Thyroid disorder decisions — 2000

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected duodenal ulcer and post-operative residuals of adenoma of thyroid substantially contributed to his death from cardiopulmonary arrest.

The Board has determined that the veteran's temporomandibular joint disease and thyroid hyperplasia do not warrant higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 13, 1998 for the grant of nonservice-connected pension due to lack of evidence showing he was so incapacitated that he could not file his claim.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding no competent medical evidence linking the conditions to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for restoration of a 100% disability evaluation for post-operative residuals of carcinoma of the thyroid and an increased evaluation for bilateral radical neck dissection residuals. The evidence did not demonstrate improvement in her conditions, thus preventing the restoration of the original rating.

The Board has determined that there are no current residuals from dengue fever, but service connection for a right shoulder disorder is granted as the claim is well-grounded. Service connection for goiter is also granted as it arose in service.,There is no evidence of residual disability from dengue fever and the veteran's goiter was still present upon most recent VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral nephrolithiasis and hypercalcemia with residuals of a parathyroidectomy for hyperparathyroidism warrants a 30 percent evaluation from October 1, 1985 to December 31, 1994.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid disorder are well-grounded. The evidence supports these claims.

The veteran's hypothyroidism is rated at 30 percent, and her tinea corporis (hands and wrists) is rated at a noncompensable evaluation. The issues of service connection for hearing loss and endometriosis are addressed in the REMAND section.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for major depressive disorder effective December 6, 1994. The appellant's service-connected status post thyroidectomy is rated at 10 percent. Service connection for cerebral vascular accident and diabetes mellitus have been denied.

The Board granted service connection for Hodgkin's disease and hypertension/hypothyroidism as secondary to the veteran's service-connected Hodgkin's disease, but did not specify effective dates.

The Board denied the claim of additional DIC based on the appellant's need for regular aid and attendance due to her disabilities not rendering her helpless as required by VA regulations.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for his claimed disabilities, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his service and these conditions.

The Board found that the appellant's claim for service connection for hyperthyroidism is not well-grounded due to lack of evidence showing an increase in severity beyond natural progression during active military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is well-grounded, and thus grants this portion of her appeal. The RO should attempt to obtain alternative sources of evidence regarding the veteran's reported in-service sexual abuse and harassment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations for his polymyositis conditions, finding no competent medical evidence linking current disabilities to service.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his disabilities, as he is able to perform daily activities without requiring assistance.

The VA denied the veteran's request for an increased disability evaluation for his hypothyroidism, currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a thyroid disorder, right arm disorder, and headaches are not well grounded. The claim for service connection for headaches is considered plausible but further examination is needed to determine its nature and severity.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for hypoactive thyroid and osteogenesis imperfecta. The right shoulder fracture claim is pending, with its status unknown.