It sounds like you have read a lot of the same stuff as I have but the Sarin Gas theory is one of many and even though headaches are on the list of ailments "Cluster Headaches" are not specifically diagnosed in any list I have seen.

I have been being treated for CH that started originally in 1988 while on active duty. Over the years I have had them in groups over 40 days at a time.

Due to loss of job over them the VA started paying me for non service connected injury at 60% while trying to disavow my line of duty injuries.

The funny thing is that they are saying that its not that bad or have denied that I suffer even though my neurologists at the VA have now put me on steroids and tons of other crap as well as having me carry injector syringes that if I have to inject more than two I have to go to the VA ER immediately if there is no relief.

Currently at this time I am seeking a re-evaluation but the VA is masters at denial.

hello my first time replying
ive been chronic for the past 8 years
I was rated 50% from va feb 2010
I had first cluster in 96 after I got anthrax
series I was episodic then I was discharged in 97
after 13years I had lots of problems all from the vaccine  I went chronic in 03  va couldn't find some of my med records
I found several treatment records in my stuff
it showed the air force doc thought I had clusters lucky I found those couple of papers I went from 50% to 80%
but I'd trade all the money in the world for my life back!!!!!!!!
good luck.

Hello,
I'm at 23 years in the Navy and will finish out with 25+. I had migraines as a kid and young adult in the Navy and they slowed down to maybe 2 a year. About 36 months ago I started getting these crazy headaches that I swore were sinus headaches. They would come on about once every 3-4 weeks and last for about 5 days. I would practically OD on sinus meds to get rid of them and it still didn't work. After suffering for about 2 years..I finally went to medical. There I argued with my PCM..I was convinced I had sinus troubles and she was telling me I was having migraines. After an hour I started to believe her. She didn't do anything for me except keep trying different meds..none of which worked. Another year goes by and I said..screw that idiot PCM..and went to the emergency room..that doc set me up with neurology who in turn diagnosed me with CH. Especially when I told her of the unbelievable pain and there is absolutely no relief or way to get comfortable when I tried to sleep. Since my diagnosis..I have noticed my headache never really goes away..it's just a matter of the level of pain. I take the Imatrex shots, varapamil, and O2. The shots seem to help the pain subside..but not really make the headache go away. So, needless to say..I worry about finding a job that will understand when I can't work 10-12 days a month because of these frigg'n headaches! If I understand everyone on here correctly..If I can show that I could be unemployable..I could get 100%??? So, what does 100% mean? Any help is more than I know now!
"Elvis"

Welcome to the board Harold. I can't answer questions about the VA, no experience. CH is sadly an orphan condition, it's so rare most GP's will never see it. That's why we stress getting to a headache specialist neurologist, as that's your best bet at an accurate diagnosis, and an effective treatment regimen.

Hopefully someone with more experience at navigating the VA will chime in. For now, start reading everything on this board. The more you learn about CH and its treatments, the better the chance you'll recognize a doctor who has  clue! What part of the world are you in???

Joe

VA form 21-0960C-8. This form is something the VA Nero fills out im assuming. Im going to try for this and have my local DAV help fill out all the paper work.

Woah, spelling errors.  But I hope y'all are having pain free days!