Thyroid disorder decisions — 2001

The Board denied service connection for hypoparathyroidism in April 1988, finding that the evidence did not clearly and unmistakably demonstrate a relationship to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 22, 1997 for a 100 percent evaluation for service-connected residuals of thyroid cancer. The criteria for such an effective date were not met.

The veteran's authorized medical expenses incurred at St. Mary's from February 28, 2000 to March 2, 2000 are now covered by VA.

The veteran's service-connected hypothyroidism is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that this rating is appropriate based on the current level of impairment.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not entitled to a special monthly allowance based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to her disabilities, as she does not meet the criteria outlined in VA regulations.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for postoperative thyroid cancer following a 100 percent prestabilization rating, finding that the evidence did not meet criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypothyroidism, chronic bronchitis, alopecia areata, and irritable bowel syndrome. The claim for reopening of the irritable bowel syndrome was also denied.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized non-VA medical expenses incurred on March 21, 2000 was denied as he did not have prior authorization from VA and the services were not rendered in a medical emergency that would have been hazardous to his life or health. Additionally, VA facilities were found to be feasibly available.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypothyroidism and increased ratings for pelvic inflammatory disease. The veteran was granted service connection for total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, as directly due to her service-connected pelvic inflammatory disease.

The VA determined that the veteran's Graves' disease and associated hyperthyroidism were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and the provision of a complete medical history.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and status post transurethral resection for hypertrophy of the bladder neck. The Board found that his current conditions were not related to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hyperthyroidism, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his period of active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a thyroid disorder, heart disorder, arthritis of the shoulders, feet, and hands, left elbow cubital tunnel syndrome, and bilateral inguinal hernia.

The RO denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected hypoparathyroidism and degenerative disc disease with cervical stenosis of the cervical spine.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a low back disability related to his active service and has denied service connection for this condition. The veteran's second degree burns of the left arm, left axilla, and right lumbar region are currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are sufficient to render him unemployable without regard to his age and any non-service-connected disorders.

The appeal is being remanded to obtain medical records and for a VA physician to provide opinions on the etiology of the veteran's death.

The Board found that the veteran's thyroid disability, acoustic neuroma (claimed as a brain tumor), and bilateral cataracts were not related to her military service or exposure to ionizing radiation. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to a fatal pancreatic cancer, finding no evidence linking it to service or a service-connected disability. The decision is not considered clear and unmistakable error.