Reduced rating for migraines

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Combatvet1979

New Member
Registered Member
Hello all, I have searched the forums for an answer but cannot seem to find one any help is appreciated.

I went through an MEB about a year ago for migraine headaches. I am now on the TDRL until my condition gets better or the 3 years elapses and I am retired.

While I have found no relief for these headaches up until this point my doctors assure me we will find some combination of treatment that works, which I am excited about.

My question for you is: If I do find a temporary treatment (medication, stimulation, botox, etc) that makes my migraines go away, will my rating be reduced to reflect the amount of headaches on the treatment? I ask because this pandemic has made me question many things, for example what if I am not on a list for "emergency treatment" and I cannot be seen by a specialist for regular botox injections... At that point I feel like I would be back in my current shoes dealing with the pain. Or if I develop an allergy to medication, again I will be dealing with the pain. If this occurs outside of the TDRL window will I essentially be living with the disability without the DoD rating and retirement etc?
I guess my question is if you find relief for your condition does the DoD see that as you being cured and do they reduce your rating, and if so what happens years down the road if you have a re-occurrence. I guess the same question could be asked for mental illness or PTSD or something. If you find "relief" for your PTSD you are not guaranteed to be relieved for life.

Any input is appreciated and I think many people will find this question/answer to be helpful.

Thanks in advance
 
I know this reply seems generic, but your rating would be based on how many attacks you have and whether or not they are prostrating (require medical attention, bed-ridden or require removal from all social and work activities until the migraine subsides).

It doesn't matter how you are being treated with medication. I personally receive Botox every 4 months and take daily medications but still receive multiple attacks a month that require me to call in from work or go to the hospital for shots and received 30% for my rating.

Your ratings will be based on:

Frequency​
Severity​
Rating​
2 or more times per month​
Prostrating​
50%​
Once a month​
Prostrating​
30%​
Once every 2 months​
Prostrating​
10%​
Once every 3 months or less​
Prostrating​
0%​
 
Since you were placed on TDRL you will be reevaluated continuously and those evaluations will document your disposition over the course of "months". This is how you will be rated accordingly.
 
On the VA side it works a little different as the rating can change as you get better or worst for the DoD its almost always a one and done deal. So if you have a TDRL exam and it shows improvement expect a reduction and permanent disposition whether that be PDRL or separation. You can always receive treatment at the VA regardless of what happens but if you are determine to get PDRL then your condition needs to be the same or worst as when you were placed on TDRL.
 
@oddpedestrian filled in the "read between the lines" I was trying to leave for you :)
 
So if your meds got you down to one migraine every other month at your re-eval, then you would be separated at 10%. And if a year later you started getting side effects from the meds you wouldn't be put back on TDRL? This doesn't seem right.
So there are people with life long conditions that essentially get no rating but have to continue seeing doctors and take medications every single day of their lives?
 
All exams work that way its a snapshot of your current condition, there is no returning to TDRL its either separation or PDRL. You keep talking about what if you get worst but the VA will rate you a higher % if you request an increase they will also treat you. They only thing you lose is Tricare which is a big deal as you cant pick your own private providers.
 
BLUF: If you get better while on TDRL, your rating can go down.
 
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