Thyroid disorder decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for thyroid disorder and neurasthenia. As such, these claims remain denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her service-connected hypothyroidism and knee disorders were denied as the evidence did not support ratings in excess of 30 percent or 10 percent, respectively.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for service-connected hypothyroidism was granted, but the appeal is limited to a request for an increased rating. The Board notes that additional evidence may be needed to determine if the Veteran's symptoms are related to his service-connected condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypothyroidism, finding that there was no evidence of a direct link to his military service or any recognized exposure basis. The decision also noted that VA had attempted to obtain all relevant medical records but did not specifically request post-service private treatment records.

The Veteran's post-operative residuals of a partial thyroidectomy with scar have been rated at 10 percent since October 23, 2008.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hypothyroidism, hypertension, and left hip disorder are related to her military service. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete hearing transcript and the need for a new hearing. The issues of service connection are still pending.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for hypothyroidism was denied prior to August 7, 2007. After that date, his disability was rated at 30 percent.,From August 7, 2007, the Veteran is entitled to a 30 percent disability rating for his service-connected hypothyroidism.

The Veteran seeks service connection for meningitis and hypothyroidism and empty sella syndrome, which she claims are related to her exposure to coccidiodomycosis during active duty. The Board has ordered a new C&P examination to determine the relationship between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination to assess the severity of his hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism was rated at 30 percent prior to March 30, 2006.,The Veteran's pseudotumor cerebri with vision problems was rated at 20 percent prior to March 22, 2006.

The Board denied service connection for hyperparathyroidism and pancreatitis, finding no current evidence of these conditions.,Service connection was granted for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional service treatment records and to provide a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current thyroid disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for hypothyroidism and an undiagnosed illness manifested by chronic fatigue, finding that both conditions are related to the Veteran's period of active duty in Southwest Asia.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including asthma, mouth surgery, and right ear hearing loss, have been granted. The decision also indicates that the Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding other issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service does not meet the basic criteria for eligibility to nonservice-connected pension benefits as he did not serve during a period of war. The claims of service connection for TBI, nerve damage, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, psoriasis, facial acne, and respiratory disorder are remanded for further development.

The Board found no evidence linking the right knee disorder to service or to left knee disabilities. The Veteran's claim for increased rating and service connection for shoulder disorders is pending.

The Board denied service connection for a heart condition secondary to hyperthyroidism, finding that the heart condition was not proximately due to or the result of service-connected hyperthyroidism.