BVA9503069 
DOCKET NO.  93-13 007     )       DATE
          )
          )

On appeal from the decision of the
Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Denver,
Colorado

THE ISSUE

Entitlement to an increased (compensable) rating for migraine
headaches.

ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD

B. Anderson, Counsel

REMAND

The appellant had active duty from November 1987 to November
1991.  This appeal arises from a June 1992 rating decision of the
Denver, Colorado, regional office (RO).  In that decision,
service connection was granted for migraine headaches, and a
noncompensable evaluation was assigned.  The appellant argues
that her headaches are prostrating, but the RO has found that
prostrating attacks are not shown.

Although the appellant opted for a service discharge examination
two days before her discharge, no report of said examination is
of record.  In a statement dated February 1, 1992, the appellant
requested that medical records be obtained from Ft. Snelling "or
the nearest V.A. medical center."  No such records have been
associated with the claims folder.  In a statement dated October
19, 1992, an unknown medical care provider reported that the
problem might be hypoglycemic rather than migraine.  Moreover,
the RO has not arranged for a disability evaluation examination
of the appellant by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

In view of the foregoing, the case is REMANDED to the RO for the
following development:

1.  The RO should make another attempt to
secure the report of the appellant's
service discharge examination through
official channels, as well as a copy of the
Certificate of Release or Discharge From
Active Duty (DD Form 214) for the
appellant.

2.  The RO should obtain the names and
addresses of all medical care providers, VA
and otherwise, who treated the appellant
for migraine or hypoglycemic episodes since
November 1991.  After securing any
necessary release, the RO should obtain
these records for association with the
claims file.

3.  The appellant should be afforded a
complete general medical examination as
well as a detailed neurologic examination
to determine the nature and severity of the
headaches and associated symptoms.  The
claims folder, together with the
additionally secured records, should be
made available to the examiners for review
before the examinations.  As the
Physician's Guide for Disability Evaluation
Examinations points out, the diagnosis of
neurologic disease depends upon an
integration of the findings from the
history, the physical examination, and
laboratory testing.  Based upon the
veteran's complaints, symptoms or findings
at the time of the examination, as well as
review of the historical data, including
the October 1992 entry suggesting the
possibility of hypoglycemic episodes versus
migraine, the examiner should refer the
appellant for appropriate diagnostic
studies and/or consultations with other
specialists to resolve any diagnostic
problems.  Clinical findings should be
reported in detail and diagnoses reached
should be fully supported.  The neurologic
examiner should determine and report the
type and frequency of attacks as accurately
as possible, and indicate the reliability
of the informants from whom data as to
frequency and severity of attacks is
obtained.

After the development requested above has been completed to the
extent possible, the RO should again review the record.  If any
benefit sought on appeal, for which a notice of disagreement has
been filed, remains denied, the appellant and representative, if
any, should be furnished a supplemental statement of the case and
given the applicable opportunity to respond thereto.  Thereafter,
the case should be returned to the Board, if in order.  The Board
intimates no opinion as to the ultimate outcome of this case.
The appellant need take no action unless otherwise notified.

          GARY L. GICK
          Member, Board of Veterans' Appeals

The Board of Veterans' Appeals Administrative Procedures
Improvement Act, Pub. L. No. 103-271, § 6, 108 Stat. 740, ___
(1994), permits a proceeding instituted before the Board to be
assigned to an individual member of the Board for a deter-
mination.  This proceeding has been assigned to an individual
member of the Board.

Under 38 U.S.C.A. § 7252 (West 1991), only a decision of the
Board of Veterans' Appeals is appealable to the United States
Court of Veterans Appeals.  This action has been taken in
accordance with the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1994,
Pub. L. No. 103-446, § 303, 108 Stat. 4645, ___ (1994), and is in
the nature of a preliminary order and does not constitute a
decision of the Board on the merits of your appeal.  38 C.F.R.
§ 20.1100(b) (1993).