Thyroid disorder decisions — 2009

The Board found no evidence of a causal relationship between the Veteran's current thyroid condition, including Graves' disease, and her service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting thyroid disorder did not increase in severity during service and provided clear and unmistakable evidence of this. The condition was not aggravated by service, and there is no new onset or worsening of the condition during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's thyroid removal was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor is it shown to be due to, the result of, or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hyperthyroidism, heart disease, gouty arthritis, and kidney disability were denied as there was no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after his military service. The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for multinodular goiter with prominent nodule associated with radiation exposure is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records related to his alleged radiation exposure.

The Veteran's thyroid disorder, which includes both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, has been rated at 30 percent since April 1, 2008. The Board found that the condition warranted this rating based on symptoms such as fatigue, occasional tremors, high blood pressure, weight gain, shortness of breath, and upper extremities paresthesia.

The Board found that the Veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent, and his hypothyroidism did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 60 percent. The appeals were therefore denied.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and thyroid disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for hypothyroidism and Raynaud's syndrome were granted, but the Veteran seeks higher initial ratings. The Board found that an initial 30 percent rating is warranted for hypothyroidism due to symptoms of fatigability, a continuing requirement for Synthroid(r), complaints of constipation, complaints of memory loss, and weight gain. For Raynaud's syndrome, the evidence did not show characteristic attacks occurring one to three times per week, which would warrant a 10 percent rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for autoimmune thyroid disease and pancreatic disorder, finding no competent evidence linking these conditions to his active duty.

The Veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions and her claims for service connection are denied.

The Board denied service connection for hypothyroidism, mental stress, and varicose veins as there was no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active or reserve service.

The Board found that the veteran's thyroid cancer was not incurred as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation during active service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred as a result of service.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism is found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,There is no evidence linking the deep venous thrombosis and infection directly to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery calcifications and assigned a 10 percent disability rating for hypothyroidism. The Veteran's coronary artery calcifications are attributable to service, while his hypothyroidism is currently manifested by continuous medication required for control.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an opinion regarding whether the veteran experienced symptoms of hyperthyroidism or any other thyroid disability in service. The case will be returned for further review.

The Veteran is entitled to special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his mental incapacity requiring assistance on a regular basis to protect him from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment.

The Veteran's chronic eye disability manifested by watering of the eyes is found to be related to his service-connected hyperthyroidism. Right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are also found to be related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's application for Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (RH) was denied because he has multiple non-service-connected health conditions, including COPD and thyroid cancer, which prevent him from being considered 'in good health' as required by VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected hypothyroidism, status post thyroidectomy, was granted effective November 18, 2005. She is now rated at 60 percent under Diagnostic Code 7903.