed for time these days- sorry---

"I know several people who have migraines secondary to PTSD but the real kicker is that I am not claiming migraines to PTSD. I am claiming secondary to anxiety. I even had a nexus written by my neurologist stating that my migraines are connected to my anxiety. I am not for sure the C&P examiner had access to my nexus that I submitted. Am I screwed?"

Are you service connected for PTSD or specifically for anxiety?

It really should not matter as PTSD is an anxiety disorder.

It sounds like you have a good basis to appeal right away if they deny-maybe even have a potential CUE that would go faster, than NOD, maybe, based on the C & P- if they deny and they  fail to consider the IMO you have.

Edited May 11, 2018 by Berta