Thyroid disorder decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for lymph and thyroid gland goiter, finding no evidence linking it to his military service or presumed herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing medical records and further examination.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 60 percent for his service-connected hypothyroidism, finding that his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on cardiovascular involvement, mental disturbance (dementia or slowing of thought), bradycardia, and sleepiness.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, hypothyroidism, colon polyps, ulcers, and a skin disorder. The evidence did not support these claims as there was no current diagnosis or link to service.

The Board has determined that the evidence does not support service connection for a thyroid goiter or residuals of a right breast lump, as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to active duty or Reserve service.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD did not cause or aggravate any of the claimed conditions, and his claims for service connection were denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of entitlement to service connection for skin cancer, a thyroid disorder characterized as hypothyroidism, and a leg rash. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board granted the veteran's claim for a temporary total disability evaluation under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 based on the need for convalescence after his April 7, 2006 surgical procedure for thyroid lobectomy residuals with dysphagia.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have any disability due to undiagnosed illness as a result of service in the Southwest Asia Theater during the Persian Gulf War, and therefore denied all claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of recent VA examination and incomplete notice regarding increased rating for service-connected hypothyroidism.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left ear hearing loss, depressive affective disorder, costochondritis, hyperlipidemia (hypothyroidism), bilateral leg pain with inflammation, and a back disability. The decision also noted that some of these issues were remanded to the RO.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back disorder, and the GERD and IBS residuals did not meet criteria for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent. The left thumb amputation was rated appropriately based on symptoms and history.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to assess the veteran's ability to obtain and maintain gainful employment due to his multiple disabilities, excluding those related to substance abuse or willful misconduct.

The Board found that the veteran's hypothyroidism and cervical stenosis were not incurred or aggravated by service, nor are they proximately due to a service-connected disability. The claim for service connection was denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected hypothyroidism and left foot disability, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound due to her medical conditions, as she is able to perform many daily activities without assistance.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypothyroidism and a skin disorder identified as stucco keratosis and folliculitis, finding no evidence of such conditions during or after service. The claim for PTSD was also denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressors occurred.

The Board denied service connection for osteoporosis of the lumbar spine, skin growths, and hyperthyroidism. The veteran's claims were not supported by evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for loss of jawbone, loss of tooth, and tinnitus. The claim for hypothyroidism was previously denied in July 1979 due to lack of evidence of a current disability or causal relationship with active duty service.

The veteran's papillary carcinoma of the thyroid and squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen's disease) of the left thumb were not shown during service or within a year following discharge, and are not otherwise related to service. The cancers have been attributed to radiation exposure based on the dose estimate provided by the Air Force.