Thyroid disorder decisions — 2006

The veteran's service-connected hypothyroidism is currently manifested by some fatigability, constipation, mental sluggishness, and cold intolerance. The Board has determined that the criteria for a disability rating of 30 percent are met, granting an initial 30 percent disability rating.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The veteran's non-malignant thyroid nodular disease, malignant melanoma of the left eye, and bilateral posterior subcapsular cataracts were not incurred in or aggravated by military service, nor may they be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Board has decided to remand the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance due to new evidence provided by his custodian, who asserts that the veteran is now in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Board found no evidence of a thyroid disorder during service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including examinations and opinions regarding her thyroid condition, skin conditions, bilateral eye conditions, headaches, and allergic rhinitis.

The Board denied a higher initial rating for the veteran's service-connected hypothyroidism, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the symptoms and treatment provided.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by a disability incurred or aggravated during service, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected hypothyroidism, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation given the current symptoms and lack of functional impairment.

The Board has determined that the appellant's Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and hypothyroidism are not related to her period of active duty for training from May to June 1997. As a result, these claims have been denied.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss and hyperthyroidism, finding no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service. The veteran's wife provided testimony indicating the veteran complained about hearing issues while in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and for increased ratings for hypothyroidism, esophagitis, and hemorrhoids. The veteran is not currently diagnosed as having PTSD. His other conditions are rated based on their current severity.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of TDIU should be May 1, 2002, as it is factually ascertainable that the veteran was unable to work due to his service-connected disabilities on that date.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hyperthyroidism and left acoustic neuroma are not related to service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The claims for increased evaluations of residuals from a shrapnel wound and anxiety disorder have also been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death due to multi-organ failure, and thus grants service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions and therefore service connection is denied for status post thyroidectomy, coronary artery disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions, including heart disease, thyroid disorder, diabetes mellitus, and cataracts, were not incurred or aggravated during service. The evidence did not support a finding of secondary service connection either. As such, service connection was denied for all issues.

The Board has granted service connection for hyperthyroidism (Grave's disease) and assigned a 10 percent rating, effective November 1999. The veteran's Graves' disease causes occasional tremor, fatigue, and mental sluggishness but does not cause constipation, tachycardia, or increased pulse pressure or blood pressure.

The Board found that the cause of the veteran's death was not related to his military service and denied entitlement to improved pension benefits due to the appellant's income exceeding the maximum limit.

The Board denied the veteran's claims to reopen his service connection for thyroid and gastric disorders, finding that new evidence did not provide material support.