The Veteran's claims for chronic depression, nonspecific headache disability (claimed as chronic migraines), fatigue syndrome, and prostate cancer were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have objective indications of a qualifying chronic disability due to undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness during his service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations.
The deciding factor: The March 2014 VA examination found no evidence of an undiagnosed mood swing or other undiagnosed illnesses, and the Veteran's symptoms were attributed to his diagnosed PTSD. The examiner also noted that there was no nexus between the Veteran's claimed conditions and service.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Depression, Nonspecific Headache Disability (Chronic Migraines), Fatigue Syndrome, Prostate Cancer
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Gulf War
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 5, 2014
- Citation
- 1439753
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1439753.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's hypertension and prostate cancer residuals (voiding dysfunction) have been granted increased ratings of 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted SMC at the rate of 50% for his service-connected conditions from April 20, 2020 to June 7, 2021.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his depressive disorder and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied as the November 2024 rating decision was not adjudicating previously pursued claims.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's urinary sphincter dysfunction is restored to a 40 percent rating effective February 1, 2025. A higher rating for the condition beginning July 12, 2023, is denied.
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