Thyroid disorder decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, Social Security Administration records, and a psychiatric examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right knee, a heart disorder, and hypothyroidism. The evidence does not support these claims as they are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that tinnitus, injuries to Cranial Nerves II, III, and X, and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. Hyperthyroidism was not shown to be related to a service-connected disability or due to VA medical treatment. Atrial fibrillation was also not shown to be related to a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple service-connected disabilities, rated at a combined 70 percent disabling, preclude her from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment. As such, TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism is manifested by clinical findings of decreased levels of thyroid hormones, mental sluggishness (i.e., decreased concentration), fatigability (i.e., decreased energy), and some indications of myxedema. The Board finds that the disability has significantly changed since the last rating decision and grants a 30 percent evaluation for hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance from another person prior to his death is established, but the RO must determine if his income was in excess of the maximum annual pension rate at the time of his death.

The Board found that non-malignant thyroid nodular disease was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service as a chronic disease or as a disease subject to the presumption of service connection due to radiation-risk activity.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for further development, including consideration of exposure to ionizing radiation during service.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions, including hypothyroidism, ulcerative colitis, sleep apnea, folliculitis, a seizure disorder, and a chronic eye disorder, were denied as they are not shown to be related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a thyroid disorder due to exposure to ionizing radiation, as new and material evidence was not received. The claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, right elbow, and left elbow were also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, pernicious anemia, and polymyositis based on exposure to ionizing radiation in service.

The Veteran's fatigability, constipation, and mental sluggishness are attributable to his hypothyroidism, which is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including hypothyroidism, chloracne (claimed as acne), and blepharitis and macular degeneration, are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a direct connection to active service or secondary to herbicide exposure.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant and his authorized representative.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a radiation dose assessment and seeking medical opinion regarding the relationship between his hypothyroidism and service exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including chronic ulcerative colitis, chronic cholangitis, residuals of a liver transplant, and chronic hypothyroidism, are not service-connected as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected hypothyroidism is manifested by weight gain, fatigability, constipation, and complaints of mental sluggishness with a need to take continuous medication. The Board has determined that the medical evidence supports a 30% rating for this condition.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current thyroid disability or elevated liver enzymes, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, thyroid disease or injury, psoriasis of skin, retinopathy, and asbestos-related disease. The decision found that the Veteran was not credible regarding his in-service experiences and did not meet the criteria for service connection.