Thyroid disorder decisions — 2009

The Veteran's appeal to the October 2005 rating decision is being remanded due to a timing issue, and his claims for service connection are also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea is dismissed due to withdrawal.,Service connection for hypothyroidism, lung disability (to include bronchitis and emphysema), and coronary artery disease is denied as these conditions are not related to the Veteran's active service or any presumptive exposure to herbicides.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea is dismissed due to withdrawal.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain service treatment records and determine if a VA examination is needed. The Veteran's claims for hyperthyroidism and bilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome are being remanded due to lack of in-service records.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claims.

The Veteran's postoperative medullary carcinoma of the thyroid is not service connected, as there is no evidence showing a connection to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has granted service connection for Sjogren's syndrome, finding that it is more likely than not related to the Veteran's military service and exposure to herbicides. The issues of service connection for other conditions are remanded due to a lack of sufficient medical evidence.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism with xerostomia has been rated at 30 percent since February 27, 2004. The RO also granted service connection for dry mouth as secondary to her hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, tinnitus, hypothyroidism, and prostate condition were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Veteran's hyperlipidemia and anemia are not productive of any symptoms or functional impairment, and his hemoglobin levels do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The Board finds that a compensable disability rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's residuals of a right thyroid lobectomy are rated at 30 percent, and his erectile dysfunction is not compensable.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for papillary thyroid cancer due to exposure to ionizing radiation is being remanded as the VA examination was not provided in accordance with the Board's November 2007 remand order.

The Board has determined that additional development, including a dose estimate based on available methodologies and further review under 38 C.F.R. § 3.311 (b), is necessary to determine if the Veteran's current conditions are related to his service.

The Veteran's thyroidectomy, right inner ear peripheral lesion, and left foot bunionectomy with hallux valgus deformity have been remanded for additional examinations to determine their current severity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and neuropathy of the bilateral hands and feet are not service-connected. The evidence does not establish an in-service event or disease related to these conditions, nor is there any evidence of herbicide exposure during military service.

The Veteran's thyroid cancer is not related to service exposure, and he did not participate in or witness atmospheric nuclear testing. Therefore, his claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that he does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation due to lack of evidence linking his anxiety or other mental disturbances to his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have service connection for hypertension or hyperthyroidism due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The skin disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder claims are also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected status post residuals of a thyroidectomy with exophthalmos and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome have been rated at 100 percent since the appeal was initiated, based on symptoms including cold intolerance, muscular weakness, mental disturbance (depression), and sleepiness.

The Veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records, including those from Social Security Administration and VA Vocational Rehabilitation Education.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including notification to the Veteran of what evidence is needed to reopen her claims and a VA examination to determine the etiology of her osteoporosis.