I have been referred to the MEB for Enthesopathy of the Right Hip Code 726.5 and just recieved my addendum for my Migraines Completely signed off from the Neurologist and The CAPT at Balboa Hospital.
I have been prescribed Medication and treatment plans as far back as 10 months ago for my Migraines as they have been taking me out of work very frequently. I've been to the ER numerous times within the past couple of months and have seen Sick Call and my Primary Docs on numerous occassions.
My Addendum Says this from the Neurologist:
"Introduction:
22 Year old male administrative specialist with frequent migraine and aura headaches
ICD-9: 346.0
HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS:
Corporal Michael F. Lee is a 22 year-old right-handed male who presents to the neurology clinic because of chronic headaches. The headaches are described as diffuse, throbbing headaches associated with light and sound sensitivity and nausea most of the time. They are 7/10 in intensity and last up to 2 days. He has the headaches about 2-3 times a week. The headaches seem to occur at any time of the day but mostly in the morning. He also reports seeing bright spots that are smaller than his thumb at arm's length and they would be multiple, occuring 1-2 hours before the onset of headache. Stress seems to be the trigger for the headache. When he has a headache he would try to lie down in a dark, quiet room. If he has a headache at his work center, he says he would be sent home. He has had these headaches for the past 10 months. He has tried amitriptyline 50 mg PO QHS without much relief. He has tried Maxalt 10 mg PO prn without much relief. He was also recently started on topiramate 25 mg PO QHS last month. He has tried gapapentin, but made him feel dizzy at 100 mg PO QHS. So it was discontinued. He takes Midrin and seems to help. He takes Midrin 2-3 times a week. He has a brain MRI and it was normal. He has already been referred to the MEB for his right hip labral tear.
Assessments:
1) Migraine with aura, episodic but frequent and interfere visually. neuro exam non-focal. MRI with brian with no lesions.
The board agrees to the above diagnosis. It is the opinion of the board that this Service member has a condition that may prevent him from performing the duties in his rank. This case is therefor referred to central physical evaluation board for further adjudication."
I know that Jason Perry said this in a recent post:
"By the way, in the past, the military took the position that "prostrating" migraines/headaches only occurred when you stopped what you were doing and went to seek medical care. Later, they "loosened" the standard to state that you did not have to go to the ER/doc if you had a approved plan by a neurologist stating that you did not need to do so. Now, all of that has changed with the VA providing the ratings. Essentially, a "prostrating" headache is one that causes "extreme weakness or exhaustion" (this is not a set definition, but one that has been used by many VA rating officials and has become somewhat of a standard). One thing that you could do is keep a migraine log/diary, detailing dates/times, what steps you take to deal with the migraine, how long it lasts, and any residual effects."
Mine have to definitely fall under prostrating and I've looked at the VASRD and it says that Migraines that occur 2-3 tims a week that are prostrating should be rated up to 50% if not more.
So one of my final question is does anyone here think my chances of getting 50% is good?
Secondly... if I do not get atleast 30% for my migraines, should I appeal and would I have a good enough case for an appeal? *I'm not too worried on timeline for getting out.*
Sorry for all the info. Any help is greatly appreciated.
I have been prescribed Medication and treatment plans as far back as 10 months ago for my Migraines as they have been taking me out of work very frequently. I've been to the ER numerous times within the past couple of months and have seen Sick Call and my Primary Docs on numerous occassions.
My Addendum Says this from the Neurologist:
"Introduction:
22 Year old male administrative specialist with frequent migraine and aura headaches
ICD-9: 346.0
HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS:
Corporal Michael F. Lee is a 22 year-old right-handed male who presents to the neurology clinic because of chronic headaches. The headaches are described as diffuse, throbbing headaches associated with light and sound sensitivity and nausea most of the time. They are 7/10 in intensity and last up to 2 days. He has the headaches about 2-3 times a week. The headaches seem to occur at any time of the day but mostly in the morning. He also reports seeing bright spots that are smaller than his thumb at arm's length and they would be multiple, occuring 1-2 hours before the onset of headache. Stress seems to be the trigger for the headache. When he has a headache he would try to lie down in a dark, quiet room. If he has a headache at his work center, he says he would be sent home. He has had these headaches for the past 10 months. He has tried amitriptyline 50 mg PO QHS without much relief. He has tried Maxalt 10 mg PO prn without much relief. He was also recently started on topiramate 25 mg PO QHS last month. He has tried gapapentin, but made him feel dizzy at 100 mg PO QHS. So it was discontinued. He takes Midrin and seems to help. He takes Midrin 2-3 times a week. He has a brain MRI and it was normal. He has already been referred to the MEB for his right hip labral tear.
Assessments:
1) Migraine with aura, episodic but frequent and interfere visually. neuro exam non-focal. MRI with brian with no lesions.
The board agrees to the above diagnosis. It is the opinion of the board that this Service member has a condition that may prevent him from performing the duties in his rank. This case is therefor referred to central physical evaluation board for further adjudication."
I know that Jason Perry said this in a recent post:
"By the way, in the past, the military took the position that "prostrating" migraines/headaches only occurred when you stopped what you were doing and went to seek medical care. Later, they "loosened" the standard to state that you did not have to go to the ER/doc if you had a approved plan by a neurologist stating that you did not need to do so. Now, all of that has changed with the VA providing the ratings. Essentially, a "prostrating" headache is one that causes "extreme weakness or exhaustion" (this is not a set definition, but one that has been used by many VA rating officials and has become somewhat of a standard). One thing that you could do is keep a migraine log/diary, detailing dates/times, what steps you take to deal with the migraine, how long it lasts, and any residual effects."
Mine have to definitely fall under prostrating and I've looked at the VASRD and it says that Migraines that occur 2-3 tims a week that are prostrating should be rated up to 50% if not more.
So one of my final question is does anyone here think my chances of getting 50% is good?
Secondly... if I do not get atleast 30% for my migraines, should I appeal and would I have a good enough case for an appeal? *I'm not too worried on timeline for getting out.*
Sorry for all the info. Any help is greatly appreciated.
