Generalized claims (ie im not a doctor)

[USMC_VET]

SEP 2011 i claimed tinnitus and headaches secondary to tinnitus

JUNE 2012 decision deferred tinnitus (no mention of headaches, but could infer that this is included since it was secondary)

JAN 15 i was granted 10% for tinnitus (retro to SEP 2011) and 0% for headaches (Retro to SEP 2012.  since appealed that 0% with a NOD, awaiting dro hearing).

 

My question is that i know that it is not incumbent upon the veteran to make a diagnosis, ie if i have foot pain i am not required to claim for plantar fasciitis i can just claim foot pain and the VA's job is to figure out what it is and if its compensable.  If i claimed headaches as secondary to tinnitus, but in fact that was not the primary issue, or was just an aggravation for it (i bleieve TBI is main culprit and not tinnitus) is my SC for headaches now tied to tinnitus? If my appeal is based more now on tinnitus related symptoms does that negate the original claim and eed date?

I feel like the VA has officially recognized it is not related to tinnitus because in the decision it was listed as simply headaches and was not stated as "secondary to" on the decision letter or what is on ebenefits under disabilities.