Thyroid disorder decisions — 2001

The VA has determined that the veteran's current hypothyroidism symptoms do not warrant an increased evaluation beyond the currently assigned 30 percent rating.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a hysterectomy and the increased rating claim for hyperthyroidism due to failure to report for VA examinations.

The Board finds that the veteran's hypothyroidism is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling and his recurrent skin infections are not compensable. The evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The veteran is seeking service connection for metastatic carcinoma of the thyroid, claiming it was caused by exposure to non-ionizing radiation and/or Agent Orange during his military service. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining tissue samples from the veteran's thyroid cancer.

The veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was not incurred in service or related to his service-connected thyroid carcinoma. The Board found no evidence of radiation exposure and concluded that the lymphoma is not connected to either service or a service-connected condition.

The veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple issues was denied. The appeals were based on secondary service connection theories, but no specific exposure basis or PACT Act involvement was noted.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current left hip disability, and the veteran's thyroid disorder with Graves' disease was evaluated as 10 percent disabling based on continuous medication requirements without additional symptoms.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected hypothyroidism, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on the current manifestations of the condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for foetal adenoma of the thyroid, finding no evidence to support a direct relationship between his in-service radiation exposure and his current condition.

The Board found that the veteran's VA disability compensation benefits are subject to withholding in order to recoup an erroneous reimbursement of non-disability separation pay received by him, and upheld the RO's decision.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a left thyroid colloid nodule, finding no evidence of such condition during her active duty and insufficient medical evidence to link it to her military service.

The Board found that the veteran's thyroid cancer was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection. The evidence did not establish exposure to ionizing radiation during service, nor could it be presumed due to a lack of records.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for hypothyroidism remains before the Board after previous decisions. The case was remanded in July 2001, and further development is required to determine the nature and severity of his disability.

The Board denied service connection for hypoparathyroidism in April 1988, finding that the evidence did not clearly and unmistakably demonstrate a link to service. The veteran's argument as to how the evidence was weighed cannot provide a basis for finding clear and unmistakable error.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including hypothyroidism, hemorrhoids, myopia, lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and residuals of Epstein-Barr virus infection. The veteran's claims were found to lack sufficient evidence to support the assertions.

The veteran is seeking a higher evaluation for his service-connected hypothyroidism with hypertension, atherosclerosis, anxiety, and transient ischemic attacks. The Board has ordered additional development to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Glenwood Regional Medical Center on December 14, 1998 were not for a service-connected disability and thus payment or reimbursement is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's thyroid cancer was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Board has determined that the appellant's physical conditions, including left leg brace, special shoes, wheelchair, quad-cane, and other disabilities, necessitate regular aid and attendance of another person. As a result, the claim for special monthly allowance based on need for aid and attendance is granted.

The Board has granted a separate rating of 100 percent for hypoparathyroidism, effective March 24, 1992. The claim for an increased rating for tracheal distortion was withdrawn by the veteran prior to the promulgation of a decision.